In ten days, we will finally be able to see the seventh season of Game of Thrones, and aside from knowing what will happen to every fan’s favorite characters, a good chunk of the show’s viewers will also probably be watching out for all the fascinating locations where the scenes will take place (and figuring out where in the world they shot them).
Luckily enough, Westeros and Essos are not as fictional as you think they are, as its filming locations are very real and accessible to people who wants to see these places up close. One of the countries you should add to your places to visit is Croatia, where you get to experience King’s Landing and be in the place where the Lannisters rule.
Located between Central Europe, Southeast Europe, and the Mediterranean, the country is known for its rich history, panoramic views and architectures, which is probably the reason why it was chosen to be the location for King's Landing.
Here are some of the spots you must see if you want to relive your favorite Game of Thrones moments:
The Old City of Dubrovnik (King's Landing)
With its picturesque view of the sea, the cobblestone streets, and medieval-styled architectures, there is no doubt as to why the city of Dubrovnik was chosen to be the location for the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. Walk along the streets of Stradun and trace the path Cersei Lannister walked on during her Walk of Atonement – that is without the nakedness and the people shouting “Shame!” at you.
Fortress of Klis (Meereen)
The Fortress of Klis is situated on a rocky ridge which gives tourists an overlooking view of the city of Split, the waters, and its neighboring islands. Rich in history, the place used to also be a home to Croatian kings and a fortress for the Balkans against the Mongols and the Ottomans.
In Game of Thrones, the fortress became the city of Meereen, which Daenerys conquered in the 6th season along with her army of Unsullied.
The Basement of the Diocletian Palace (Daenerys' Throne Room)
Said to be the main attraction of Split, the palace was built to be the home of Roman Emperor Diocletian after his retirement in the year 305. Tourists may now access the palace's underground/basement to check out where they shot the scenes in Daenerys' throne rooms, as well as where she kept her dragons.
Gradac Park (The Purple Wedding)
Not only does Gradac Park offer a great view of the old city of Dubrovnik, it is also the location of Joffrey Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell's Purple Wedding. Fans of the show who hated — or loathed — King Joffrey would probably love to visit this place as this is also the spot where he died of poisoning.
Trsteno Arboretum (Red Keep's Gardens)
If you've always wondered where they filmed Lady Olenna Tyrell and Sansa Stark's garden scenes, here's where. The Trsteno Arboretum, which overlooks the Adriatic Sea, was built in the 15th century as a park and summer residence to a Patrician family. It features a garden, an aqueduct, and a fountain which has a statue of the God Neptune and his nymphs.
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Tips:
It's best for tourists to book and join one of the Game of Thrones tour in Croatia so they may visit as many places as they could in a day or two. Guides will also be there to make sure you have all the knowledge you have not only on Game of Thrones, but also on the history of the site itself.
Some of the other countries that Game of Thrones filmed in include Northern Ireland, Scotland, Spain, and Malta. Read all about it here.
Getting there:
Since there are no direct flights from Manila to Dubrovnik, you may catch a plane which will take you to Zagreb, Croatia's capital. From there, you could drive, ride a bus or a plane which will then take you to Dubrovnik.
