Few television shows have captured the world’s imagination quite like Game of Thrones. The sprawling saga, full of political intrigue, epic battles, and fantastical creatures, has amassed a dedicated fanbase and left an undeniable mark on popular culture. But beyond the captivating storylines and memorable characters, the show’s stunning visuals played a crucial role in bringing the world of Westeros to life.
And that’s where Croatia comes in. With its ancient walled cities, dramatic coastlines, and breathtaking landscapes, Croatia served as a primary filming location for many of the show’s most iconic scenes.
Ready to step into the world of Game of Thrones? Let’s explore the key Croatian locations that brought Westeros to life, including Dubrovnik, Split, and more.
Dubrovnik: The Jewel of the Adriatic and King’s Landing
One of the most popular and visually stunning filming locations was Dubrovnik, Croatia. This beautiful city, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” served as the primary stand-in for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
Dubrovnik City Walls: King’s Landing’s Fortifications
The imposing Dubrovnik City Walls are one of the city’s most iconic features. These massive stone walls, historically built as defensive structures, stretch for over a mile around the Old Town. In Game of Thrones, they were used to depict the fortifications of King’s Landing. Many scenes showcasing the scale and grandeur of King’s Landing were filmed along these walls, giving viewers a sense of the city’s strength and resilience.
Fort Lovrijenac: The Red Keep
Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop 37 meters (121 feet) above sea level, Fort Lovrijenac is a strategically important fortress with walls as thick as 12 meters (almost 40 feet) in some places. It takes 175 stone steps to reach the top of the fort. In Game of Thrones, Fort Lovrijenac stood in for the Red Keep, the royal residence in King’s Landing. Joffrey’s Name Day Tournament, among other scenes, was filmed at this location.
Other Key Dubrovnik Locations
Dubrovnik offered a wealth of diverse locations for filming Game of Thrones, and the city’s stunning architecture and natural beauty truly brought the world of Westeros to life.
- Jesuit Staircase: The “Walk of Shame.” The Baroque Jesuit Staircase, leading up to St. Ignatius Church, became instantly recognizable after it was used for Cersei Lannister’s infamous “Walk of Shame” scene.
- West Harbour: Blackwater Bay. This picturesque harbor served as Blackwater Bay, the site of the epic naval battle in Season 2. Numerous other scenes were filmed in and around West Harbour, including scenes with Varys and Tyrion.
Split: Diocletian’s Palace and Daenerys’ Reign
The city of Split is home to Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a history stretching back more than 1,700 years. The palace covers almost 40,000 square meters and is one of Split’s top tourist draws.
Diocletian’s Palace: Meereen and Daenerys’ Throne Room
In Game of Thrones, Diocletian’s Palace served as Daenerys Targaryen’s throne room. Some scenes were also filmed in the cellars, which were used as the place where Daenerys kept her dragons.
Klis Fortress: The City of Meereen
Just a few miles outside Split is Klis Fortress, which sits at an altitude of 340 meters and has a strategic location overlooking the city.
The fortress was used to represent the exterior of the city of Meereen, particularly in the scenes showing Daenerys’ conquest.
Lokrum Island: Qarth, the Gateway to Essos
Just 600 meters — or a ten-minute boat ride — from Dubrovnik lies the gorgeous island of Lokrum. But it’s more than just a pretty place; it’s also a filming location for Game of Thrones. Lokrum stood in for Qarth, the Gateway to Essos.
Remember when Daenerys arrived in Qarth, looking for allies and a safe haven? Those scenes, with their exotic architecture and stunning backdrops, were filmed right here on Lokrum. You can almost picture Daenerys walking through the city gates, dragons in tow.
But Lokrum offers more than just Game of Thrones appeal. The island boasts incredible natural beauty, including lush gardens, a saltwater lake, and peacocks roaming freely. It’s also steeped in history, with a Benedictine monastery dating back to the 11th century. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply seeking a serene escape, Lokrum Island is a must-visit.
Beyond the Main Cities: Exploring Other Croatian Filming Locations
While Dubrovnik and Split get a lot of the attention, other Croatian cities and sites starred in Game of Thrones, too.
Sibenik: The Iron Bank of Braavos
Founded in the 10th century, Sibenik is a historic city on the Adriatic coast. The magnificent Cathedral of St. James in Sibenik was used to represent the formidable Iron Bank of Braavos. With its stunning architecture and imposing presence, the cathedral perfectly captured the essence of this powerful financial institution.
Trogir: Another Facet of Qarth
Founded in the 3rd century BC, the old town of Trogir is a jewel of Croatian history and architecture. This charming town also served as a filming location for scenes set in Qarth, offering a glimpse into the exotic and opulent city.
Trsteno Arboretum: Gardens of King’s Landing
For scenes of the Red Keep gardens, producers chose the Trsteno Arboretum, a lush and verdant garden that boasts over 400 plant species. With its beautiful fountains, pavilions, and coastal views, the Trsteno Arboretum provided an idyllic setting for intrigue, romance, and plotting.
Immersing Yourself in the World of Game of Thrones: Tours and Experiences
Want to really feel like you’re in Westeros? There are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the filming locations and behind-the-scenes magic.
Guided Tours: Exploring the Locations with Experts
Both Dubrovnik and Split offer a wide array of guided tours that take you to the iconic spots where key scenes were filmed. You can choose from walking tours that delve into the history and significance of each location, or opt for themed tours that focus on specific aspects of the show.
Taking a guided tour offers a ton of benefits. You’ll get the inside scoop from knowledgeable guides who can provide historical context and behind-the-scenes information that you wouldn’t find on your own.
Yacht Tours: A Unique Perspective
For a truly unique experience, consider exploring the Game of Thrones locations by yacht. This allows you to see the stunning Croatian coastline from a completely different perspective and access hidden coves and islands that are otherwise difficult to reach.
Companies like MedSailors offer specific yacht tours and itineraries, such as the Croatia Voyager route, which includes stops at several Game of Thrones filming locations.
Best Time to Visit: Planning Your Trip
The best time to visit Croatia for a Game of Thrones adventure is during the shoulder seasons – spring and fall. You’ll enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.
To make the most of your trip, it’s a good idea to book your accommodations and tours in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the more popular times of year.
In Summary
Croatia served as a major backdrop for many of the most iconic scenes in Game of Thrones. From King’s Landing (Dubrovnik) to Qarth (Lokrum Island) to Braavos (Šibenik), the country provided a stunning and authentic setting for the world of Westeros.
If you’re a fan of the series, consider a trip to Croatia to experience the magic firsthand. Beyond the filming locations, Croatia offers a wealth of history, culture, and natural beauty to explore.
A visit to Croatia will leave you with a lasting impression of a country where fantasy and reality intertwine, creating an unforgettable travel experience.