Créé par Romane, le 4 juin 2026
Votre guide Ryo
Following the Game of Thrones Trail in Dubrovnik
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To promote tourism, countries and cities have no better calling card than cinema for that. Even if most of the time the scenarios are created from scratch, the natural and architectural settings used remain very real. With a few details aside.
Dubrovnik Game of Thrones
The plains in Northern Ireland, the castles of Spain, the volcanic reliefs of Iceland, the ksars of Morocco, are all magical places that the Game of Thrones series took as a backdrop during its 8 seasons. But all these destinations don't measure up to the grandiose Dubrovnik. The first choice in the heart of Game of Thrones filming locations.
Since season 2, the Croatian city has played the beautiful role of King's Landing. The capital of the Seven Kingdoms. For fans of the series planning a vacation in the Dubrovnik region, we've found some of the places where the filming cameras were set up. You'll see, the boundary between imagination and reality is just as thin as we're led to believe! Small guide dedicated to fans of the planetary iron throne series.
1. Fort Lovrijenac
Let's start with the most obvious. We're talking about Fort Lovrijenac! In the beautiful Dubrovnik images, it's simple, it almost systematically occupies the foreground. And in reality, its stone silhouette, so perfectly preserved, makes it an obvious, therefore unmissable, stop in the city.
Located west of Dubrovnik's ramparts, Fort Lovrijenac (or Saint Lawrence Fortress) is an impressive 11th-century construction, perched 37 meters above the water, which proudly honors the defensive medieval past of the Croatian city. At its entrance, it's still possible to read the Latin inscription Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro (freedom is not sold for any kind of gold).
As the Red Keep of King's Landing, in the Games of Thrones series, Fort Lovrijenac has served as a filming location several times.
Examples of cult scenes from "GOT" filmed on site:
- The battle between the Lannisters and Stannis Baratheon (season 2 – episode 9)
- The nomination ceremony and tournament of King Joffrey (season 2 – episode 1)
2. Pile Gate
To make your entrance into Dubrovnik, you'll have no choice but to use one of its fortified gates. Because yes, in case you didn't know, the Croatian city has the particularity of being surrounded by a set of ramparts that can reach 25 meters in height in places.
If you reach the heart of Dubrovnik from the east, then you'll cross the Ploče Gate and its Revelin Fort. Conversely, if you arrive from the west, it will be through the Pile Gate that you penetrate inside the walls. Even better, since it's the main access to the city built in 1537. The gate is recognizable by its sculpture of Saint Blaise (patron saint of Dubrovnik) and its drawbridge, once closed every evening to prevent enemy invasions.
Examples of cult scenes from "GOT" filmed on site:
- Popular revolt against Joffrey following Princess Myrcella's departure for Dorne (season 2 – episode 6 game of thrones)
- Jaime Lannister's return to King's Landing (season 3 – episode 10 game of thrones)
3. Lokrum Island
Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik, in the waves of the Dalmatian sea, floats one of the most emblematic islands of Croatia. Maybe you've already visited it at least once. Its name is Lokrum Island!
Devoid of any inhabitants and accommodation facilities, Lokrum Island is a true haven of peace of only 2km² on which varied fauna and flora flourish. Pines, cypresses, exotic plants, oleanders, peacocks, rabbits are the fervent representatives of the nature reserve it became in 1962. "Island of love" for some or cursed island for others, Lokrum Island is full of surprises...
Example of cult scene from "GOT" filmed on site:
- Daenerys Targaryen's visit during the reception of merchants from Qarth island at the Lokrum monastery (season 2 – episode 5 game of thrones)
4. Dubrovnik's City Walls
If we had to retain only one undisputed symbol of Dubrovnik, no doubt it would be this one. The city walls! Visually and historically speaking, they surpass all other attractions.
They appeared in the 13th century when the city, formerly the Republic of Ragusa, had to imperatively protect itself from other Mediterranean powers with which rivalries of power and prosperity were growing rapidly. To foil enemy attacks, 2 kilometers of walls were erected with a whole set of additional fortifications (bastions, fortresses...).
Their scale and perfect condition, unique in the world, seduced UNESCO in 1979 as well as the hit series Games of Thrones.
Examples of cult scenes from "GOT" filmed on site:
- Overall view from the balcony of the Hand of the King's chamber (season 2 – episode 1)
- Walk along the ramparts by Tyrion, Bronn and Podrick while workers repair the damage from the Blackwater battle (season 3 – episode 1 game of thrones)
- Discussion between King Tommen Baratheon and Cersei for the latter's return to Casterly Rock (season 5 – episode 3 game of thrones)
5. The Jesuit Staircase in front of St. Ignatius Church
Next to the market square, St. Ignatius Church is one of the mandatory stops in discovering Dubrovnik. Externally, it bears the marks of the baroque style conferred by Italian architect Andrea Pozzo. And internally, it displays light trompe-l'oeil frescoes created by Sicilian artist Gaetano.
With a few details aside, it's the star of the area. Well, until not so long ago... Indeed, to its right stands the new stop of all desires: the Jesuit staircase. Built in 1738, the work doesn't go unnoticed by tourists. For its monumental size, certainly, but especially for its undeniable appearance in the Games of Thrones series. Guaranteed success!
Example of cult scene from "GOT" filmed on site:
- The sadly famous "Walk of Shame" by Cersei from the Great Sept of Baelor to the Red Keep (season 5 – episode 10 game of thrones)
6. Minčeta Tower
On the path of Dubrovnik's ramparts, already a treasure in themselves, stand 4 massive historic towers highly prized by visitors. But only one can boast of being the highest and most characteristic of the city of Saint Blaise. This one, as you've understood, is our Minčeta Tower.
Upon its completion in the 14th century, by architect Michelozzo Michelozzi, its function was clear, precise and specific: to prevent Turkish attacks from the north of the city. Its name, Minčeta, would be a tribute to the family that originally financed its construction. Namely, the Menčetić family. Delivering a breathtaking view of the old town and the majestic Adriatic, Minčeta Tower consistently pleases everyone.
Example of cult scene from "GOT" filmed on site:
- House of the Undying in Qarth into which Daenerys Targaryen enters, before being seized with visions (season 2 – episode 10 game of thrones)
7. Bokar Fortress
Let's leave the north of the ramparts for their southwesternmost part. Where the Bokar Fortress reveals itself, one of the other defensive (and prison) constructions of Dubrovnik.
As with Minčeta Tower, we owe this impressive fortification, perched on the cliffside above the sea, to architect Michelozzo Michelozzi. It dates from the 15th century and has practically kept the same appearance as it had at its beginnings. Same for its battery of cannons. As a result, everything is original except for the roof.
While every year, the place is used for theatrical performances of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, it has also served as a natural backdrop for the cult television series Games of Thrones.
Examples of cult scenes from "GOT" filmed on site:
- Background during the discussion between Tyrion and Lord Varys about the defense strategy for King's Landing (season 2 – episode 8 game of thrones)
- Same background when Cersei announces to Jaime her new alliance with Euron Greyjoy (season 7 – episode 1 game of thrones)
- When Daenerys mounts Drogon to burn the city, even though the bells are ringing in sign of surrender (season 8 – episode 5 game of thrones)
8. The Rector's Palace
Here's another site that we absolutely cannot miss during a stay in Dubrovnik. Both as hardened visitors and unconditional fans of Games of Thrones.
Formerly, the Rector's Palace, as its name indicates, had the mission of hosting the rectors (heads of government of the Republic of Ragusa) for the duration of their month in office. From offices to public halls to private apartments, everything was there. This way, rectors were only authorized to leave the premises for official activities approved by the Senate.
Today, the splendid Gothic and Renaissance monument from the 15th century serves as home to the History Museum of Dubrovnik.
Example of cult scene from "GOT" filmed on site:
- Setting when Daenerys meets the Spice King of Qarth to ask him for a ship to reach Westeros (season 2 – episode 6 game of thrones)
9. The Sorkočević Residence
It's not only within Dubrovnik's ramparts that the Game of Thrones producers lingered to find their quality sets. Right in the heart of the Lapad district, just 10 minutes by road from the Pile Gate, the Sorkočević summer residence has also managed to attract the interest of the American film production.
Bordering the port of Gruž, the address corresponds to a spacious terrain where elegant country manor and Mediterranean vegetation share the square meters. A bucolic calling image made possible thanks to Petar Sorkočević, rich and powerful local aristocrat, who had this villa built in 1521. A true architectural emblem of the High Renaissance, the residence is today listed in the Croatian cultural monuments register.
Example of cult scene from "GOT" filmed on site:
- Daenerys' residence in Qarth (season 2 game of thrones)
10. Gradac Park
On the way to or from the Sorkočević residence, to Dubrovnik's ramparts, we're slipping in a small intermediate stop that's really far from unpleasant.
When the city center fills up or when the temperature makes the thermometer heat up, Gradac Park is the kind of peaceful retreat that comes at the right time. In these 17,000m² of natural space, arranged in the 19th century as if levitating on the cliff side, the small pleasures of relaxation, reading or simply contemplation are all brought together. And this kind of combo is priceless!
Example of cult scene from "GOT" filmed on site:
- Location of the Purple Wedding between King Joffrey and Margaery Tyrell to seal an alliance between the two families (season 4 – episode 2 game of thrones)
11. The Rupe Ethnographic Museum
Museum, yes. Ethnographic, yes. But "rupe", where does that come from? The answer lies in the origins of the place. Before gathering old objects from daily life (tools, costumes...) of the Ragusans, the place was a granary or rupe in Croatian in the 16th century. All the grain supplies from southern Italy, Greece, Albania and other neighboring countries were stored there in enormous silos. 1500 tons of merchandise could feed the city for an entire year.
This "rural" past of Dubrovnik continues to be highlighted on the museum's first floor with very interesting explanations about the old olive oil production techniques, wine storage areas or the means of transporting grapes from vineyards to production areas.
Example of cult scene from "GOT" filmed on site:
- Background of the walk taken by Oberyn Martell and Tyrion around Little Finger's brothel (season 4 – episode 1 game of thrones)
12. Trsteno Arboretum
Indeed, we're no longer in Dubrovnik itself with this very last stop of our 100% Games of Thrones escapade. But 25 minutes by car, basically, that's easily doable!
It's in the discreet Croatian village of Trsteno that you'll encounter the one and only arboretum on the eastern coast of the Adriatic. And incidentally, one of the oldest in the world. Its creation dates back to the end of the 15th century when Ivan Marinov Gučetić-Gozze had it emerge from the ground to adorn his summer residence.
In close relations with several Ragusan sailors, the Gučetić family acquired various exotic species (bamboos, olive trees, plane trees...), sometimes still unknown at the time, to stylishly cover a final surface of 28 hectares. The Croatian muse Cvijeta Zuzorić, Italian painter Titian and poet Lord Byron, would be the great personalities who frequented the place. Well before our illustrious Game of Thrones stars!
Examples of cult scenes from "GOT" filmed on site:
- During the meeting between Sansa and her grandmother, Olenna Tyrell, who exchange about the rumors of cruelty weighing on her future husband Joffrey (season 2 – episode 3 game of thrones)
- When Oberyn promises Cersei that he will deliver a gift to her daughter Myrcella, sent to Dorne (season 4 – episode 5 game of thrones)
Conclusion
Now, everywhere you look in the Dalmatian city will reveal recognizable corners of King's Landing! Even the smallest ones like those on Papaliceva street or those on the western pier. And if you'd like to know a bit more about the real Dubrovnik, we invite you to discover our itinerary, in the link just below.