You have likely watched the hit series Wednesday and found yourself captivated not just by the mystery, but by the stunning gothic architecture. The foggy atmosphere and imposing stone structures feel like a world away from reality.
While the story is set in Jericho, Vermont, the actual filming took place thousands of miles away in a country famous for its vampire legends and dramatic landscapes. To walk the halls of Nevermore Academy, you need to book a ticket to Romania.
The production team chose Romania for its architectural versatility and distinct seasons. From the bustling streets of Bucharest to the mountainous towns of Transylvania, this country provided the perfect backdrop for the Addams Family universe. If you are planning a trip to see these locations, this guide covers exactly how to get there and what to expect.
The Real Nevermore Academy: Cantacuzino Castle
The most iconic location in the series is undoubtedly Nevermore Academy. The exterior shots were filmed at Cantacuzino Castle (Castelul Cantacuzino). Located in the mountain town of Bușteni, about two hours north of Bucharest, this Neo-Romanian castle is even more impressive in person.
When you visit, keep in mind that the roof you see in the series was added digitally (CGI). However, the stone facade, the courtyard, and the commanding view of the Bucegi Mountains are very real. The castle was built in 1911 for Prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino and served as a summer residence.

How to Visit and Entrance Fees
Unlike many film sets that are closed to the public, Cantacuzino Castle is a fully operational museum and restaurant. You can visit the castle grounds (park only) or take a guided tour of the interior. The interior tours run frequently throughout the day.
For a standard visit, you should budget around a few ten RON for the full tour. This usually grants you access to the art gallery, the castle interior, and the sculpture park. If you only want to take photos from the outside like Wednesday Addams, the park-only ticket is a cheaper option.
Getting There: The easiest way to reach Bușteni is by train from Bucharest North Station (Gara de Nord). The journey takes approximately two hours and offers scenic views of the Carpathian Mountains. Once you arrive at Bușteni station, you can take a local taxi or enjoy a 20-minute uphill walk to the castle gates.
Gothic Charm in Bucharest: Inner City Locations
While the castle is the main attraction, many interior and secondary scenes were shot right in the capital city, Bucharest. You can easily visit these spots in a single afternoon.
Monteoru House (Casa Monteoru)
The interior scenes of Nevermore Academy, particularly the grand staircase and the principal's office, were filmed at Monteoru House. Located on Calea Victoriei, one of Bucharest's oldest avenues, this historic house dates back to the 19th century. It serves as a cultural center today. While access to the interior can sometimes depend on private events, the garden is often open to the public during the summer months.
Bucharest Botanical Garden
Remember the biology class scenes with the carnivorous plants? Those were filmed at the Dimitrie Brânzdă Botanical Garden. The old greenhouse here provides a naturally eerie and lush atmosphere that fit the show perfectly. It is a quiet escape from the city noise and requires a very small entrance fee. You can wander through the same paths where Wednesday and Enid discussed their school mysteries.
Politehnica University of Bucharest
The opening scene of the series, featuring Nancy Reagan High School before Wednesday's transfer, was actually filmed at the Politehnica University. The specific building is the Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology. Its brutalist and solid architecture contrasts sharply with the gothic style of Nevermore, visually representing the normal world Wednesday leaves behind.
The Jericho Town Set at Buftea Studios
The town of Jericho, with its Pilgrim World theme park and quaint shops, was not a real town. It was a massive set built from scratch at Buftea Studios, located just outside Bucharest.
This is where visiting gets tricky. Buftea is a working film studio. Unlike Universal Studios, it does not always have a regular tour schedule for tourists. While you can travel to the town of Buftea, gaining access to the specific Jericho set depends entirely on current production schedules and studio policies. It is best to check their official website or contact local tour operators in Bucharest who sometimes arrange special guided visits to the studios.
Planning Your Trip to Romania
Romania is an incredibly affordable and welcoming destination for travelers. Beyond the film sets, you will find a country rich in history and nature.
- Currency: The currency is the Romanian Leu (RON). Card payments are widely accepted in cities, but cash is useful for small shops in mountain towns like Bușteni.
- Best Time to Visit: To catch the moody, foggy atmosphere seen in the show, late autumn is ideal. However, for easier travel and castle tours, late spring and summer are perfect.
- Language: English is widely spoken by younger people and in tourist areas, so you will have no trouble navigating the trains or buying tickets.
Exploring these locations gives you a chance to step into the magic of the series while discovering the real-world beauty of Romania. Whether you are there for the gothic architecture or just to snap a photo doing the viral dance, the Nevermore experience is worth the trip.
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