Twelfth Night: locations

Illyria

• IllyriaScene

  The play’s principal country: a romanticized version of the ancient Adriatic region ruled by Duke Orsino. Because Shakespeare’s Illyria is geographically indeterminate, no precise coordinates are assigned.

• Illyrian seacoastScene

  Viola comes ashore here after the shipwreck and learns that she is in Illyria; Sebastian and Antonio also appear on the coast after surviving the disaster.

• Duke Orsino’s palaceScene

  Orsino’s court, where he laments his unrequited love for Olivia, receives Cesario into his service, and sends the disguised Viola to woo Olivia for him.

• Olivia’s house and estateScene

  The chief setting for Olivia’s household scenes, including Viola’s first audience with her, the revelry of Sir Toby and his companions, Malvolio’s confinement, and the final recognitions.

• Olivia’s gardenScene

  Maria’s forged letter is planted and Malvolio is secretly observed interpreting it; later encounters involving Olivia, Sebastian, Sir Andrew, and Sir Toby also occur on the grounds.

• Streets of IllyriaScene

  Viola receives Olivia’s returned ring in a street, while Antonio and Sebastian explore the town and several mistaken-identity confrontations unfold outdoors.

• The ElephantMentioned

  An inn in Illyria where Antonio lodges and asks Sebastian to meet him; it is referenced but never shown as a scene.