Since season 2 of Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik has become King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Crowns. This monumental city, surrounded by thick walls overlooking the Adriatic Sea, was also used as a setting for scenes in the prosperous city of Qarth. In total, no less than 15 filming locations have been listed by the tourist office of the city of Dubrovnik in Croatia: a brochure has been dedicated to them. Here are the 10 most emblematic Game of Thrones filming locations in and around Dubrovnik!
N°10 - The islet of Lokrum and its monastery
800 m from Dubrovnik, the islet of Lokrum was first mentioned in 1023, for its Benedictine abbey and monastery. According to legend, it was here that Richard the Lionheart found refuge after his ship was wrecked on his way back from his crusade in Palestine. In Game of Thrones, the islet and the monastery were used during Khaleesi's encounter with the sorcerer Pyat Pree of Qarth. A true haven of peace 20 minutes from the port of the old city!
No. 9 - The residence Sorkočević
In the district of Lapad, on the coast, stands the summer residence of Petar Sorkočević. Coming from one of the most powerful Ragusan families of the 16th century, this wealthy aristocrat had this remarkable building built in 1521, an emblem of high Renaissance architecture. Fans of Game of Thrones will see it as the residence of Khaleesi, in Qarth, in season 2! A place full of history to be discovered without any doubt.
N°8 - Minčeta Tower
It is the highest defensive point of the city walls and above all one of the symbols of the Republic of Dubrovnik. Built in the 14th century, it offers an unobstructed view of the old city of Dubrovnik in all seasons. It probably owes its name to the Menčetić family, who would have financed its construction. In Game of Thrones, the Minčeta Tower represents the exterior of the Hotel of the Undying in Qarth, while the Bokar Fortress was used for the interior scenes.
N°7 - The famous Rectors' Palace of Dubrovnik
Built at the end of the 15th century, this Gothic-Renaissance palace is one of the most beautiful monuments in the city. It housed the office and private apartments of the rector of Dubrovnik until the 18th century. On the first floor, there is now a very interesting history museum and a splendid atrium. In Game of Thrones , the palace was the setting for the meeting between Khaleesi and the Spice King of Qarth in season 2.
N°6 - The Pile Gate
Imposing and majestic, the Pile Gate is the main entrance to the citadel of Dubrovnik, northwest of the city. It has been used many times for scenes from seasons 2 and 3, but also for the filming of season 7 of Game of thrones. This gate recalls the time when the city was closed at night. The drawbridge guarded by the statue of St. Blaise, patron saint of the city, was raised and the gates were locked every night.
N°5 - The Bokar fortress
To the west of the city, on the ramparts, this round defense tower with stone cornices dates from the 15th century. It is the work of the Florentine architect Michelozzi. Overlooking the sea, it protected the access to the Pile gate and its bridge. In Game of Thrones, it was used in seasons 2 and 3 as the ramparts of King's Landing. It can also be found in the interior of the House of the Undying in Qarth.
N°4 - The ramparts of Dubrovnik
Surprisingly well preserved, the ramparts extend today on 2 km overhanging the city. Their thickness varies from 1.50 m to 6 m and their height can reach 25 m in some places! It is the ideal walk to immerse yourself in the history of ancient Ragusa. The view of the city is breathtaking... Aesthetically and historically rich, these ramparts have been used many times in Game of thrones.
No. 3 - Trsteno Arboretum
North of the city, on the road to Pelješac, the arboretum of Tsteno is Dubrovnik's Garden of Eden! In 1494, Ivan Marinov Gučetić-Gozze built his summer residence here and surrounded it with a lavish Renaissance garden, which soon became an important cultural center. Today, this arboretum can be seen in Game of Thrones, it represents the gardens of King's Landing where the main characters share their intrigues and deceptions.
N°2 - The baroque Jesuit staircase of Dubrovnik
Designed in 1738 by the Italian architect Pietro Passalacqua, this baroque staircase leads to the Jesuit church of Saint Ignatius. Its architecture is undoubtedly reminiscent of its Roman model, which connects the Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church. In Game of Thrones , it is the staircase of the Great Septuary of Baelor, where the famous "walk of shame" and several scenes of weddings and funerals were filmed.
No. 1 - Lovrijenac Fortress
This fortress, often called the Gibraltar of Dubrovnik, is 37 meters above the sea. It is the historical symbol of Dubrovnik's resistance against the Republic of Venice. Today, many plays are performed here. In Game of Thrones, it is the Red Keep of King's Landing and the bay it overlooks is Blackwater Bay, where the famous battle between the Lannisters and Stannis Baratheon took place.
