If you're a Game of Thrones fan planning a trip to Croatia, you're in for a treat. Visualize strolling through the historic streets of Dubrovnik, instantly recognizable as King's Landing, or standing at the imposing Minceta Tower, which served as the House of the Undying in Qarth. But there's more to discover beyond these famed spots. What hidden gems and lesser-known sites await you, and how can you experience the magic of Westeros firsthand? Let's investigate the ultimate travel guide to these breathtaking filming locations.
Key Takeaways
- Dubrovnik's Old Town and city walls represented King's Landing, featuring landmarks like Lovrijenac Fortress and the Jesuit Staircase.
- Minceta Tower in Dubrovnik served as the House of the Undying in Qarth, offering panoramic views of the city and sea.
- Lokrum Island hosted scenes for Xaro Xhaon Daxos' mansion in Qarth, including access to the original Iron Throne.
- Klis Fortress near Split was used for exterior shots of Meereen, enhanced with CGI for Daenerys Targaryen's stronghold.
- Diocletian's Palace in Split provided key filming locations for Meereen, showcasing its Roman-era cellars and alleyways.
Dubrovnik: King's Landing
Dubrovnik's historic Old Town and its iconic city walls bring the fictional city of King's Landing to life in Game of Thrones.
You'll find key filming locations like the Lovrijenac Fortress, which served as the Red Keep, and the Pile Gate, representing the entrance to King's Landing.
The Jesuit Staircase was the backdrop for Cersei Lannister's iconic 'Walk of Shame' scene.
The Bokar Fortress, located above the Pile Gate, provided a dramatic setting for various scenes throughout the series.
Don't miss Trsteno Arboretum, just outside Dubrovnik, used as the palace gardens where significant scenes with Sansa Stark and the Tyrell family were filmed.
Each location offers a tangible connection to the show's epic realm.
Minceta Tower
Minceta Tower, the highest point in Dubrovnik, serves as a key filming location in Game of Thrones, representing the House of the Undying in Qarth. You can relive Daenerys Targaryen's scenes searching for her lost dragons as you traverse this iconic site. The tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Dubrovnik's famous terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic Sea. Climbing to the top and walking along the city walls provides a unique vantage point of the Old Town. Strategically perched on the western side, Minceta Tower's location made it an ideal choice for filming.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Filming Representation | House of the Undying in Qarth |
| Key Scenes | Daenerys searching for her dragons |
| Views | Terracotta rooftops, Adriatic Sea |
| Visitor Experience | Climb to the top, walk city walls |
| Location | Western side of Dubrovnik's Old Town |
Lokrum Island
On Lokrum Island, you'll find several Game of Thrones filming locations that brought the city of Qarth to life.
Stroll through its scenic nature trails and investigate the historical Benedictine Monastery, which served as Xaro Xhaon Daxos' mansion.
Don't miss Fort Royal Castle, another significant site, and see the original Iron Throne gifted by HBO.
Game of Thrones Sites
Lokrum Island, just 600 meters off the coast of Dubrovnik, served as an enthralling backdrop for scenes set in the mystical city of Qarth. This island's Benedictine Monastery represented the mansion of Xaro Xhaon Daxos, a prominent merchant in Qarth.
Furthermore, Fort Royal Castle on Lokrum Island was featured in various scenes, enriching the visual authenticity of Qarth.
For die-hard fans, visiting Lokrum offers a unique opportunity to see the original Iron Throne, gifted by HBO, displayed at the Visitors Centre.
Stepping onto Lokrum Island, you'll find yourself transported into the realm of Game of Thrones, surrounded by iconic locations that brought the magical and opulent city of Qarth to life on screen.
Scenic Nature Trails
You'll find that the scenic nature trails on Lokrum Island offer a serene retreat into lush botanical gardens and tranquil beaches, perfect for a peaceful escape from Dubrovnik's bustling crowds.
The island, just 600 meters off Dubrovnik's coast, is known for its diverse plant life, dating back to the 1800s. As you hike through the island's interior, you'll encounter a variety of flora that creates a captivating setting.
The rocky coastline and serene beaches provide excellent spots for relaxation. The trails are well-marked, leading you through different parts of the island, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its natural beauty.
Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a peaceful walk, Lokrum Island won't disappoint.
Historical Monastery Insights
The 11th-century Benedictine monastery on Lokrum Island, with its alluring architecture and storied past, served as the backdrop for Xaro Xhoan Daxos' mansion in the exotic city of Qarth on Game of Thrones.
Dating back to 1023, the monastery includes a church, cloisters, and lush gardens. According to legend, King Richard the Lionheart was shipwrecked on Lokrum in 1192 and intended to build a church there.
The monastery's distinct architecture and verdant surroundings made it an ideal setting for Qarth. Besides Xaro's mansion, various other scenes, like Daenerys' meetings with the Spice King, were filmed here.
The Fort Royal Castle on Lokrum also appears in several episodes, adding to the island's rich filming history.
Klis Fortress
Situated just outside Split, Klis Fortress served as the iconic backdrop for the city of Meereen in Game of Thrones.
This ancient fortress provided the setting for exterior shots of Meereen, the stronghold of Daenerys Targaryen. To create the fictional city, computer-generated imagery enhanced the fortress's appearance.
You'll notice the similarities in the trees, walls, windows, and walkways, making it instantly recognizable to fans of the show. Klis Fortress has since become a popular tourist attraction, allowing visitors to traverse the real-life setting of Meereen.
As you wander through the fortress, you can visualize the scenes and sense the history that this location brought to life on screen.
Diocletian's Palace
When you visit Diocletian's Palace in Split, you'll discover a site rich in historical significance and cinematic allure.
This ancient Roman palace, built in the 4th century AD, served as a key filming location for the city of Meereen in Game of Thrones.
You'll recognize the palace's underground cellars and alleyways from scenes showcasing Daenerys Targaryen and her dragons.
Historical Significance Unveiled
Diocletian's Palace, a breathtaking blend of history and architecture, offers an unparalleled glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Rome. Built over 1700 years ago as Emperor Diocletian's retirement residence, this UNESCO-listed site is a monument to late Roman architecture. The palace's cellars, once filled with rubbish until 1952, are now an impressive series of vaults. Today, the palace's alleyways and cobblestone streets invite you to discover a well-preserved piece of history, seamlessly integrated into modern Split.
| Feature | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Date | Over 1700 years ago | Showcases ancient Roman engineering |
| Original Purpose | Diocletian's retirement residence | Personal connection to Roman Emperor |
| Preservation Efforts | Cleaned up in 1952 | Transformed into a historical site |
| Integration with Split | Part of modern city | Unique blend of ancient and modern |
A visit to Diocletian's Palace is a must for history connoisseurs.
Filming Locations Explored
The ancient basements of this palace served as the dramatic setting where Daenerys kept her dragons in Game of Thrones.
Diocletian's Palace, located in Split, Croatia, provided the perfect backdrop for the city of Meereen.
As you traverse the palace, you'll find more than just the dragon basements. The narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets within the palace walls also figured prominently in various scenes.
This UNESCO-listed ancient Roman structure dates back over 1,700 years, making it an authentic and impressive filming location.
The imposing complex's historical aura and architectural grandeur brought the fictional city of Meereen to life on screen, blending seamlessly with the epic saga's storytelling.
Trsteno Arboretum
Trsteno Arboretum, with its 15th-century lush gardens, brings the palace gardens of King's Landing to life in Game of Thrones.
Located just a short drive from Dubrovnik, this arboretum offers you a chance to immerse yourself in the realm of Westeros. Here, you can enjoy picturesque views of the Adriatic Sea and discover scenes where Sansa Stark confided in Olenna Tyrell.
The arboretum's grand fountains, hedges, and ornamental plants make it a must-visit.
To get the most out of your visit:
- Stroll through the gardens to see filming locations.
- Capture photographs of the stunning natural scenery.
- Learn about the arboretum's history and its role in the series.
Bokar Fortress
Bokar Fortress, perched above Dubrovnik's Pile Gate, offers a tangible connection to the domain of King's Landing in Game of Thrones. This iconic fortification, located on Dubrovnik's western side, played a key role in the city's defense.
In the show, it served as the backdrop for a memorable scene between Tyrion and Varys, highlighting its strategic importance. When you visit, you'll be captivated by the impressive walls and breathtaking views of Dubrovnik's Old Town and the Adriatic Sea.
Traversing Bokar Fortress allows you to step into the universe of Westeros, experiencing firsthand the location that brought the capital city to life on screen. Don't miss this historical and cinematic gem during your visit.
Lovrijenac Fortress
Lovrijenac Fortress, often dubbed the 'Dubrovnik Gibraltar,' stands as a monumental filming location for King's Landing in Game of Thrones. This 16th-century fortress, with its 12-meter thick walls, was pivotal in safeguarding Dubrovnik from Venetian invasion. Its massive walls, designed to deter potential attackers, made it an ideal representation of the Red Keep.
While visiting Lovrijenac, you'll find:
- Iconic scenes: Witness the spot where Jaime Lannister was knighted and the intense confrontation between Tyrion Lannister and Joffrey Baratheon.
- Historical significance: Understand the fortress's essential role in avoiding Dubrovnik's capture.
- Stunning views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Adriatic Sea.
As you traverse the site, you'll appreciate why this location is a must-see for fans.
