Game of Thrones filming locations you can actually visit
The fantastic television series, Game of Thrones, comprises of blood, betrayal, love and romance. Based on a fiction series written by George RR Martin, the entire drama displays surreal landscapes, eye-catching architecture, and enthralling monuments. As shocking as it may sound, some of these beautiful fictional locations actually exist in real life. Therefore, we at The Week have compiled some destinations portrayed in the fictional series that you didn’t know were actual tourist destinations. Next time you plan a vacation, you might want to take a pick from this list to relive one aspect of life you see on TV.
The Alcazar, Spain
This is a palace situated at the center of a city in Spain. It is also one of the major tourist attractions in Seville. This royal palace was built by the Muslim kings and is also the oldest palace in Europe that is still in use.
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In Game of Thrones, this place was portrayed as Drone’s Water Place for Sunspear. In the fourth and fifth season, the beautiful gardens of this palace were used as water place and the upper levels of this palace were used by the members of the royal family. A fun fact: It is said that the staircases of this palace were so narrow that GoT crew used cranes to transport their equipment and furniture upstairs.
Mdina, Malta
Mdina, also known as the walled hill city, is 4,000 years old capital of Malta. Filled with rich history and culture, this place is known for its antique traditions. Mdina has a variety of landscapes and rich architecture that has attracted many filmmakers over the years.
Game of Thrones nerds will definitely recognize the Mdina city gate. This was the setting of King’s Landing in season one of the series. Investigating the attack on Barn, Catelyn and Ser Rodrick Cassel entered the King’s Landing through a beautiful gate in Mdina. In reality, this place is home to Malta’s most noble families.
Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco
This is a UNESCO world heritage center which comprises of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls. This site is located on the foothills of High Atlas and is an outstanding example of southern Moroccan architecture. This close ensemble of houses is located on a hill overlooking a dessert. The fictional city ‘Yunkai’ in Game of Thrones ruled by slave merchants was filmed here at Morocco. This is also the place where Daenerys, the Mother of Dragons, marches with her army till the walls of a city. There she was warmly received by people who address her as ‘Mysha’. The Game of Thrones team was not the first ones to use this location in their filmmaking. The producers of ‘Prince of Persia: The Sand of Time’ also incorporated this location in their movie.
Zafra Castle, Guadalajra
This stunning castle was built in the late 12th or early 13th century. It is said that this castle was a former Visigothic and Moorish fortification that fell into the hands of Christian rulers. In season six of Game of Thrones, this castle appears as the Tower of Joy. It is the same place where Ned Stark and his Kings guard fought with Sir Arthur Dayne and other Targaryen henchmen in Bran Stark’s vision. It is astonishing how in the Spanish province of Guadalajra, this castle is the only building that can be seen for miles. It is placed on a sandstone outcrop at an altitude of 14,00 meters. Currently, it belongs to private owners and you will need to take permission from them to visit this castle.
The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
This place has beautiful beach trees planted on both sides of the roads. The avenue was created by a Stuart family in the 18th Century. It is said that the family planted these trees as a symbol of warm welcome to their Georgian mansion. Even after two centuries these trees look magnificent. The dark hedges are also one of the most photographed places in Northern Ireland. This place appears as the Kings road in the Game of Thrones series. In season two, Arya Stark escaped from King’s Landing disguised as a boy through this lane.
Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland
This is one of the three beautiful national parks in Iceland. The park comprises of Vatnajokull glacier and is known for its vast variety of landscapes. The unique landscape is created by fast flowing rivers, glacial ice, volcanic, and geothermal activity. This national park was established in 2008 and also has Europe’s largest glacier, excusing the glaciers in the Arctic region. In Game of Thrones, this place is portrayed as the mysterious region ‘Beyond the Wall’. The series also presents this place as home to mystical creatures. You might recollect this place from the scene where the first of the first men were shot. Also scenes set in The Frostfangs were shot in this beautiful national park.
