Key Takeaways

  • Game of Thrones in Croatia allows fans to explore many other filming sites that enrich the Game of Thrones world.
  • Croatia offers iconic Game of Thrones filming locations like Dubrovnik and Split.
  • The country’s historic sites serve as perfect backdrops for the show’s dramatic scenes.
A medieval castle overlooking a coastal town, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background

Ancient castles, stunning coastlines, and historic cities make Croatia a perfect backdrop for the grand, mythical world of Game of Thrones. This magical land has brought many key scenes to life, capturing the imagination of viewers worldwide.

For those eager to step into the world of Westeros, Croatia offers an immersive experience with familiar landscapes from the acclaimed series.

Dubrovnik steps in as one of the most recognizable locations, doubling as the formidable King’s Landing. Its well-preserved medieval architecture and breathtaking views have made it a crucial part of the show’s setting.

Meanwhile, Split, with its ancient Diocletian’s Palace, transports fans to the cities of Slaver’s Bay, enriching the experience with its rich Roman history.

Aside from these bustling cities, Croatia hosts numerous other filming spots that contribute to the charm of Game of Thrones.

From the mystical gardens at Trsteno Arboretum to the battle scenes at Klis Fortress, each location adds a layer of authenticity to this fantasy epic.

The Role of Dubrovnik in Game of Thrones

The iconic city walls of Dubrovnik stand proudly against the backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, a key filming location for Game of Thrones

Dubrovnik played a pivotal role in the filming of Game of Thrones, serving as the setting for King’s Landing.

The city’s medieval architecture and stunning scenery brought the fantasy world to life, drawing fans from around the globe. The series has also significantly affected Dubrovnik’s tourism.

Introduction to Dubrovnik as King’s Landing

Dubrovnik, a historic city on the Adriatic Sea, served as the primary location for Kings Landing in Game of Thrones. Its medieval town walls and fortresses made it an ideal backdrop for the capital of Westeros.

The show’s creators selected Dubrovnik for its unique architecture and atmosphere, which seamlessly fit the story’s narrative needs. The choice was praised for accurately reflecting the grandeur and complexity of King’s Landing.

Filming took place in various parts of the city, utilizing its historic sites and streets to portray different aspects of the fictional city. This included capturing the essence of the Seven Kingdoms’ political heart, where power struggles and dramatic events unfold.

The iconic landmarks of Croatia set against a dramatic sunset, with a map of Westeros superimposed in the sky

Key Filming Locations in Dubrovnik

Several iconic scenes were filmed in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The City Walls and Fort Lovrijenac were prominently featured as the Red Keep.

Meanwhile, Fort Bokar and Minceta Tower appeared in panoramic scenes representing the city’s strength and resilience.

St. Dominic Street and Gundulic Square became bustling markets and streets in King’s Landing. The Jesuit Staircase famously hosted Cersei’s Walk of Shame, a pivotal moment in the series.

Lastly, Pile Gate served as a focal point of entrance, while the nearby Pile Harbour was used to shoot harbor scenes.

Hotel Belvedere hosted the duel Game of Thrones scene between Oberyn Martell and Gregor Clegane.

Impact of Game of Thrones on Dubrovnik’s Tourism

The success of Game of Thrones greatly impacted tourism in Dubrovnik. Visitors flocked to see the real-life settings of their favorite scenes.

Many local businesses adjusted to accommodate the growing interest, offering tours, merchandise, and themed events.

Dubrovnik’s economy benefited significantly, with an increase in hospitality and service industry activities. The city’s cultural image shifted, becoming synonymous with the epic tale of Westeros.

This global attention transformed Dubrovnik from a historic town into an international tourist destination renowned for its connection to the series.

Split and Its Game of Thrones Locations

A panoramic view of Split, Croatia with its historic buildings and waterfront, featuring iconic filming locations from the Game of Thrones series

The city of Split, rich in history and architecture, served as an impressive backdrop for several iconic Game of Thrones scenes. Fans can explore ancient sites, like Diocletian’s Palace, where notable episodes came to life, and enjoy tours that bring the world of Westeros to reality.

Introduction to Split as a Filming Location

Split, Croatia, has long been admired for its unique blend of ancient and medieval architecture. The city’s historical aura and stunning coastal views made it a perfect choice for filming several Game of Thrones scenes.

Split, known for its preserved Roman buildings and vibrant culture, provided a cinematic treasure trove for the show’s creators.

Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, played a key role due to its sprawling courtyards and magnificent halls. The palace walls added authenticity and grandeur to scenes depicting the fictional city of Meereen.

Its labyrinthine corridors and towering walls made it ideal for crafting dramatic narratives.

This blend of cultural heritage and cinematic opportunity makes Split a must-visit for fans.

The ancient stone walls of Dubrovnik rise against a dramatic sunset, overlooking the Adriatic Sea

Key Filming Locations in Split

Diocletian’s Palace is the crown jewel of Game of Thrones filming spots in Split. Within this palace, the iconic ‘Kill the Masters’ scene was brought to life.

The atmospheric basements of the palace doubled as the locations for Daenerys Targaryen’s Throne Room.

Other key spots include the Golden Gate, where many pivotal moments unfolded. The ancient streets and majestic stone structures encapsulate the medieval essence required for the series.

Split’s well-preserved architecture offered a natural set design that complemented the epic storytelling of the show, making these spots memorable for fans and visitors alike.

Tours and Experiences Available in Split

Visitors to Split have numerous options to experience its Game of Thrones connection.

A guided Game of Thrones walking tour offers insights into how the city’s historical sites became part of the fantasy world of Westeros.

Walking tours around the palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian reveal hidden stories and filming secrets, bringing scenes to life through tales of the cast’s time in Split, Croatia’s second-largest city.

For a more immersive experience, some tours offer costumes and props to recreate favorite scenes.

These tours often combine Split with nearby filming locations, giving every Game of Thrones fan a comprehensive view of the series’ backdrop.

Whether on foot or through themed experiences, these tours enrich the visit, making the fantasy of famous Game of Thrones tangible.

Other Notable Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Croatia

A picturesque coastal fortress overlooks the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by lush greenery and ancient stone walls

Croatia offered diverse settings for the iconic series Game of Thrones.

Scenes from King’s Landing to Braavos enriched the show with visually stunning backdrops, showcasing the country’s historic sites and natural beauty.

Lokrum Island

Lokrum Island, located just off the coast of Dubrovnik, served as a key location for the city of Qarth in the series. Known for its lush botanical gardens, the island‘s natural beauty made it an ideal filming spot.

Visitors can explore the 11th-century Benedictine Monastery, which provides an atmospheric backdrop for several scenes.

The island’s serene setting, combined with its historical architecture, captured the mystical essence of Qarth and left a lasting impression on viewers.

Sibenik

Sibenik is another prominent location, primarily used as the city of Braavos. The town’s medieval architecture provided the perfect backdrop for the House of Black and White, where Arya Stark trained with the Faceless Men.

Notably, the St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was featured prominently. Its exquisite stonework and historical significance made it a fitting choice for the show’s intricate world.

The combination of Sibenik’s real-world history and its portrayal of Braavos added depth to the series.

Ston

Ston, with its vast defensive walls, stood in for King’s Landing, offering a majestic view that enhanced the show’s dramatic scenes.

These ancient walls, some of the longest in Europe, gave the fictional capital city a fortified appearance.

Ston’s coastal setting also added to the visual appeal, revealing the strategic importance of its location.

The unique architecture of Ston provided a believable, historically rich environment for the political intrigue of King’s Landing.

Trsteno Arboretum

The Trsteno Arboretum doubled as the palace gardens of King’s Landing, notably the gardens of the Red Keep.

Known for its beautiful botanical gardens, the arboretum offered lush and vibrant settings for numerous scenes of political plotting and conversation.

Its rich collection of plants and trees, some of which are centuries old, added an aura of timelessness.

The well-maintained palace gardens also provided a regal and natural backdrop, making it an ideal choice for the series.

Planning Your Game of Thrones Tour in Croatia

A medieval fortress overlooks a coastal town, surrounded by lush greenery and a sparkling blue sea. A sense of ancient history and mystery fills the air

Visiting Croatia offers fans a chance to see iconic locations from Game of Thrones.

Planning the perfect tour involves choosing the best time to go, selecting great tour companies, and considering self-guided options.

Best Times to Visit

The peak tourist season in Croatia is summer, from June to August. During this time, sites like Dubrovnik, which served as King’s Landing, can be crowded.

Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are less busy, providing a more enjoyable experience with milder weather and shorter lines.

Winter offers a unique charm, as the crowds are smaller, though some sites may have limited accessibility. It’s ideal for those who prefer a quieter, more personal adventure.

DIY Tour Tips

For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, a DIY tour is an excellent option.

Start in Split by visiting Diocletian’s Palace. Then, head to Klis Fortress for breathtaking views and connections to the series.

Renting a car or using local buses makes it easy to travel between locations.

In Dubrovnik, a self-guided walking tour can lead you through the Old Town, visiting sites like Pile Gate and the City Walls.

Consider downloading maps or mobile apps that offer insights into each location.

This approach allows flexibility while still capturing the essence of the Game of Thrones experience.

Behind the Scenes: Filming Game of Thrones in Croatia

A medieval castle perched on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by lush greenery and ancient stone walls

The filming of Game of Thrones in Croatia brought unique challenges, local involvement, and necessary alterations to iconic locations. These elements contributed to the creation of the Seven Kingdoms on screen.

Production Challenges and Anecdotes

Filming in Croatia had its set of challenges. The crew had to navigate historical sites like Dubrovnik, which served as King’s Landing, with care to preserve their integrity.

Weather along the Adriatic Sea added unpredictability. High winds and sudden rain sometimes interrupted shoots, causing delays.

Working around tourist seasons proved tricky, requiring strategic scheduling to avoid crowds.

Despite these obstacles, the filmmakers captured stunning backdrops. Diocletian’s Palace in Split became Meereen, adding authenticity to Daenerys’s storyline.

Locations such as Littlefinger’s Brothel were crafted thoughtfully amid the limited space, demonstrating the adaptability of the production team.

Lush Croatian landscape with ancient stone structures, surrounded by a clear blue sea

Local Involvement and Extras

Local involvement was key to the filming process. Croatian extras filled scenes, bringing King’s Landing and other areas of the Seven Kingdoms to life.

Many locals, excited to be part of such a popular series, participated enthusiastically. Their involvement offered authentic elements to crowd scenes, blending seamlessly with principal characters like Tyrion Lannister.

The production fostered goodwill, with the influx of filming-related activity boosting local economies.

Businesses and vendors found opportunities as the cast and crew frequented local establishments, creating a symbiotic relationship between production and community.

Changes Made to Locations for Filming

The team made various adjustments to Croatian landscapes to fit the needs of the show.

Dubrovnik’s historic walls, for instance, required digital enhancements to portray the grandeur of King’s Landing.

Meanwhile, Gradac Park transformed into the site of the infamous Purple Wedding with temporary structures used for filming.

In Split, the ancient architecture of Diocletian’s Palace underwent minor modifications to become Meereen, illustrating the blend of old and new.

Such changes, mainly visual effects, respected the historical integrity of sites. The Iron Bank scenes displayed the deft combination of existing city elements and clever set design, creating an immersive experience for viewers.

Final Thoughts

The walled city of Dubrovnik, with its iconic red-roofed buildings, overlooks the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Tourists flock to the ancient fortress, drawn by its role as the fictional King's Landing in Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones showcased Croatia’s breathtaking scenery and historic settings to millions. The country offered diverse backdrops for key scenes in the series.

Dubrovnik served as the iconic King’s Landing, while Split and its Diocletian’s Palace became the backdrop for Meereen.

Travelers can explore these locations first-hand and see where the magic happened.

Walking through these sites, visitors can connect with the scenes they’ve watched on screen.

With its rich history and stunning landscapes, Croatia provided the ideal canvas for the show’s creators.

The combination of ancient architecture and natural beauty crafted a perfect blend of storytelling.

Croatia’s role in the series added a new dimension to its tourist appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where can I find a tour of Game of Thrones filming locations in Croatia?

    Several companies offer guided tours of filming locations throughout Croatia.

    These tours may include sites in Dubrovnik, Split, and other scenic areas. Some tours provide in-depth insights into how each location was used during filming.

  • Which specific locations in Split, Croatia were used in Game of Thrones?

    In Split, Diocletian’s Palace served as a primary filming location for Meereen, where many scenes, including those with Daenerys, were filmed.

    This historic site offered a unique backdrop, blending the series’ fantasy elements with real-world architecture.

  • What are the most iconic scenes in Game of Thrones filmed in Dubrovnik?

    Dubrovnik doubled as King’s Landing, where King Joffrey ruled as king, featuring numerous memorable scenes such as the Walk of Shame. The city’s historic walls and stunning coastline provided a perfect setting for the capital of Westeros.

  • Is there a map that shows all the Game of Thrones filming sites in Croatia?

    Yes, various resources and online maps highlight key filming locations across Croatia.

    These maps often cover well-known spots in Dubrovnik, Split, and beyond, helping fans trace the journey of their favorite characters.

  • In which Croatian city were the King’s Landing scenes shot?

    King’s Landing, the capital of Westeros, was primarily shot in Dubrovnik.

    The city’s medieval architecture and scenic coastal views made it an ideal stand-in for the bustling and complex city depicted in the series.

    It is also the place that was portrayed as Blackwater Bay and the main filming spot for all scenes with Lord Varys.

  • Can visitors access the actual sites of Game of Thrones, Croatia?

    Many of the filming sites in Croatia are open to the public. Places like Dubrovnik’s city walls and Split’s Diocletian Palace allow visitors to walk through and explore the iconic settings seen in the show.


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Author

Melina Thalassinou
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