Netflix’s The Gardener, a Spanish romance thriller, hooked me with its wild mix of love, crime, and jaw-dropping scenery. If you’re curious about The Gardener filming locations, you’re in for a treat! At NetFilming, we’re diving into the stunning spots across Spain—think Pontevedra, Toledo, and Madrid—that brought this gripping story to life. These locations, ranging from lush gardens to historic estates, are truly captivating. Let’s take a virtual tour of where Elmer and Violeta’s twisted tale unfolded!
Netflix’s The Gardener Plot Summary
The Gardener is a Spanish thriller that’ll keep you glued to your screen. It follows Elmer Jurado, a young hitman who’s talented with plants but can’t feel emotions due to a childhood accident. He works for his controlling mom, La China Jurado, who runs a garden center as a cover for her murder-for-hire business. Elmer’s her go-to assassin, but things flip when he’s sent to kill Violeta, a kind-hearted preschool teacher. Elmer’s cold-killer vibe is disrupted as sparks fly and he begins to feel things he has never experienced before. As Elmer develops feelings for Violeta, La China’s hold tightens, resulting in a conflict between love and loyalty. The six-episode series, created by Miguel Sáez Carral, mixes heart-pounding suspense with messy romance. You’ll see Elmer wrestle with his past while La China schemes to keep her empire intact. The show, set in stunning Spanish locations, captivates viewers with its unpredictable twists, such as Violeta’s unexpected decisions.
Where was Netflix’s The Gardener filmed?
Netflix’s The Gardener was filmed across Spain, mainly in Pontevedra, Toledo, and Madrid. The crew used lush gardens, historic estates, and urban spots to bring the thriller’s story to life. Filming kicked off in January 2024 and wrapped by June, with the crew hopping between natural gems and urban hubs to nail the mood. Let’s explore all filming locations in detail:
Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain
The majority of The Gardener took place in Pontevedra, a gem in Galicia. This place is a nature lover’s dream, and it’s no wonder the crew picked it to show off Elmer’s obsession with botany. The city’s greenery—think sprawling gardens and orchards—feels like a character in itself. Plus, one of the show’s exec producers, José Manuel Lorenzo, hails from Pontevedra, so he knew exactly how to make the city shine.
Pazo de Lourizán Estate
One standout spot is the Pazo de Lourizán, a 15th-century estate at Estrada Pontevedra-Marín, km 4, in Agrovello. Its massive gardens were perfect for scenes highlighting Elmer’s plant-loving side. Walking through those grounds, you can almost feel why he’s so drawn to nature. The estate’s lush lawns and colorful blooms pop in every frame, making it a must-see if you’re ever in the area.
Convent of Santa Clara
Another cool location is the Convent of Santa Clara on Rúa Santa Clara, 16. This 13th-century spot, now part of the Pontevedra Museum, has a 130,000-square-foot garden, a cloister, and an orchard. The crew used it to add a serene yet eerie vibe to some scenes. It’s wild to think a peaceful convent could double as a backdrop for a hitman’s story, right?
Soportales Street and Principal Theater
For outdoor shots, the crew hit up Soportales Street and the Principal Theater at Rúa Paio Gómez Charino, 6. These spots give Pontevedra’s historic charm a starring role, with cobblestone paths and old-school architecture setting the tone. Whether it’s a tense chase or a quiet moment, these streets make every scene feel alive.
More Pontevedra Gems
The Canoeing School in Corbaceiras and the historic Salinas de Ulló ruins in Vilaboa also made the cut. The salt mines, built under Philip IV, add a rugged edge to wide shots. Then there’s Barrosa Beach in San Vicente do Mar—an 8-km stretch of sand that’s perfect for those sweeping establishing shots. Pontevedra’s mix of nature and history gave The Gardener its unique flavor.
Beyond Pontevedra: Vilagarcía, Cambados, and Tomiño
The crew didn’t stop at Pontevedra—they explored other Galicia spots to keep things fresh. In Vilagarcía de Arousa, a port added a gritty vibe to a few scenes. Over in Cambados, the Santa Mariña Cemetery was a surprising pick. Known as “the most melancholic cemetery in the world,” it’s hauntingly beautiful and amps up Elmer’s inner turmoil. The crumbling gravestones and eerie quiet make it unforgettable.
In Tomiño, the 13th-century Pazo do Mosteiro at Mosterio, 14, brought more greenery to the table. Its vineyards and gardens scream old-world charm, giving the show a dreamy, almost magical feel. These smaller towns added layers to the story, showing off Galicia’s range.
A Coruña: Coastal Vibes in Ribeira
Up in A Coruña, the crew headed to Ribeira’s Corrubedo Dunes, part of the Corrubedo Natural Park. This coastal spot is a tourist magnet, and for good reason—its sandy dunes and open skies are straight-up stunning. Unlike Pontevedra’s man-made backdrops, A Coruña brings raw, natural beauty. The crew also grabbed cityscape shots around Ribeira, balancing the show’s rural and urban sides.
Ever been to a beach that feels like it’s hiding secrets? That’s Corrubedo for you. It’s no shock they chose it to capture The Gardener’s wilder moments.
Toledo: History Meets Drama
Switching gears, Castilla-La Mancha’s Toledo was another big player. This town is a cultural melting pot, with historic buildings that scream character. The crew leaned into Toledo’s medieval vibes—think stone arches and narrow alleys—to add depth to the thriller elements. Plus, the region’s sprawling vineyards tied back to Elmer’s plant obsession, blending romance and danger.
Toledo’s mix of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences gives it a unique look that pops on screen. It’s like the perfect sidekick to The Gardener’s intense plot twists. If you’re a history buff, you’d geek out filming here.
Madrid: The Modern Edge
Last but not least, Madrid brought a sleek, contemporary vibe. Spain’s capital is a filmmaking hotspot, thanks to its modern skyscrapers, bustling streets, and tax perks. The crew shot indoor and outdoor scenes across the city, adding a polished feel to contrast the rural locations. Madrid’s versatility let them nail everything from tense confrontations to quiet character moments.
Fun fact: The cast, like Álvaro Rico and Cecilia Suárez, raved about filming in these places. They said the locations made their scenes feel real, like they were living the story. You can easily see this. The greenery, the architecture—it all pulls you in.
Got a favorite scene from The Gardener? Share your favorite scene from The Gardener in the comments section on NetFilming, and let’s discuss which location wowed you the most!
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