Unveiling the Realms of Westeros – A Journey through Croatia

Game of Thrones was one of television’s greatest success stories until it wasn’t. The final few episodes of that last season may have been a bit of a damp squib – and there may be a fair few of you insisting that they don’t exist and that no finale was ever filmed (what a shame…). 

Regardless of your opinions on the controversial finale, Westeros has had a profound impact on TV, culture, and fantasy fans the world over. Many of Westeros’ most amazing locations have, incredibly, barely seen a lick of CGI, with much of the show filmed on location in beautiful Croatia. But where would the intrepid super-fan go to relive the series in person?

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a city that beggars belief; it has one of the most arresting landscapes you will ever see in a coastal town, making it all the clearer as to why Game Of Thrones’ production team used it so often in the show. Dubrovnik is King’s Landing, with numerous recognizable landmarks to discover on a walk through the Old Town. From the Red Keep (aka Fort Lovrijenac) to Cersei’s Walk of Shame (otherwise known as the Jesuit Staircase), there is so much to take in!

Split

Travelling around 100 miles due north-west from Dubrovnik, you’ll find Split – the largest coastal city in Croatia, and one of the most stunning cities in central Europe. Like Dubrovnik, it was used multiple times for Game of Thrones locations, making it an ideal destination for any walking tours of Croatia. For one, there is Diocletan’s Palace.

Diocletan’s Palace is a Roman palace that has had a vital part in Croatia’s history throughout its 1700 years of existence. Most recently, though, it was used in Game of Thrones’ 4^th season, as both Daenerys’ Meereen throne room and the temporary home of her dragons. A short walk north of Split will take you to Klis Fortress, which was also used to bring Meereen to life.

Trsteno Arboretum

Just outside of Dubrovnik, to the north and still, within Dubrovnik-Neretva County, you will find the quiet splendour of Trsteno Brsečine – a national park, garden, and beachfront that hosts a number of iconic exterior sets. Specifically, the Trsteno Arboretum, on the south side of the national park, was used extensively as the location for King’s Landing’s palace gardens in seasons 3 and 4. The lavish sculptures, beautiful promenades, and arresting greenery are all the more impactful in person!

Lokrum Island

The special attraction here is a small lake, named Mrtvo More i.e. Dead Sea. It is the unique lake that links the sea. The lake is clear and calm making it suitable for bathing and visitors also found it their favourite resort. According to the written history this place by used by monks to warn the Dubrovnik residents when attackers are approaching near the sea.  

Just off the shore of Dubrovnik lies Lokrum, a verdant mini island that featured heavily in Game Of Throne’s second season. Lokrum was used as the location for the city of Quarth, where Daenerys and her Dothraki found themselves after thirstily wandering the Red Waste. Here, her dragons executed some fiery revenge upon the swarthy Xaro Xhoan Daxos!

Šibenik

Šibenik lies further northward on the Croatian coast and is another stunner of a destination for reasons beyond cult prestige television. However, the mark it has made on Game Of Thrones is indelible, having been used throughout the series as the exterior location for the city of Braavos. It is also home to the St. James Cathedral, an imposing UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the exterior location for the House of Black and White – where Arya began her training to become an assassin with the Faceless Men.

This place first appeared in the story in Season 5. It represented the city of Braavos. The Iron Bank was represented by the UNESCO World Heritage Site, St James Cathedral. It is the most powerful financial institution in the Free World. Just like the people of Šibenik. This further added authenticity to the filming location.