Introduction

In the mid-1960s, the Tabernas desert, in the province of Almeria, became the temple of the spaghetti western. Sergio Leone, Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale, Brigitte Bardot, and later Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford: a multitude of stars have walked its arid land and been seduced by its Far West airs. 

Today, it is Valencia that attracts them. 

The region is establishing itself as a hub for (super) productions from around the world. It is increasingly used as a backdrop for commercials or Netflix series, such as Respira, a remake of ER that was a hit in late 2024. 

In the spring of 2025, the Terreta, the region's nickname (rings a bell?), was honored on Disney+ with the release of season 2 of Andor, a spin-off of the Star Wars universe acclaimed by critics and nominated for an Emmy Award.

Valencia, the ideal setting for the rebellion against the Galactic Empire 

Caption: Filming of Andor in 2022

Credit: FilmValencia

The City of Arts and Sciences

If you're a Star Wars fan (follow my gaze 👀: Geoffroy – founder – Terreta, got it?), no need to give you the pitch... but for the others, an update is necessary. 

Andor is the story of an ordinary man, played by Diego Luna, who falls into rebellion against an authoritarian regime, in a dark and realistic futuristic universe. That's it. And it watches like a political thriller. No need for you to know everything about the 38 (ok, 11) episodes of the saga that can be watched out of order. 

Caption: Diego Luna plays Cassian Andor in seasons 1 and 2 of Andor 

© Lucasfilms Ltd. – Image provided for press use only.

The second season of Andor, still signed by Lucasfilms (the production company of George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars of course), was therefore filmed in the heart of Valencia, mainly in the City of Arts and Sciences. The cultural complex with its totally futuristic architecture seemed tailor-made for the troopers and others. For the occasion, it became Coruscant, the political center around which the plot revolves. 

To discover behind-the-scenes of the filming, click here. 

Credits: © Star Wars Espana

Designed by Santiago Calatrava and inaugurated in the late 1990s, the City of Arts is immense, it extends over 350,000 m2 in the former bed of the Turia, the city's emblematic river. From afar, it looks like a "giant dinosaur skeleton" according to some tourists, a large ship for others. 

Caption: the City of Arts and Sciences

Source: Unsplash

The team set up shop in the City between March and April 2023 and exploited every last centimeter of the cultural center, filming it from every angle. A golden opportunity for the city to shine internationally. 

Why Valencia? 

The beautiful city of Valencia ticks all the boxes for the world of cinema and television. Unique settings, modern infrastructure, a favorable economic environment, 300 days of sunshine a year, and local production expertise: the Valencian Community has it all, and its audiovisual production ecosystem is booming. 

What are the economic and social benefits for the city? 

According to Forbes magazine, the Hollywood blockbuster cost more than $645 million for these two seasons, and in Valencia, the economic and social benefits have been significant!

A shoot of this magnitude inevitably creates jobs: technicians are needed, as are artisans, and 700 extras were hired by the production. In short, welcoming Hollywood at home boosts businesses, services (hotels, restaurants, equipment rental companies) and, to top it all off, creates an incredible tourist lever. Especially for a series already nominated for an Emmy Award with fans all over the world.

Film tourism is becoming a trend in its own right. The country has already experienced this with the filming of Game of Thrones in Peñíscola (still in the Valencian Community) or in Cáceres, in Extremadura. 

The Castle of Xàtiva

Caption: scene from Andor, season 2, filmed at the castle of Xàtiva

Source: ElDiario.es, credit Lucasfilms Ltd, image provided for press use only.

Located one hour south of the capital of the Valencian Community, the castle of Xàtiva also served as a backdrop for the series. The double fortress (there are two castles) is extremely well preserved, and it dominates a sublime panorama at 300 meters altitude. Facing it, the Vallée de la Costera and, in the distance, the Mediterranean. Clearly, a marvel, a testimony to the rich past of the region and a boon for the Lucasfilms teams. But not only...

Caption: Location of the Castle of Xàtiva

Source: Google maps

Here again, the city of Xàtiva, its businesses and its infrastructure, have largely benefited from this filming. Now, millions of viewers will discover it on their screens, from their living rooms.

The mayor, Roger Cerdà, hopes for “a Cacéres effect” so that they will also discover it in real life. Fingers crossed, may the force be with Xàtiva. 

Caption: the Castle of Xativa

Source: Unsplash

FAQ — The Star Wars: Andor series filmed in Valencia

Was the Star Wars: Andor series filmed in Valence?

Yes. Some scenes from the series *Andor*, set in the *Star Wars* universe, were filmed in the Valencia region of Spain.

Which locations in Valencia appear in the series *Andor*?

The main filming location is the City of Arts and Sciences, a modern architectural complex located in the Turia Riverbed, known for its futuristic architecture.

Why was the City of Arts and Sciences chosen as the filming location?

Its spectacular contemporary architecture perfectly matches the futuristic aesthetic sought for the Star Wars universe.

Does the City of Arts and Sciences represent a planet in the series?

Yes. In the series, this location serves as a setting to depict a futuristic environment in the Star Wars universe.

Are there any other locations in the Valencia region featured in the series?

Yes. Some scenes were also filmed at Xàtiva Castle, a historic fortress located in the province of Valencia.

Why do international film productions choose Valencia as a filming location?

Valencia offers a wide variety of locations, remarkable architecture, a pleasant climate, and facilities well-suited to large-scale film and television productions.

When was the series *Andor* filmed in Valencia?

Some scenes were filmed during the production of the show's second season.

Is the Andor series connected to the Star Wars universe?

Yes. *Andor* is a series set in the *Star Wars* universe that tells the story of Cassian Andor, a character introduced in the movie *Rogue One*.

What kind of story does the series *Andor* tell?

The series explores the origins of the rebellion against the Galactic Empire and focuses on the events leading up to the fight against the Imperial regime.

What impact can international film shoots have on a city?

Filming major productions can generate economic benefits for hotels, restaurants, technical service providers, and local businesses.

Can film and TV series shoots attract tourists?

Yes. Filming locations often become tourist destinations for fans of movies and TV shows.

Is Valencia an attractive city for the audiovisual industry?

Yes. Thanks to its architecture, climate, and infrastructure, Valencia is attracting more and more international film productions.

Can cinema boost a city's visibility?

Yes. A city’s appearance in international productions can boost its reputation and appeal to tourists.

Do film locations sometimes become tourist attractions?

Yes. In many cases, fans visit the locations where famous scenes from movies or TV shows were filmed.

Does the Valencia region host any other international film shoots?

Yes. The region regularly hosts film, TV series, and commercial shoots thanks to the diversity of its landscapes and settings.