Game of Thrones Competition

Klis Fortress  in Split

Klis Fortress is the striking and ancient military stronghold, situated just outside the city of Split and is arguably the most recognizable set on the Game of Thrones series. It has an incredible location in the mountains, with spectacular views of the mesmerizing Adriatic and Croatia’s second city of Split.

Daenery’s freeing of the slaves from their masters and seizing the city of Meereen, was filmed within the fortress. The magnificent fortress of Klis is also where Khaleesi punishes the rules of Meereen, as they are nailed to crosses in front of all the slaves.

Diocletian’s Palace in Split

The UNESCO listed, Roman Diocletian’s Palace is the best-known and most iconic area of Split and is an important setting for filming during the series. It was built more than 1700 years ago by Diocletian, a great Roman Emperor, as a residence for his retirement. The palace cellars were excavated in 1952 to allow the public to explore the tunnels.

Since Roman times up to the 20^th century, the tunnels had been used as an area to store rubbish. During the Game of Thrones series, Daenerys trained her 3 dragons within the city walls and the cellars. In season 4, the palace was the setting for where the slaves decide whether or not to support her whilst sitting around the fire.

St. Dominika Street in Dubrovnik

The phenomenal St Dominika Street is a tangle of cobbled lanes and tightly-crammed stone houses, close to the Stradun, the most famous road within Old Town of Dubrovnik. This was the setting for several scenes throughout the Game of Thrones series. It is where the Game of Thrones‘ bustling market takes place, as well as scenes where the City Watch, or the ‘Gold Cloaks’, skulk around The King’s Landing.

It’s also where Queen Cersei killed King Robert’s illegitimate sons and notably where the Queen was forced to walk naked through the town as a sign of penance.  There is a rumour that more than 1000 actresses applied for the position to play the part of her naked body.

Bokar Fortress (Dubrovnik)

The Bokar Fortress, (otherwise known as ‘Zvjezdan,’) is located on the south-western part of the Dubrovnik city walls, situated above the Pile Gate, at the fortified entrance to the city. The construction of this imposing fortress commenced in 1461 by the Italian architect Michelozzo di Bartololmeo, and was finally completed in 1570.

It was featured in season two of the Game of Thrones and is perhaps best seen when Tyrion and Lord Varys planned the defence of the King’s Landing whilst looking out to sea. There was a particular conversation when Tyrion tells him that he feels that he is ‘quite good’ at being hand of the king.

Lokrum Island near Dubrovnik

The island of Lokrum (or Lacroma) is situated in the Adriatic sea, 600 meters from Dubrovnik’s coastline. It is a lush island full of holm oaks, black ash, pines and olive trees. A monastery and botanical garden survive from 1023, when the island was discovered.  Some of the garden scenes were filmed in this botanical gardens, as well as at the former Benedictine monastery.

According to legend, Richard the Lion Heart was cast ashore after being shipwrecked in 1192, whilst returning from the Crusades. He had planned to build a church on the spot that he came ashore, but due to the request of the people of Dubrovnik, he built the church on the mainland instead.  Lokrum is also home to a large national wildlife preserve with many peacocks and bunnies as well as a tranquil lake. The island was a setting for the City of Qarth near the Jade Sea, which is visited by Daenerys Targaryen in season 2 and is the setting for where Khaleesi meets the Spice King.