The fourth season of Monster, the true‑crime anthology series by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, arrived on Netflix on September 17, 2026, introducing a new story drawn from one of the most infamous crime cases in American history: the Lizzie Borden case. Led by in the title role, the young woman who, in 1892, was accused of bludgeoning her father, Andrew Borden, and her stepmother, Abby Borden, and who was ultimately acquitted after a trial that would go down in history. The tale unfolds in Fall River in 1892, Massachusetts, but if you’re wondering where Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story was actually filmed, the answer is more complex and deserves closer scrutiny, since (as not many noticed) Italy was involved as well. Here are all the shooting locations of Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.
Where was Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story filmed? Surprise: Italy is involved too
The production of Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story did not use the real city of Fall River as its principal set, nor did it shoot in the authentic Borden house. Filming took place primarily in Los Angeles, with a substantial second phase also conducted in Italy. In particular, shooting moved to Italy in January and February 2026, touching Rome and the nearby town of Bracciano. Chicago was also involved in the production for a number of scenes.
The Italian locations of Monster 4
The Italian presence marks a notable feature of this season. The shoots in Lazio began on January 22, 2026 and continued through February 25, for roughly five weeks of work. In and around Rome, a crew of about 200 professionals worked, including around thirty international figures. This was not merely a brief sidetrack for a few shots, but a substantial portion of the production.
To explain the rationale behind the Italian choice, cinematographer Michael Bauman told CBR that much of the fourth season was filmed in Los Angeles, and that the crew travelled to Rome largely because of the presence of “numerous castles.” In reality, the most recognizable castle appears to be one prominent location: the majestic Castello Orsini-Odescalchi di Bracciano. The scenes shot at this site are tied to the story of the sanguinary countess Elizabeth Báthory, a character featured in a tale read by Lizzie and Bridget in the first episode. Beyond the castle, the series also reveals Largo della Cattedrale (in the top image, shown in a series scene juxtaposed with the real place) and Piazza Saminiati in the historic center of Bracciano.
Indeed, the Castello Orsini-Odescalchi, perched on the shores of Lake Bracciano, provides a medieval backdrop particularly well suited to the story of the Hungarian noblewoman who lived between the 16th and 17th centuries. Its architecture, along with the surrounding old town, allowed the production to evoke an authentic historical atmosphere without the need to artificially recreate every space.
Los Angeles, the principal production base
Although the narrative is set in Massachusetts, Los Angeles served as the primary production base for the series. Filming began in the California city in September 2025 and continued for several months. The city had to transform into the Fall River of the late 19th century. Through scenic design, costumes, and urban- environment adjustments, the streets and buildings of today were adapted to recreate the world in which Lizzie, her family, and the housemaid Bridget Sullivan—played by Vicky Krieps—lived.
The transformation is particularly notable because Fall River at the time was an industrial New England town, characterized by wooden houses, brick commercial buildings, and horse-drawn traffic. Los Angeles naturally presents a very different urban landscape. Among the areas suited to this kind of reconstruction is Angelino Heights, a neighborhood known for its Victorian homes and historic architecture. The Bradbury Building in downtown Los Angeles stands as one of the city’s most recognizable historic structures, while the Paramount Pictures Studios on Melrose Avenue provided indoor facilities for the most complex interiors and sets.
Chicago
Another city involved in the production was Chicago, where some scenes were reportedly shot from late 2025 into early 2026. The city’s role appears to be tied to the broader framework of the fourth season, which goes beyond Lizzie Borden’s case alone. The season introduces other female figures tied to crime stories from different eras, including Aileen Wuornos, portrayed by Sarah Paulson, and the aforementioned Elizabeth Báthory. Chicago offers a wealth of architectural assets well suited to recreating late 19th- and early 20th-century settings. Neighborhoods such as Prairie Avenue preserve historic buildings that can serve as backdrops for period productions. In this instance, however, available production details are less exhaustive, making it difficult to link every location to a specific scene with certainty.
Where is Lizzie Borden’s real house located?
If Monster’s production recreated Fall River’s 1892 ambiance elsewhere, Lizzie Borden’s real home still exists. It is located at 230 Second Street in Fall River, Massachusetts, the residence where Andrew and Abby Borden were found dead on August 4, 1892. Built in 1845 and acquired by Andrew Borden in the late 1870s, today the house has become a true pilgrimage site for true-crime enthusiasts. The property operates as a bed & breakfast and museum, allowing visitors not only to view the interiors but also to stay overnight.
The interiors preserve numerous period details, though over the years some furnishings have been replaced with replicas. The home spans three levels and includes eight bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. Beyond overnight stays, the property offers daytime guided tours, themed events, and evening ghost tours. Visitors can also explore the nearby Oak Grove Cemetery, where members of the Borden family are buried. In short, a spine-tingling tour—sustainable only for the most devoted enthusiasts.
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