For nearly a decade, Game of Thrones transported millions of fans into a world of power struggles, fire, and blood. Yet, beyond dragons and the Iron Throne, one star shone brightest – Croatia itself. Its fortresses, mediaeval towns, and Adriatic coastline turned into Westeros.
From Dubrovnik as King’s Landing to Split as Meereen and Šibenik as Braavos, Croatia became the backdrop of the world’s most beloved fantasy series. Today, you can follow in the footsteps of Tyrion, Daenerys, Arya, and Cersei on a journey through living history.
Why is Croatia famous for Game of Thrones?
Between 2012 and 2019, Croatia became one of HBO’s most important filming destinations. Its UNESCO heritage towns, fortresses, and coastal landscapes were transformed into Westeros. Dubrovnik stood in as King’s Landing, Split as Meereen, Šibenik and Kaštel Gomilica as Braavos, Lokrum and Trogir as Qarth, Trsteno as the Tyrell Gardens, and Ston as the mighty walls of the capital.
Dubrovnik – King’s Landing
Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, became the heart of Westeros as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. Unlike many other filming locations, the city required almost no digital effects – its authentic stone walls, imposing fortresses, and baroque streets created the perfect backdrop for the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
Walking through Dubrovnik’s Old Town feels like stepping directly into Game of Thrones. At Fort Lovrijenac, which stood in as the Red Keep, unforgettable moments unfolded: Joffrey’s Name Day, Tyrion’s legendary slap, and the dramatic Purple Wedding. The grand Jesuit staircase leading up to St Ignatius Church became the setting for Cersei’s infamous Walk of Shame.
Above the city, Minčeta Tower transformed into the House of the Undying, while Gradac Park served as the royal gardens, hosting the extravagant Purple Wedding feast. Dubrovnik also appeared as Qarth, with the Rector’s Palace and Revelin Fortress doubling as the opulent trading city. Along the city walls, countless battle scenes and patrols were filmed, while Pile Gate and its bay became the stage for riots and heartfelt family farewells.
Even the abandoned Hotel Belvedere Amphitheatre found its place in the saga as the brutal arena for Oberyn Martell’s duel with The Mountain.
Today, exploring Dubrovnik means more than just admiring a UNESCO World Heritage Site – it’s a chance to walk through King’s Landing itself, where every corner of the city still echoes with the epic story that captivated millions around the world. For more inspiration, check out our blog about Dubrovnik.
Trsteno Arboretum – Gardens of the Tyrells
20 km from Dubrovnik lies Trsteno Arboretum, one of Europe’s oldest Renaissance gardens. It became the Royal Gardens, where Lady Olenna and Margaery Tyrell schemed, and Littlefinger whispered secrets.
Amid fountains, pavilions, and 500-year-old trees, it’s easy to imagine the politics of Westeros unfolding here.
Lokrum Island – Qarth
A 10-minute ferry from Dubrovnik leads to Lokrum, which represented Qarth. Here Daenerys met the Spice King. Visitors today can sit on a replica Iron Throne inside the monastery museum.
Ston – The Mighty Walls of Westeros
On the Pelješac Peninsula, the 5.5 km-long Walls of Ston became King’s Landing’s defences. These mediaeval walls are the second-longest in the world after China’s Great Wall.
Split – Meereen’s Heart
Diocletian’s Palace in Split became Meereen. The cellars were Daenerys’s throne room and dragon dungeons, the Peristil hosted public gatherings, and the Golden Gate provided dramatic entrances. Nearby Žrnovnica Quarry and Watermill appeared as Meereen’s gates and local life scenes.
Klis Fortress – Daenerys’s Stronghold
Overlooking Split, Klis Fortress was filmed as the exterior of Meereen. From its terraces, Daenerys looked down on the city she conquered.
Trogir & Kaštel Gomilica – Qarth and Braavos
Trogir’s mediaeval streets doubled as Qarth, where Daenerys’s dragons were imprisoned. Kaštel Gomilica represented Braavos, where Arya sold oysters during her training with the Faceless Men.
Šibenik – The Iron Bank of Braavos
Šibenik’s Cathedral of St James became the Iron Bank of Braavos, while nearby St Nicholas Fortress also appeared in Arya’s storyline. This UNESCO-listed town was a perfect Braavosi backdrop.
How Long Do Game of Thrones Tours in Croatia Take?
Walking tours in Dubrovnik or Split typically last 2–3 hours. Full-day trips tours from Split take you to Klis Fortress and Šibenik, while from Dubrovnik you can explore Trsteno Arboretum – each lasting around 7 hours.
How Many Game of Thrones Locations Are in Croatia?
There are more than 15 filming locations across Croatia, making it the richest GOT filming country in Europe.
Practical Travel Tips for GOT Fans
- Best season to visit: April–October.
- Tickets: Dubrovnik Walls (€40), Fort Lovrijenac (€15), Trsteno (€10), Diocletian’s Cellars (€8).
- Tours: Guided tours offer filming insights.
Croatia’s Lasting Role in Game of Thrones
Between 2012 and 2019, Game of Thrones tourism brought Croatia 2–3 billion HRK in revenue. Even today, over 60,000 fans visit annually to explore filming sites.
Croatia – More Than a Film Set
Even without HBO’s cameras, Croatia feels like another world. Dubrovnik’s mediaeval charm, Split’s Roman grandeur, Šibenik and Trogir’s UNESCO beauty, and Ston’s mighty walls make Croatia a destination where history and fantasy blur together.
Photos: HTZ - Ivo Bočina, Daniel Pavlinović
