Iconic Must-See Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Croatia

Much of the world was unaware of Croatia’s incredible architecture and landscapes until the hit HBO series captured the imaginations of millions. From the iconic Dubrovnik, which stood in for King’s Landing, to Split where many of the scenes featuring Daenerys were shot. No matter which house you rooted for, there is an iconic Game of Thrones filming location in Croatia that is sure to awe-struck you. Dive in for the best Game of Thrones locations in Dubrovnik, Split, and Sibenik.

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Game of Thrones Locations in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s ancient Old Town walls are home to many Game of Thrones scenes, making it the perfect place for travelers to begin a GoT tour of Croatia. It now boasts tons of walking tours, themed restaurants, an Iron Throne, and merchandise influenced by the series. Here are the top GoT filming locations you should explore in Dubrovnik.

You can see most of the Game of Thrones Dubrovnik locations by yourself. Or opt for an Game of Thrones Croatia tour.

Trsteno Arboretum

Located just 20 minutes outside Old Town, Trsteno Arboretum was used as the stand-in for the Red Keep palace gardens. A gorgeous spot overlooking the Adriatic Sea, this filming location was first used in Season 3 when Sansa Stark reveals her secrets about King Joffrey to Lady Olenna. It is also in these gardens that Lord Varys and Lady Olenna discuss Sansa Stark’s safety and where the plot to poison King Joffrey begins to form.

The arboretum was erected by the local noble family Gucetic—Gozze in the late 15th century. The exact start date is unknown, but it was already in existence by 1492. It boasts an exotic mix of specimens because the family requested ship captains bring back seeds and plants from their travels.

Minceta Tower

Minceta Tower is the highest point in Dubrovnik City and boasts impressive views of the sea and Old Town. This feature is likely why the filming crew chose this tower as the House of Undying in Season 2. This is where Daenerys, with the help of Jorah Mormont, attempts to retrieve her stolen dragons since its looming presence is quite remarkable.

Its name is derived from the Menčetić family, who owned the land on which the tower was built. This large, round fort with a massive base is topped with a great Gothic crown that spreads over the side of the fort, instilling a sense of power.

Lovrijenac Fortress

While it’s not as tall as the Red Keep, this 16th-century fortress that stood in for it is no less worthy of a visit. Several scenes have been shot here, famously the tournament held in King Joffrey’s name in Season 2. 

Boasting 12-meter thick walls, the fortress played a pivotal role in defending Dubrovnik. Famous for its importance in resisting Venetian rule, it overshadows the 2 entrances to the city, from the sea and by land. The cunning logic behind these massive walls was that their inhabitants hoped the Venetians would see the fortress and believe that it was an impregnable fortress. The plan worked and helped to avoid Dubrovnik’s capture.

Lokrum Island

Lokrum is conveniently located a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik Old Town, so day trips to the island are easy to do. Home to a botanical garden, salt lake, and Benedictine monastery dating back at least to 1023, this enchanting island was the filming location for the city of Qarth in Season 2. The gardens and monastery are heavily featured in the garden party scenes, where Khaleesi meets the Spice King.

Aside from the allure of the island, you can find a small exhibition dedicated to the series inside the visitors center. You have the opportunity to sit on the Iron Throne, a must for any fans checking out Game of Thrones filming locations in Croatia.

Bokar Fortress and Pile Gate

Located at the top of a steep cliff on the western corner of Dubrovnik’s city walls, the Bokar Fortress was built in the 15th century. Its main purpose was to defend the town’s main entrance, Pile Gate, its bridge, and moat.

This oceanside fortress is first seen in Season 2 when Tyrion and Lord Varys look out over the sea while planning the defense of King’s Landing. It’s seen again during the pivotal scene in Season 8 when Daenerys decides to burn King’s Landing to the ground.

Pile Gate was used for many scenes throughout the early Game of Thrones seasons. Most famously the scene in season two where King Joffrey is attacked and orders his guards to “kill them all.” We see this location again when Jamie Lannister returns to King’s Landing in search of his sister.

It also features heavily in the series as Blackwater Bay, where we see Sansa Stark and Lord Baelish discuss escape plans following King Joffrey’s death in Season 3.

St Dominika Street and the Jesuit Staircase

You may have to resist the urge to scream ‘SHAME!’ as you wander St Dominika Street. This is a quaint cobblestone street that is most famous as the location of Cersei’s infamous walk in Season 5. Lined with stone houses and featuring sweeping white stone staircases, this street is also where King Robert’s illegitimate sons are killed by order of Cersei.

To see the infamous staircase she proceeds down, head to Gundulic Square in the center of Old Town for its regal and impressive Jesuit Staircase.

Ston Croatia

Most people who visit Dubrovnik don’t visit the town of Ston, which lies about 50 km north of Dubrovnik. The famous Walls of Ston were used to depict the city walls of King’s Landing. This dramatic structure form the fortifications surrounding the western side of the city. The 5.5 kms long wall was used to protect Ston’s salt marshes from the Ottomans. 

But those who are interested in Game of Thrones ini Dubrovnik can easily take a bus ride or a car drive to visit Ston.

Game of Thrones Locations in Split

At least 3 hours by bus or around 5 hours by ferry from Dubrovnik, Split is the second most impressive Game of Thrones filming location in Croatia. Those making a stop here should certainly check out Dicoletian’s Palace, an ancient palace used for many scenes in the series. You can explore main attractions of Split in a day by yourself.

Aside from that alluring aspect, Split is well known as the gateway to the Dalmatian Islands, which are renowned for their natural beauty, history, and Mediterranean climate. The easy ferry connectivity is why many folks prefer Split over Dubrovnik as their base for exploring the islands. Thus, Split is a perfect starting point for an island-hopping adventure.

Klis Fortress

The town of Klis lies about a 20-minute drive out of the city. This is an impressive mountainside location with exceptional views of Split and the Adriatic Sea. Featuring an imposing fortress looming above the town, fans will recall it as the City of Mereen. This fictional city was introduced in Season 4. It is most memorable as the location where Daenerys seizes the city and frees the slaves from their masters before nailing them to crosses. You can take a Game of Thrones Tour from Split to Klis.

This pivotal location on a pass that separates the mountains Mosor and Kozjak was used to build a small stronghold by the ancient Illyrian tribe Dalmatae. For over its 2,000-year history, this area has been a royal castle and seat of many Croatian kings. It was a fortress during the Ottoman wars, with its last military occupation being by the Axis powers during World War II.

Diocletian’s Palace

Built in the 4th century by Roman Emperor Diocletian, hence the name, this is easily the most famous landmark in Split. It was intended as the emperor’s retirement residence. Visitors can find shops, galleries, bars, restaurants, and more inside the marvelous palace walls. However, the palace basements house the most prominent Game of Thrones filming location in Split.

During Season 4, they were used as the location for where Daenerys keeps her dragons and where the slaves sit around the fire and decide whether or not to support her. Ancient alleyways and cobblestone streets within the palace walls were also used for various scenes. And for those who can’t get enough of A Song of Ice and Fire, a visit to the Game of Thrones museum, with replica equipment, props used in filming, and more, is in order.

Today, the palace remains are part of Split’s historic Old Town core, which UNESCO listed as a World Heritage Site in 1979. Consider this top-rated walking tour with a local historian.

Žrnovnica

About a 15-minute drive outside of Split is the small village of Žrnovnica, which boasts just over a population of 3,200 people. Once home to many grain mills, this city was used as a filming location in Season 4. Specifically for Missandei’s bathing scene, Daenerys’ handmaid and interpreter. 

The nearby quarry was also used as the setting for the battle where Daenerys and the Unsullied descend on Mereen. It’s here where Daario Naharis kills the city champion.

Game of Thrones Locations in Sibenik

Just north of the city of Split, the city of Šibenik appears as a filming location in 3 episodes of the 5th season of Game of Thrones. Consider this day or night walking tour through Medieval Šibenik.

Cathedral of St. James

​​A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the filming location for the most powerful financial institution in the Free World: The Iron Bank. Fans of the GoT series must visit the Cathedral of St. James, which appeared in the 5th season. 

The Cathedral is the most important architectural monument of the Renaissance in the entire country. It is often known as “St. Jacob’s,” because Croatian, like many other languages, uses the same name for both “James” and “Jacob”.

St. John’s Fortress 

St. John’s Fortress is an early modern fortress situated atop a hill north of the city’s historical center. It was named after a medieval church dedicated to St. John the Baptist that had stood there from at least 1444. The fortress and the adjacent Barone Fortress were built during the Cretan War and successfully repelled consecutive Ottoman attacks in 1646 and 1647.

It is also where the fighting pit in the town of Meereen was filmed. In this scene, Jorah defeats numerous fighters while Daenerys watches the fight from the grandstand.

The City Streets of Šibenik

The old parts of Šibenik are shown in the 5th season when Arya Stark, everyone’s favourite Faceless Man-in-training, arrives in Braavos.

Final Thoughts on Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Croatia

Game of Thrones has many dazzling filming locations, but some of the most iconic are certainly located in Croatia. The country is home to Dubrovnik, the deeply desired seat of the Iron Throne. It also boasts several locations elsewhere tied to fan-favorite characters such as Daenerys, Tyrion, and Arya.

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This is a guest post by Michelle, the founder of Travel HerStory, a solo female travel and budget-friendly blog. She’s a wanderluster who over the past 11 years, has blogged her adventures to help you with yours. When not planning her next trip, she’s sharing itineraries, budget travel tips, sightseeing pass reviews, and recommendations on accommodations!

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Planning a trip to Croatia?

See this 2-week Croatia itinerary, suited for a family trip

Inclined towards city sightseeing? Read how to spend one day in Zagreb and 1 day in Split Croatia. Do see the comparison between Split and Dubrovnik. Also Dubrovnik old town and a day trip to Ston and Mali Ston in Croatia

You must visit one of the national parks in Croatia: Plitvice and Krka being the famous ones. See this travel guide on Plitvice Lakes.

Croatia is famous for its islands. Check out these posts on best things to do in Hvar island and Vis island Travel Guide. There are over 1000 islands across the Dalmatian coast, here is a guide on the best Croatian islands for families.

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