Imagine stepping into the mesmerizing world of your favorite TV series, only to realize that the breathtaking scenery is a real place you can visit.
Croatia, with its enchanting medieval towns and picturesque coastlines, has become a magnet for filmmakers seeking the perfect backdrop.
From Dubrovnik's timeless charm in Game of Thrones to the serene beauty of Vis in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, discover why this European treasure has become a cinematic favorite and which other series have uncovered its hidden allure.
Key Takeaways
- Game of Thrones filmed in Dubrovnik, transforming it into King's Landing and other notable locations.
- Doctor Who used Trogir as a backdrop for 16th-century Venice and Van Gogh's paintings.
- Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again filmed on Vis Island, showcasing its stunning landscapes and towns.
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi transformed Dubrovnik's Old Town into the futuristic city of Canto Bight.
- Robin Hood utilized Dubrovnik's medieval architecture, transforming it into a historical English town.
Game of Thrones
Dubrovnik's Old Town became the iconic backdrop for King's Landing in Game of Thrones. Fans will recognize the narrow streets, historic walls, and amazing architecture. One cool spot you can visit is the Ethnographic Museum, which was Tyrion Lannister's brothel in the show. You won't find any Lannisters there, but it's a great place to explore.
Pile Gate turned into Blackwater Bay for the epic Battle of Blackwater. Walking through this area, you can almost see the ships on fire and fierce combat. Lovrijenac Fortress, another must-see, played the impressive Red Keep. Climbing up to this fortress offers breathtaking views and a sense of the show's grandeur.
Croatia wasn't just about King's Landing. It also served as the backdrop for other cities like Meereen, where Daenerys Targaryen ruled. When you walk through Dubrovnik, you're stepping into the world of Westeros. Each location brings scenes from the series to life, making it a fun and immersive experience.
Grab your camera and relive some amazing Game of Thrones moments!
Doctor Who
Doctor Who brought its iconic TARDIS to life in the medieval town of Trogir, using it as a stunning backdrop that doubled as 16th-century Venice and Vincent Van Gogh's paintings. Located on Croatia's Dalmatian coastline, Trogir's timeless beauty and versatility made it the perfect choice for the series.
Trogir's Old Town market area played a significant role in the episodes. Imagine the TARDIS materializing among the cobbled streets and historic charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site. This setting perfectly matched the Doctor's adventures, blending seamlessly with the show's imaginative worlds.
Just a 45-minute drive from Split, Trogir is an accessible and convenient filming location. Its narrow streets, stunning architecture, and picturesque marina provided the perfect canvas for Doctor Who's production team to recreate historical and artistic settings.
Next time you watch those episodes, look out for Trogir's distinctive features. This Croatian gem added a unique touch to the series, proving that even a small town can make a big impact on a beloved sci-fi show.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
You'll find that Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again made great use of Croatia's Vis Island, with its breathtaking landscapes and charming towns like Vis Town and Komiza harbor.
The filmmakers converted these locations into the perfect backdrop for the movie's iconic scenes, which brought the magic of the musical to life.
If you're planning a visit, the island is just a catamaran ride away from Split, making it an easy and scenic trip.
Filming Locations in Croatia
The Croatian island of Vis made a fantastic setting for 'Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again'. Once a naval base, Vis has transformed into a beautiful film location. Its charming towns, Vis Town and Komiza Harbor, are perfect for the lively musical scenes and romantic moments in the movie.
Vis isn't just pretty; it's also easy to get to. A catamaran from Split will take you right there. This makes it convenient for both filmmakers and tourists. The island's natural beauty and variety make it a great spot for international films.
Here's a quick look at Vis in the movie:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Island of Vis, Croatia |
| Notable Towns | Vis Town, Komiza Harbor |
| Accessibility | Catamaran from Split |
Iconic Scenes Recreated
Watching 'Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again' reveals how Vis Island's stunning landscapes recreate iconic scenes from the original film beautifully. The sequel turns Vis Island into the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi, offering a fresh yet familiar backdrop for musical numbers and heartfelt moments.
Vis Town and Komiza harbor play prominent roles. Their charming streets and picturesque harbor views bring back memories of the original movie while adding unique flair.
Walking through Vis Town, where Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan once performed, lets you feel the movie's magic come to life.
Vis Island, once a naval base, adds an intriguing layer to the film's setting. The island's rich history contrasts with its current peaceful vibe, making it a perfect choice for the film's mix of nostalgia and new adventures.
Accessible by catamaran from Split, Vis Island offers not only a stunning film location but also an unforgettable visit for fans.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Dubrovnik's stunning Old Town became the perfect futuristic setting for thrilling speeder chases in *Star Wars: The Last Jedi*. When director Rian Johnson needed a location to represent the casino city of Canto Bight, he turned to Dubrovnik, praising its blend of historical charm and cinematic potential. Walking through the narrow streets and grand squares of Dubrovnik feels like stepping into scenes where intergalactic drama unfolded.
Transforming Dubrovnik into a galaxy far, far away involved meticulous set design and visual effects. However, the essence of the Old Town's architecture remains unmistakable. Here are some highlights you'll recognize:
- Speeder Chase Locations: Several high-adrenaline chase scenes were filmed along the main street, Stradun.
- Canto Bight Casino: The exterior shots of the luxurious casino were taken in the heart of Dubrovnik.
- Iconic Staircases: Key staircases and alleyways were used to create the bustling atmosphere of Canto Bight.
When you visit Dubrovnik, these film locations aren't just for the camera; they're a big part of the city's charm. Take a stroll and feel like you're in a galaxy far, far away!
Robin Hood
Step into medieval Nottingham, brought to life by the enchanting streets of Dubrovnik. This Croatian city transformed into a medieval English town for the filming of *Robin Hood*, and it's nothing short of magical. Its gothic-style architecture provided the perfect backdrop for this historical drama.
The Church of St. Dominic became Nottingham Palace, giving it an authentic regal feel. The former granary in Dubrovnik was turned into Loxley Manor, adding to the series' rich historical texture. Actor Jamie Foxx praised Dubrovnik's beauty, highlighting its charm during the shoot of *Robin Hood*.
Key filming locations in Dubrovnik include:
| Filming Location | Dubrovnik Landmark |
|---|---|
| Nottingham Palace | Church of St. Dominic |
| Loxley Manor | Former Granary |
| Medieval Street Scenes | Gothic-style architecture areas |
| General Filming Backdrops | Enchanting streets of Dubrovnik |
| Cast Endorsements | Praises by Jamie Foxx |
Dubrovnik's transformation was so well-done that it felt like stepping back in time, making it an unforgettable filming experience.
McMafia
After exploring medieval Nottingham through Dubrovnik's streets, let's talk about Croatia's role in the BBC crime drama *McMafia*.
This show, starring James Norton, shows how Croatia can stand in for many different countries. In *McMafia*, Croatia acts as nine different countries, showing off its varied landscapes and buildings. The Dalmatian Coast, with its beautiful beaches, looks like Turkey. Split, a city full of history, becomes Tel Aviv. And the cute town of Rovinj stands in for Southern France. These spots help tell the show's story and add to the feeling of international intrigue.
Some cool examples in *McMafia* include:
- Dalmatian Coast as Turkey: The coastal views give a real Mediterranean vibe.
- Split as Tel Aviv: The busy streets and old ruins bring Tel Aviv to life.
- Rovinj as Southern France: This charming town feels just like France.
Croatia's ability to play so many roles makes it a perfect place for international stories like *McMafia*.
