You're about to venture on a journey through some of the most breathtaking locations from Game of Thrones, right here in Croatia. From the majestic walls of Dubrovnik, which brought King's Landing to life, to the lush gardens of Trsteno Arboretum, every site has a story to tell. Visualize walking through Diocletian's Palace in Split or standing atop Klis Fortress, each place steeped in the show's rich history. But that's just the beginning. Let's investigate these enchanting destinations and reveal the magic that made them perfect for the realm of Westeros.
Key Takeaways
- Dubrovnik's historic walled city served as the primary filming location for King's Landing, featuring spots like Pile Gate and Lovrijenac Fortress.
- Trsteno Arboretum, near Dubrovnik, was used for the palace gardens of King's Landing, where notable characters held meetings and took walks.
- Klis Fortress near Split provided the external shots for Meereen, with its imposing fortifications enhanced by CGI.
- Diocletian's Palace in Split, a UNESCO site, featured the basements where Daenerys kept her dragons and various alleyways seen in Meereen.
- Lokrum Island, reachable by a short boat ride from Dubrovnik, represented Qarth and houses the original Iron Throne prop.
King's Landing: Dubrovnik
If you're a Game of Thrones fan, visiting Dubrovnik is like stepping straight into the heart of King's Landing.
This historic walled city served as the primary filming location for the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. Notable spots you can discover include Pile Gate, Lovrijenac Fortress, and Minceta Tower.
Stroll along Stradun, the main street, and visit the Jesuit Staircase, famous for Cersei's Walk of Atonement. Dubrovnik's medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and seaside setting truly bring King's Landing to life.
The city's UNESCO-listed Old Town offers many iconic filming sites, which you can investigate through themed tours. Local businesses also sell Game of Thrones merchandise, enhancing your immersive experience.
Gardens of Trsteno Arboretum
After immersing yourself in the bustling streets of Dubrovnik, head north to experience the serene beauty of the Trsteno Arboretum, which served as the palace gardens of King's Landing.
This lush location is where Margaery and Olenna Tyrell held meetings with Sansa and where Sansa took walks with Loras Tyrell. The diverse plant life, including rare trees and tranquil ponds, provided an ideal backdrop for the political intrigues of King's Landing.
As you traverse the same paths featured in the show, you'll feel like you're stepping into the Game of Thrones universe. Its proximity to the Peljesac Peninsula and Dubrovnik makes it an accessible and popular stop for fans investigating Croatia's filming locations.
Fortress Klis: Meereen
Perched on a strategic hilltop near Split, Klis Fortress stands as the real-life equivalent to Meereen, the impressive city in Slaver's Bay ruled by Daenerys Targaryen.
This medieval castle's imposing fortifications and raised position made it an ideal filming location. The external shots for Meereen were filmed here, with computer-generated imagery enhancing the fortress to depict the bustling city.
You'll recognize the architectural features like trees, walls, windows, and walkways, which closely resemble those seen in the show. As a Game of Thrones fan, visiting Klis Fortress offers a unique opportunity to explore a significant filming location and visualize the scenes of Daenerys's rule coming to life.
It remains a popular tourist attraction for fans worldwide.
Split: Diocletian's Palace
In Split, Diocletian's Palace stands out as a significant filming location for Game of Thrones, particularly for scenes set in Meereen.
You'll find the underground basements where Daenerys kept her dragons, along with the intricate alleyways and cobblestone streets featured in various episodes.
This 1,700-year-old Roman imperial residence, now a UNESCO Global Heritage Site, offers an authentic and atmospheric experience for visitors.
Iconic Filming Locations
Diocletian's Palace in Split, a UNESCO global heritage site, converted into the city of Meereen for Game of Thrones, enthralling fans with its ancient Roman architecture.
You'll find the palace's basements served as the setting where Daenerys kept her dragons, adding an eerie authenticity to the scenes.
Walking through the alleyways and cobblestone streets, you can almost envision the Unsullied patrolling the city.
Visiting these sites allows you to step into the realm of Westeros, blending history with fantasy.
- Palace basements: Where Daenerys's dragons were kept.
- Peristyle Square: A central gathering spot in Meereen.
- Golden Gate: An iconic entrance seen in various scenes.
Historical Significance
Visiting Split's ancient Diocletian's Palace offers a fascinating journey through history, where Roman grandeur meets medieval intrigue. Built as a retirement residence for Roman Emperor Diocletian, the 1,700-year-old palace showcases a unique blend of Roman and Byzantine architecture. This historical site was prominently used in Game of Thrones, representing the city of Meereen.
| Attribute | Historical Significance |
|---|---|
| Emperor's Residence | Built for Diocletian's retirement |
| Roman and Byzantine Mix | Showcases architectural fusion |
| Cellars and Interior | Depicted underground catacombs for Daenerys' dragons |
| Alleyways and Streets | Filming locations for Meereen scenes |
Walking through its narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets, you can visualize the rich history and the scenes from the beloved TV series.
Visitor Experience
Traversing the historic passages of Split's Diocletian's Palace offers a spellbinding experience for Game of Thrones devotees and history enthusiasts alike. Walking through the palace, you'll recognize it as the city of Meereen from the show. The palace's basements, where Daenerys kept her dragons, are particularly fascinating.
Investigating the winding alleyways and cobblestone streets within the palace walls immerses you in the ambiance of ancient Roman architecture and cinematic magic.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Marvel at one of the best-preserved Roman imperial residences from the 4th century AD.
- Meereen Locations: Uncover key filming spots from the series.
- Intricate Architecture: Admire the palace's impressive and intricate architectural details.
Island of Lokrum
On Lokrum Island, you can experience the thrill of sitting on the original Iron Throne prop, a gift from HBO to Dubrovnik.
Don't miss the chance to traverse the island's beautiful botanical gardens, which showcase an array of exotic plants and serene paths.
As you wander, you'll be transported to the lush landscapes that made Qarth come alive on screen.
Throne Room Experience
Step into the heart of Westeros as you take a seat on the original Iron Throne, located in the Visitors Centre on the enchanting island of Lokrum. This iconic seat of power from the Game of Thrones series is a must-see for any fan.
You can reach Lokrum Island with a 15-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik's Old Town, making it an easy and exciting day trip.
Sit on the actual Iron Throne used in the series.
Learn about Lokrum's role as the city of Qarth in the show.
Enjoy the island's stunning landscapes and views.
Botanical Garden Highlights
Uncover the vibrant Botanical Garden on Lokrum Island, where lush greenery and exotic plants create a serene escape for visitors. Located just off the coast of Dubrovnik, this garden is a hidden gem, showcasing a diverse collection of plant species.
As you wander through its pathways, you'll be surrounded by towering palms, colorful flowers, and unique succulents. The garden's peaceful atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Don't miss the chance to investigate the nearby Benedictine Monastery and Fort Royal Castle, both prominent filming locations for Game of Thrones. The island's verdant landscapes provided the exotic backdrop for the city of Qarth, making it a must-visit for fans of the series.
Fort Lovrijenac
Fort Lovrijenac, often called 'Dubrovnik's Gibraltar', is where you'll find the iconic setting for King Joffrey's tournament in Game of Thrones. This 16th-century fortress boasts massive 12-meter thick walls, making it the perfect backdrop for dramatic scenes like the 'Power is Power' dialogue between Cersei and Joffrey.
Located just outside Dubrovnik's city walls, it's where Jaime Lannister was knighted and the Hound rescued Sansa Stark. The fortress's imposing structure and stunning views over the Adriatic Sea offer an immersive experience for fans.
Historical significance: A 16th-century masterpiece.
Iconic scenes: Key Game of Thrones moments filmed here.
Breathtaking views: Overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Pile Gate and St Dominika Street
You'll find Pile Gate and St Dominika Street bustling with fans keen to walk the same paths as their favorite Game of Thrones characters.
Pile Gate, the main entrance to Dubrovnik City, appeared prominently in scenes depicting King's Landing. As you enter, you'll also see views of Bokar and Lovrijenac Fortresses, both essential filming locations.
St Dominika Street, located in Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed Old Town, was the backdrop for dramatic moments like the killing of Robert's illegitimate sons and Cersei's walk of penance. The street's stone houses and white staircases added authenticity to these scenes.
Visiting these sites offers a tangible connection to the series, making them must-see locations for any Game of Thrones fan.
