The Game of Thrones filming locations in Croatia

Where to find your favouriste scenes from the Game of Thrones

Based on the best-selling book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, the Games of Thrones drama is set in a world where summers span several decades and winters can last a lifetime. From the brutal south to the frozen north, and beyond the ancient wall that protects the realm from mystical darkness, this is a story of powerful families trying to take control through various means like subterfuge and noble tradition. This sprawling drama is a story of duplicity and treachery, nobility and honour, conquest and triumph because in this battle-filled world…you either win or you die.

Dubrovnik and Split are two of Croatia’s most cherished destinations. While they may be internationally famous now, they have been around for a while! These medieval cities boast amazing architecture and stunning views of the bright blue Adriatic Sea. Their history dates back to the time period in which The Games of Thrones is actually set. Some of the filming locations included Dubrovnik’s Walls, Minceta Tower, Fort Lovrijenac, Diocletian’s Palace (interiors only), Fort Klapa, St Dominika street in Split, The All Peace Gate and its bell tower, among others.

Klis Fortress (Split)

This ancient fortress just outside Split has an incredible mountain-side location with amazing views over Split and the sparkling Adriatic Sea below. Klis Fortress was used in the Game of Thrones series to film Daenerys seizing the city of Meereen. This dramatic fortress forms a key plot in the series where Khaleesi punishes the rules of Meereen by nailing them to crosses for all the slaves to see.

Trsteno Arboretum (Dubrovnik)

These royal gardens overlooking the sea were built by King Peter in the 15th century. Located just outside of Dubrovnik, they were used to film parts of Seasons 3 and 4 in Game of Thrones as the palace gardens at Kings Landing where Sansa Stark met Lady Olenna while they discussed the future of King Joffrey. They also served as the setting for Lady Olenna and Lord Varys’ plotting to kill now-King Joffrey.

Dubrovnik's Walls

Dubrovnik’s ancient west wall near the Pile Gate doubles as a practice yard in season four when Cersei visits the Mountain while he is killing prisoners to ask him to be her champion on trial by combat of Tyrion. In season five, Lancel leads a squad of the Faith Militant to apprehend Loras Tyrell while he is practising swordplay in the practice yard, which doubles as the walls of Red Keep when Cersei talks with Tommen who is asking her about going back to Casterly Rock.

And the many seaside walls of Dubrovnik can be seen in many scenes of Game of Thrones. Who can forget the epic Battle at Blackwater Bay in season two where Daenerys’ dragons helped Jon Snow protect King’s Landing from the Night’s King and his White Walkers. The walls that protect King’s Landing were created with CGI (computer-generated imagery) finished off with miniature work to enhance realism. We see this in full glory when Jamie Lannister arrives back at King’s Landing after departing Dorne. In seasons seven and eight, as Daenerys’ fleet of ships arrives in ‘Blackwater Bay’, with these ancient walls as a strong backdrop.

Šibenik

In Season 5 of Game of Thrones, Sibenik served as Braavos while the UNESCO World Heritage Site, St James Cathedral, doubles as the Iron Bank – the wealthiest financial institution in Westeros which is considered to be the most powerful banking institution around during our story’s timeline.

It’s in Season 5, Episode 9 ‘The Dance of Dragons’ where Ayra Stark abandons a mission for the Faceless Men and instead follows Mace Tyrell and Meryn Trant as they travel to Braavos to negotiate with Tycho Nestoris

Diocletian’s Palace (Split)

A visit to the 1700 years old UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace in Split will certainly throw you into the world of Games of Thrones. The palace was originally built by one of Rome’s greatest emperors, Diocletian, as his retirement home after he abdicated the throne. Now it plays another key role in the series as it is within these famous walls and cellars that Daenerys has gone to train her three dragons and it’s where, in season four, she learns that some of her slave friends are planning an uprising against her rule.

Lovrijenac Fortress (Dubrovnik)

The Lovrijenac Fortress was built with 12 meter thick walls to protect the city from invading warring forces. It is known as ‘the cunning fortress,’ and in The Game of Thrones, it is used as a setting in King Joffrey’s tournament against the brave Ser Dontos, who has lost his pride after being demoted for accidentally killing a child during a parade.

Lokrum Island

Lokrum Island is located in the heart of Dubrovnik’s marine district and just 600m off its coast. It has been used as an idyllic filming location for many popular movies besides The Games of Thrones, such as Pirates of the Caribbean thanks to its pristine beaches and the crystal clear water that surround them. The island was previously used by Richard I, an English king during the 12th century who sought refuge there after being shipwrecked whilst returning from one of his crusades. He planned to make a church on the island in 1149 but was persuaded by citizens from nearby Dubrovnik to construct it on land instead.

Bokar Fortress (Dubrovnik)

The Bokar Fortress is a true icon of Dubrovnik and Croatia. It’s located on the western side of the city and is perched above the Pile Gate. It used to be used as a defence point for the area because it was highly accessible from the Pile Gate, which was a significant entry/exit point for people going in/out of Dubrovnik. In particular, a conversation between Tyrion and Lord Varys took place here when Tyrion told him that he feels he’s “quite good” at being the master hand of King Joffrey Baratheon.

Zrnovnica (Split)

The small village of Zrnovnica, just outside Split was used as another key location for filming. This village was once home to many grain mills which is represented in the towns planning and local architecture. Zrnovnica is easily recognised as the set in Season 4 where Missandei, Daenerys’ handmaid and interpreter has her bathing scene. The stones in this area are what make it stand out in the show and they have played the role of an old quarry since Season 1 when it stood in for being Cersei’s main court chamber where she banishes Sansa’s father for beheading Eddard Stark.

Pile Gate (Dubrovnik)

Based on the Western side of the City of Dubrovnik, Pile is an attraction that offers beautiful views of Bokar Fortress and Lovrijenac Fortress. Pile was once a key transport hub for sailors. For that reason, it plays a large part in Game of Thrones as Blackwater Bay. One of the main scenes filmed here in series three involved Sansa Stark and Lord Baelish discussing possible escape plans following King Joffrey’s death.

St. Dominika Street (Dubrovnik)

St Dominika Street is located within Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old town, near the Ploce gate. It features stone houses and sweeping stairways with white stone. The picturesque street has been used in several The Game of Thrones scenes throughout the series. These include the scene where King Robert’s illegitimate sons were killed by Queen Cersei and also the scene where Cersei was forced to walk through the town naked as a sign of penance. Apparently, over 1,000 actresses were said to have applied for the role as her naked body double to play that part in front of live studio audience members.

Ston

Another site representing the King’s Landing, as well scenes repressing Eyrie is the defensive walls of Ston in southern Croatia. Measuring some 7000-meters long (22 965 ft.), they are a collection of fortifications including the Ston city walls, the Mali Ston city walls and the Big wall with its three forts. Its forts and towers are strengthened by 10 round and 31 square flanking towers and 6 semi-circular bastions, making it a perfect living structure to film against.

Minčeta Tower

The Minčeta Tower is the most prominent point in the city of Dubrovnik. It offers wonderful views across Old Town. Visitors to the tower can walk along the city walls and see iconic terracotta rooftops, contrasting with blue skies.

The Minčeta Tower was the inspiration for a scene in the second season of Game of Thrones. Daenerys Targaryen ends up visiting a special place known as the House of Undying. She’s gathering information there regarding her beloved dragons who have been poached by thieves. As one of many towers that comprise Dubrovnik’s City Walls, this particular tower has long served as a defence fortress and symbol of town pride due to its formidable height and power. The tower was used again in season 3 of Game of Thrones; Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) and Jorah Mormont (Iain Glen) were seen attempting to climb the tower as part of their attempts to enter into the House of The Undying after Daenerys’s three dragons were stolen.

Trips to get you here

A journey through Croatia’s historic cities on a private cruise along the beautiful Adriatic Coast and a visit to the Plitvice National Park.

£1,056

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