In the footsteps of “Game of Thrones”

Croatia: A Journey Through the Lands of “Game of Thrones” – From King's Landing to Meereen

Dreaming of walking the cobblestones of King's Landing, feeling the power of the Red Keep, or peeking into the mysterious House of the Undying? If you are a devoted fan of “Game of Thrones,” then Croatia, with its ancient cities and breathtaking landscapes, will be a true portal to the world of Westeros and Essos. So, you are planning a trip to Croatia and want to know if you can visit the filming locations of the iconic series. The filming took place in many locations, and a significant portion of them are tourist attractions. Therefore, you have a great chance of simply being nearby.

Dubrovnik: The Heart of King's Landing and the Gates to Qarth

The merchant capital of medieval Adriatic, the ancient city of Dubrovnik, became the main filming location for King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. Its medieval walls, narrow streets, and majestic forts came to life on screen, witnessing intrigues, betrayals, and epic battles.

The fortress walls of Dubrovnik

The Walls of Dubrovnik: These mighty fortifications surrounding the Old Town have appeared on screen multiple times. It was here that the Battle of Blackwater (S2E9 “Blackwater”) unfolded, and it was along these walls that characters strolled, discussing the fates of the kingdom. Climb the walls to enjoy a panoramic view of “King's Landing” and the Adriatic Sea.

Fort Bokar

Fort Bokar: This cylindrical tower jutting out into the sea often served as a backdrop for dialogues on the walls. Remember how Tyrion Lannister and Lord Varys discussed the city's defense (S2E8 “The Prince of Winterfell”), or how Cersei and Jaime watched the arrival of Euron Greyjoy's Iron Fleet (S7E1 “Dragonstone”).

Fort Lovrijenac

Fort Lovrijenac

Fort Lovrijenac – The Red Keep: This impressive fortress rising on a cliff above the sea became the screen embodiment of the Red Keep. Here, the tournament in honor of King Joffrey's name day took place (S2E1 “The North Remembers”), and it was within its walls that Petyr Baelish uttered his famous line about power to Cersei. Important: The Purple Wedding (S4E2 “The Lion and the Rose”) was not filmed here, but in the picturesque Gradac Park, located nearby the Old Town.

Vrata od Pila – Pile Gate

The Pile Gate is hidden behind greenery, in the background is Fort Bokar, guarding the entrance to the West Harbour

Pile Gate & West Harbour: The main entrance to the Old Town and the adjacent bay have served many times as the harbor of King's Landing.

West Harbour, Fort Lovrijenac (left) and Fort Bokar (right)

From here, the Lannisters sent Myrcella to Dorne (S2E6 “The Old Gods and the New”).

Here, Jaime brought Myrcella's body (S6E1 “The Red Woman”).

It was here that the Starks said their goodbyes in the series finale (S8E6 “The Iron Throne”).

Church of St Ignatius

Jesuit Stairs & St. Ignatius Church – The Great Sept of Baelor: One of the most dramatic scenes of the series – Cersei's Walk of Shame (S5E10 “Mother's Mercy”) – began right here. The wide baroque staircase led to the facade of the church, which “played” the role of the Great Sept of Baelor.

St. Dominic Street & Ploče Gate: Cersei's Walk of Shame passed through many streets of the Old Town, including this one. At the eastern Ploče Gate, after her humiliating procession, Cersei was met by Qyburn, introducing her to a new, terrifying member of the Kingsguard – Ser Robert Strong (the resurrected Mountain). Here, on St. Dominic Street, scenes of public discontent and protests took place.

Ethnographic Museum “Rupe” – Petyr Baelish's Brothel: The inner courtyard of this museum became the setting for Petyr Baelish's brothel. It was here that the gold cloaks brutally dealt with the bastards of King Robert Baratheon by order from the palace (S2E1 “The North Remembers”).

Dubrovnik and Surroundings – The Gates to Qarth: Not only King's Landing came to life thanks to Dubrovnik. Some locations transformed into the exotic city of Qarth.

Lokrum Island

Lokrum Island: Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik – and you are on this green island. Its botanical garden and former Benedictine monastery became the gardens and some quarters of Qarth, where Daenerys Targaryen was a guest of Xaro Xhoan Daxos (S2). On Lokrum, there is also a replica of the Iron Throne, where you can take a photo.

Minceta Tower

Minčeta Tower – House of the Undying: The highest point of the city walls of Dubrovnik, this powerful round tower became the mysterious House of the Undying in Qarth, where Daenerys went in search of her stolen dragons (S2E10 “Valar Morghulis”).

Rector's Palace: The inner courtyard and arcades of this magnificent palace in Dubrovnik served as the residence of the Spice King in Qarth, where Daenerys unsuccessfully requested ships for her campaign to Westeros (S2E6 “The Old Gods and the New”).

Split and Surroundings: The City of Meereen

The second-largest city in Croatia, Split, with its unique Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, became the perfect backdrop for the slave city – Meereen.

Dioklecijanova palača, Split

Diocletian's Palace: Its ancient cellars transformed into Daenerys's throne room in Meereen, as well as the dungeons where she kept her dragons Rhaegal and Viserion. The narrow streets of the palace witnessed the Sons of the Harpy's uprising.

Klis Fortress: This impressive medieval fortress located on a hill near Split became the outer fortifications of Meereen. It was from here that Daenerys delivered speeches to the freed slaves and executed masters, and it was on its walls that the masters were crucified (S4). The fortress offers stunning views of the surroundings.

Game of Thrones Museum Split: Here you will find original props, costumes, filming photos, and you can delve deeper into the process of creating the series.

Other Locations in Croatia in “Game of Thrones”

Šibenik

This charming coastal city became one of the embodiments of the free city of Braavos.

Šibenik. The Cathedral of St. James is visible on the right side of the photo.

Cathedral of St. James: The magnificent cathedral, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, appeared in the series as the facade of the powerful Iron Bank of Braavos (S5E9 “The Dance of Dragons”).

The narrow streets and squares of Šibenik also “played” the role of the streets of Braavos, where Arya Stark wandered and trained.

Trogir

Trogir – The Trading Port of Qarth

The historic center of this island city (another UNESCO site!), particularly its monastery and waterfront, was used for filming the trading port and some streets of Qarth.

Trsteno Arboretum: Located near Dubrovnik, this ancient arboretum with its lush greenery, fountains, and gazebos became the gardens of King's Landing (the gardens of Tyrells/The Red Keep). Here, intrigues were woven, and secret conversations took place between Sansa, Lady Olenna, Tyrion, Varys, and other key characters.

Žrnovnica River Mills: A small location near Split, where the scene of Missandei and Grey Worm bathing was filmed (S4E1 “Two Swords”).

Planning a Journey Through Westeros in Croatia

Many of these locations can be visited independently, simply by strolling through the ancient cities. However, to immerse yourself deeper into the atmosphere and learn interesting facts about the filming, consider joining specialized “Game of Thrones” tours. Such tours often include not only visits to the sites but also guides' stories, showing clips from the series for comparison, and even the opportunity to take photos with props.

Croatia has gifted “Game of Thrones” its unique beauty and authenticity, and the series, in turn, has opened these amazing places to the world. So, pack your bags, rewatch your favorite episodes, and get ready to step from the television screen right into the Seven Kingdoms! Valar Morghulis!