In Prime Video’s Biblical retelling, “House of David,” viewers follow a humble shepherd boy chosen by God. Through the anointing of the prophet Samuel, his mission is to dethrone the proud King Saul as ruler of Israel. The cast brings this dramatic arc to life: Michael Iskander portrays David; Ali Suliman plays King Saul; Ayelet Zurer is Queen Ahinoam; Stephen Lang is Samuel; and Martyn Ford embodies Goliath. As David grows in faith and courage, he confronts betrayal, conflict and the weight of destiny amid ancient rivalries and divine calling.
The series was mainly filmed in Greece, with supporting shoots in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, according to Soap Central. Almost all of the public “House of David” production sites in Greece remain accessible to visitors, and this story aims to guide you through the best hotels, restaurants and attractions near those filming locations.
How Long Did It Take To Film ‘House Of David’?
The first season production of “House of David” was filmed on location in Greece over a period of five months, according to Final Draft. The series is now in its second season. The team built sets, scouted rugged terrain and moved across Greek regions to capture varied landscapes and historic ruins.
While principal photography in Greece dominated the schedule, Soap Central notes that additional shoots in Canada complemented the visual palette. That five-month timeframe reflects the production’s commitment to realism, texture and immersive scenery.
Where In Alberta Was ‘House Of David’ Filmed?
Calgary’s open landscapes and film infrastructure offered flexible alternatives to Greek terrain. The “House of David” cast and crew used the CL Western Town and Backlot for sets resembling marketplaces and rural areas, Decider.com reports. Some neighborhood exteriors in Calgary, such as Inglewood and Marda Loop, were adapted for domestic scenes. These Alberta shoots allowed scenes that required different terrain or weather to complement Greece’s Mediterranean visuals.
Your Guide To Exploring Greece, As Seen On The Prime Video Series
Key Scenes: “House of David” maps directly onto some of Greece’s most evocative landscapes. According to the Greek Reporter, the climactic battle between David and Goliath unfolds across sweeping cliffside terrain and the wide plains of Epirus, particularly around Zagori and Konitsa, which provide a majestic and timeless backdrop for the confrontation. The palace interiors and court dramas were filmed in Markopoulo Mesogaias in Attica, with Kapa Studios hosting detailed recreations of Saul’s palace and royal chambers, according to Collider.com. For the exile sequences, the rugged landscapes of Fili in Attica and the nearby hills of Lavreotiki served as perfect stand-ins for the wilderness. This is where David and his followers sought refuge, as Greek City Times points out.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit “House of David” filming locations in Greece is late spring (May to early June) or early autumn (September to October). In those months, daytime temperatures stay comfortable (68–77°F), the light is soft and crowd levels are lower than mid-summer. For fans wanting to capture golden-hour scenes at ruins, early October works beautifully. In contrast, Greek summers (July–August) get hot, and some rugged sites might close midday. Winter (December–February) sees some rain and limited hours, especially in northern or mountainous areas like Epirus.
Transportation Options: Once you arrive in Greece (typically via Athens International Airport) your best option is to rent a car. Many filming locations lie outside public transport routes, so a car gives freedom to chase sunrise or sunset scenes. Greek roads are generally good, though the Epirus mountain routes demand cautious driving. Public transportation (buses, KTEL services) are perfect for getting around locally. In Greece’s city zones, Uber or local taxis can fill short trips. However, to reach rural sites, a rental car remains your primary mode of transportation.
The producers of “House of David” opted to film in Greece largely because the rugged terrain and ancient structures there could “do the work” of a heroic biblical backdrop, allowing the locations themselves to evoke an epic scale. Executive producer Jon Erwin explained to the Los Angeles Times: “We wanted to inconvenience ourselves to go to some of these extraordinary places … where the epic-ness of the landscape itself was doing the work.”
Filming south of Athens also allowed for more intimate, grounded scenes, without relying heavily on visual effects, by using small-format cameras that blended seamlessly into the natural environments. As Jon Gunn put it, “we have built small cameras … that allow us to go into the land here in Greece so our approach … doesn’t feel like we’re a massive production.”
Things To Do: Explore Ancient Messene and wander through its remarkably preserved classical city with walls, a theatre and an ancient stadium. Stroll through Nafplio’s Old Town, visit the Palamidi Fortress and sip coffee by the port. Drive to Epirus to hike scenic stone-bridge trails near Konitsa, cross the Aoos Gorge, and explore mountain villages. In Athens, stop at the Acropolis and National Archaeological Museum to deepen your understanding of Greece’s history. You can also attend local cultural festivals held in spring or autumn.
Where to Eat: Fans visiting these Greek filming sites will find excellent dining nearby. In Nafplio, try Kipos for Mediterranean dishes in a garden setting, Pidalio for seafood by the port, or Taverna to Apollon for classic Greek comfort food. In the Messini and Kalamata region, To Trikyklo and Chrisomos showcase olive oil–driven local cuisine. Near Athens and Markopoulo, To Steki tis Paradosis offers traditional fare close to studio locations, while central Athens abounds in modern tavernas. In Epirus, small mountain taverns in Konitsa or the Zagori villages serve grilled meats, wild greens and handmade pies. Ask for seasonal dishes—wild greens, fresh fish, local honey and regional wines—and don’t hesitate to stop wherever you see locals gathering for a meal.
Where to Stay: Choose your base depending on which filming region you want to explore. In Nafplio, stay in the Old Town’s boutique guesthouses with views of the Argolis Gulf. Around Messini and Kalamata, rural villas and agriturismos offer quiet stays surrounded by olive groves. In Attica, accommodations in Markopoulo or Spata keep you close to studio sites while remaining within reach of Athens’ cultural attractions. For mountain scenery, the Zagori region of Epirus features stone-built guesthouses in Papigo, Mikro Papingo or Vitsa, all of which are perfect for travelers seeking serenity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How biblically accurate is “House of David”?
The series retains the core arc from the biblical narrative, such as David’s anointing, his conflict with Saul and his slaying of Goliath. However, the show takes creative liberties with backstories, motivations and expanded relationships not directly drawn from scripture.
Does Michael Iskander actually sing in “House of David”?
Yes. Michael Iskander performs his own singing throughout the series, most notably, in scenes where David plays the harp and sings psalms or prayers in Hebrew.
