Game of Thrones Locations, Dubrovnik

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HBO’s epic TV adaptation of [amazon_textlink asin=’0345535529′ text=’George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’howbeautifullifeis-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’79220baa-d54a-11e7-b366-1de15e788445′] has become one of the most famous TV shows of all times. Filmed for over five years, it has now become a firm household favourite. Croatia was used to film many of the episodes and Dubrovnik old town was used to film King’s Landing. Filming locations are dotted all over Dubrovnik old town so this city is a must see for true Game of Thrones fans.

There are lots of group and private Game of Thrones tours available to take. However, if you’re on a budget or prefer to go it alone, then you can actually find these filming locations quite easily using the free Dubrovnik city tourist map and my guide below.

St Dominika Street

St Dominika Street is a narrow, curved and cobbled passageway flanked by high walls. Whilst it might be hard to imagine Cersei Lannister on her walk of shame through the bustling market street filled with stalls, animals, peasants and traders, I instantly recognised the set of steps on the streets. This is where the Gold Cloaks kill King Robert’s bastard sons and where Tyrion and Bronn witness a protest speech. Unfortunately, there was a ugly piece of scaffolding obstructing the stairs, but nevertheless, I still think it’s very recognisable.

Ethnographic Museum

The entrance to the Ethnographic Museum doesn’t look particularly impressive, but this 16^th century building was used as the brother that was so frequently visited by the characters, particularly Tyrion Lannister and Oberyn Martell in the earlier seasons.

Dubrovnik City Walls

Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls feature countless times in the scenes of Kings Landing. For example, after the Battle of Blackwater, Tyrion, Bronn, and Podrick walk along the walls as workers repair the damage. Basically, when you see the characters on Kings Landing’s walls, those scenes are usually shot here.

Entry fees apply.

Fort Minçeta

Better known as House of the Undying, the impressive Fort Minçeta is where Khaleesi walks around looking for an entrance and her dragons. You can visit the tower as you walk around the Dubrovnik city walls (entry fee applies). As the highest point in Dubrovnik city, the tower provides really stunning views over city, looking out of the orange tile rooftops towards the ocean beyond.

Fort Bokar

You can visit the medieval Fort Bokar as you walk around the Dubrovnik city walls (entry fees apply). It offers great ocean views and of ‘Blackwater Bay’. The fort was used in several scenes including when Lord Varys and Tyrion stand on the fort’s edge looking out to the sea and plan the defence of King’s Landing.

Fort Lovrijenac

On the west harbour on the path up to Fort Lovrijenac are some cute little doors in the side of the cliff. This is where the gold cloaks were ordered to murder all of King Robert Baratheon’s bastard children. Although, I think theylook a bit like the entrance to a hobbits home… but maybe that’s just the New Zealander in me.

Entry fee to Fort Lovrijenac is included in your city wall ticket, so make sure you take the time to visit, as this is the Red Keep in Kings Landing and where Joffrey’s Name Day festivities took place. There are 175 steps to get up to the Fortress, so make sure that you have had a pre-gelato snack to give you the energy. The fort offers great views, but there’s not a lot else to see and do here. But I did like the piles of canon balls on display. FYI there are bathrooms available here too, just around the corner from the ticket office on the left as you enter.

Two day Dubrovnik, Croatia travel guide — Views of Fort Lovrijenac

Fort Lovrijenac. Game of Throne Filming Locations in Dubrovnik — Fort Lovrijenac

Pile

The small cove between Fort Lovrijenac and Fort Bokar is used as King’s Landing Harbour and is where the Lannister’s farewell Princess Myrcella and where later Cersei awaits her return. The cover has been shot from all angles and used in lots of scenes e.g. when the fleet of Stannis Baratheon sails into Blackwater Bay as a prelude to an attack on King’s Landing. Tyrion Lannister destroys part of the fleet with wildfire, but this only manages to delay the landing of a considerable number of Stannis’ troops, triggering the Battle of the Blackwater. The stone dock is where Little Finger speaks to Sansa and offers her a way out.

Rectors Palace

The Rectors Palace in the old town centre and features beautiful Renaissance arcades and colonnades. The inside of the Rectors Palace is where Daenerys visits the Spice King’s mansion to request his ships to carry her army across the Narrow Sea.

Ploce Gate

The east entrance to the Dubrovnik old town, Ploče Gate appeared is where Tyrion and Lancel Lannister talk with Bronn in the background. Cercsei also entered the Red Keep via the Ploče Gate after her Walk of Shame and was greeted by Qyburn.

The Jesuit Steps

Cersei Lannister’s infamous walk of shame begins at the top of the Jesuit Steps. You will find this Baroque staircase on the south side of the Gundulic Square. They lead to the Poljana Ruđera Boškovića (Poljana Square) where the Church of St Ignatius and Jesuit college, Collegium Ragusinum, are located. Unfortunately these steps are very popular and were crawling with people, so I never got a chance to have them to myself.

Game of Thrones filming locations I didn’t get to…

Lokrum Island

Scenes of the City of Qarth, which was ruled by the ‘pureborn’, were filmed on Lokrum Island. This is where Daenerys Targaryen gets a frosty welcome from the Spice King. The island is located 600m from the mainland and is only accessible by a 15minute ferry or water taxi. The island features the Fort Royal Castle, which was built by the French in 1806. If I’m ever back in Dubrovnik I will definitely be making the trip out there as the actual Iron Throne is there and you are actually allowed to sit on it!

Trsteno Arboretum

Those gorgeous palace garden scenes were actually filmed outside of Dubrovnik in Trsteno, a small settlement which is located 24 kilometres (15 miles) north-west of the city. There are regular local buses connecting Dubrovnik with the Dubrovnik coastland and it takes about 20 minutes to get there.

Built in the late 15th century, the garden features spectacular viewing platforms overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It was used a lot in season 3 where Sansa sat with Lady Olenna, the Queen of Thorns. It is also here that we see Lord Varys and Olenna become allies as they talk about the wellbeing of Sansa, and stroll through the garden.

Keen to Discover More Game of Thrones Sites?

Head over to my post on the exploring the Croatian city of Split and see the amazing 1700 year old Diocletian’s Palace which was used for many of the Daenerys scenes and where she trained her dragons.

Practical Tips

How long should I visit for? You can easily see these sites on foot within a day. However, for the sites that are outside of Dubrovnik, you’ll need an additional day or two.
Tours: You can also join a Game of Thrones group or private tour.
Dubrovnik City walls: The ticket will get you entry to both the ancient city walls and also Lovrijenac Fortress. Try to get to the city walls early in the morning to avoid the queues and crowds.
Language: Croatian. Although most people we came across spoke English in the tourist areas. However, do try your hand at a few Croatian words:
- Yes = Da (da)
- No = Ne (ne)
- Please = Molim (MOH-leem)
- Thank you = Hvala (HVAH-lah)
- Hello = Bok (bohk)
Currency: Croatian Kuna
Tipping: Not required, but people usually round up.
Electricity: The electrical current is 230 volts AC. Wall outlets generally take the European two round prong plugs. However, you are better off purchasing a worldwide adaptor that can be used in Croatia as well other countries. At least then you can potentially get some further use out of it on future vacations. If you’re taking a number of electronics with you, then I would recommend purchasing a couple of these adaptors.
Navigating: We used Google’s free Offline Maps. Google Offline Maps allows you to access free maps for navigating that can be used offline i.e. you don’t need WIFI, data, or roaming to be able to use them. Follow this detailed guide on how to use Googles Offline Maps. Using your phone as a GPS will drain your battery quickly, so use a portable battery charger which you can use to charge your phone and any other USB chargeable devices. If you prefer a paper map, then purchase a Croatian road map before you go. At least it’s reliable and won’t run out of battery or malfunction like the electronic options!