La Casa de Papel (known as Money Heist internationally) became a global phenomenon thanks to its gripping storylines, iconic characters, and meticulously crafted heists. While the show is set in key locations like the Royal Mint of Spain and the Bank of Spain in Madrid, many fans might be surprised to learn that not all scenes were filmed where they were depicted in the storyline. Below is a breakdown of some key locations from the series and where they were actually shot, highlighting the creative liberties taken during production.
The Royal Mint of Spain (Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre)
- Where it’s set: In the first two seasons, the core of the plot revolves around the heist inside the Royal Mint of Spain in Madrid. This is where the characters spend most of their time, printing billions of euros.
- Where it was filmed: Due to security reasons, filming at the actual Royal Mint was impossible. Instead, the exterior shots were filmed at the Spanish National Research Council (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – CSIC) building in Madrid. Its neo-classical façade with columns and imposing architecture gave it the perfect appearance of the Mint. The interiors, including the printing press and many of the dramatic indoor scenes, were shot on custom-built sets
The Bank of Spain (Banco de España)
- Where it’s set: In seasons 3 and 4, the heist shifts to the Bank of Spain, located in the heart of Madrid. The crew attempts to melt down gold and carry out an even more complex robbery.
- Where it was filmed: While many scenes are set inside the Bank of Spain, the real bank wasn’t used for filming. The exterior shots were filmed at the Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda in Madrid. For the underwater vault scenes, custom sets were created in studios, combining visual effects with practical sets to recreate the bank’s vault
The Professor’s Hideout
- Where it’s set: The Professor, who orchestrates the heists, operates from various secret hideouts throughout the series, often depicted as being in rural Spain.
- Where it was filmed: One of the most iconic hideouts, which appears in multiple seasons, was actually filmed in Torneros de Jamuz, a small town in the province of León. The rustic farmhouse and surrounding countryside were perfect for portraying the Professor’s isolated sanctuary, far from the chaos of the city
The Italian Monastery (Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes)
- Where it’s set: In the third season, the team is shown regrouping in an Italian monastery as they prepare for the Bank of Spain heist.
- Where it was filmed: These scenes were filmed at the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes in Toledo, Spain. This Gothic-style monastery, with its historical beauty and secluded vibe, made it an ideal setting for the characters’ retreat and planning
The Italian Island of Galiano
- Where it’s set: During a flashback in season 3, the crew enjoys a lavish and luxurious break on the fictional Italian island of Galiano.
- Where it was filmed: These scenes were filmed in Phuket, Thailand, with the serene and exotic beaches standing in for the Mediterranean escape. The Thai setting brought an international flavor to the show, making the heist crew’s off-screen lives appear even more dramatic and glamorous
Panama
- Where it’s set: The character Raquel is depicted living in Panama under a new identity.
- Where it was filmed: Interestingly, the Panama scenes were not filmed in Central America. Instead, these sequences were shot in Guna Yala, an indigenous territory on the Caribbean coast of Panama. The sandy beaches and tropical scenery provided the perfect stand-in for the country, even though some scenes were filmed in Colombia as a stand-in for Panama.
Madrid’s Central Streets
- Where it’s set: Many scenes show the robbers navigating the bustling streets of Madrid, whether it’s during the heist or in moments of escape.
- Where it was filmed: Many of these sequences were actually shot in Madrid’s historic center. Callao Square and Gran Vía, the city’s most famous boulevard, appear prominently throughout the series. These iconic locations helped ground the show’s plot firmly within the Spanish capital, giving the illusion that events were unfolding in real-time within the bustling metropolis
While La Casa de Papel may depict its heists in some of Spain’s most famous institutions, the creative team behind the series used a mix of real-world locations and intricate sets to bring the story to life. Madrid plays a central role in anchoring the story, but filming extends across various parts of Spain and even beyond, reflecting the global scale of the show’s narrative. For fans, visiting these locations offers a deeper connection to the series, blending the reality of the shooting locations with the fictional world of the heist