Star Wars Andor shoots in Xàtiva Castle bring a hive of activity to Valencia

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Filming from a star wars related series is underway at Xàtiva Castle in Valencia. Vehicles carrying all the required materials have been moving in and out of the fortress, which has been under heavy security since the start of the week. A security team arranged multiple checkpoints at castle entrances, allowing only vehicles approved by the production company in charge of the shoot. As reported by a regional newspaper, the historic citadel in La Costera has been selected to film scenes for the second season, while other locations in Valencia have also hosted work related to the same series.

At present, filming on the Setabense grounds has not drawn large crowds. The castle area remains a popular route for walkers and runners, though their routines have shifted with cameras and actors present. A local observer recalled seeing a convoy of ten or twelve trucks roll toward the Citadel. Some of the vehicles were unmarked, and the scene suggested substantial material being transported, moving swiftly and in a tightly packed procession. An athlete nearby described the spectacle as feeling like a freight train passing by late at night.

Sources hint at an intergalactic market setting

Notes from the newspaper indicate that a plot is being filmed in what appears to be an intergalactic marketplace. The Valencia shoot remains shrouded in secrecy, but insiders suggest that Xàtiva is being used to depict a market scene that doubles as a hub for unusual commerce. Market stalls and clandestine deals feature in many stories, offering a chance for diverse characters to intersect with the protagonists. Epic battles and iconic elements may not be the only attractions; everyday exchanges can drive the narrative as well. The locations hint at planets like Coruscant and Corellia as possible backdrops, adding a sense of breadth to the production.

Financial details tied to the shoot

The simultaneous closure of Xàtiva Castle coincides with the height of the holiday season. The production is handling a payment of 27,563.73 euros, divided into 5,005.80 euros for private use of public property and 8,339 euros as compensation related to castle entrance access for the crew’s private activities. An additional 14,218.93 euros covers the temporary shutdown of the castle cafe restaurant between April 2 and 6. Reports from several municipal departments have addressed the matter.

Official statements from the castle cafe indicate the premises were closed to guests during the filming period. A public social media post explains that a Disney production will be shooting an episode in the area and apologizes for the disruption, promising a strong return after the shoot ends.

Montages about the arrival of Star Wars in Xàtiva have flooded social media with speculation and images.

guidance signs

Recent activity around the set includes directional beacons guiding crews. One beacon near the town center was photographed by a local photographer, highlighting the organized nature of the operation.

While the filming of the Star Wars series has been framed as a potential promotional spark for Xàtiva, some residents questioned the timing on social networks. The production appears to have leveraged Valencia and La Costera to pool resources, and access to parking around the castle is notably restricted. A parking area near a local volleyball pavilion used by rental vans for film work underscores the scale of the setup. Local authorities have posted a notice marking the event and guiding operations.

On social networks, some residents raised concerns about the preservation of the city’s historic baths, a site that could serve as an alternative location during this period of heightened activity. Planned visits to the castle and other historic sites continue to be offered during nearby dates, reflecting the ongoing interest in Xàtiva as a filming destination. The city, known for its broader history of productions, remains a backdrop for new stories that capture global attention.

Across the week, Castell de Xàtiva has emerged as a focal point for international coverage, joining a list of locations that have hosted shoots in the past.

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