Game of Thrones is set in the medieval ages and while there are some elements of fantasy on the show, the power struggle and the politics is as real as it can get. With a plot line that delivers a twist every few minutes, the show has had us on the edge of our seats for almost seven years now and we’re still loving every bit of it.
The various locations of the show add the much-needed authenticity to make the GoT universe as real as possible. In fact, most places that we’ve seen on the show exist in real life and are not just sets.
Here are 11 locations from all over the world where Game of Thrones has been shot.
1. Dragonstone – Zumaia, Spain
Dragonstone is one of the most important locations this season. With most of the important characters here, this location can be seen in every episode of season 7.
In real life, Dragonstone is shot at Downhill Strand in County Derry, Ireland. The beach scenes are shot at Itzurun Beach in Zumaia, a small town in northern Spain.
2. Stairs to Dragonstone – San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Spain
The steps leading to Dragonstone have been repeatedly established on the show. These were the steps where Jon Snow witnessed the dragons for the first time.
The steep staircase is located at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in Spain’s Basque country.
3. King’s Landing – Dubrovnik, Croatia
King’s Landing has always been an important location on the show and has featured in all the seasons.
Shot in Dubrovnik, Croatia, this city has become a tourist hub ever since GoT started using this picturesque location.
4. Winterfell – Castle Ward, Ireland
The seat of House Stark, Winterfell, has a unique charm of its own. The castle of Winterfell has held an important place since the beginning of the show.
Located in Northern Ireland, near the village of Strangford, in County Down, this 18th century property is open for the public.
5. Tower of Joy – Castle of Zafra, Spain
Tower of Joy was introduced in Season 6 and though it has only been shown a few times, we know it holds more importance as far as the story is concerned. This is where Jon Snow was born and we’re hoping to watch more from this location in the upcoming episodes.
Located in Guadalajara, Spain, the Castle of Zafra is a 12th century castle. It is located in a remote location far away from any habitation and that was one of the primary reasons it was featured on the show.
6. Beyond the Wall – Vatnajökull, Iceland
This is where theWhite Walkers live and though the show has explored this area for years, it is only now that this place spells danger on the show.
Europe’s second largest glacier in Iceland, Vatnajökull is the chosen location for ‘Beyond the Wall’. This glacier covers more than 8% of the country.
7. Highgarden – Castillo de Almodóvar del Río, Spain
The Lannisters have now taken over the wealthiest estate in Westeros but Olenna Tyrell’s home on the show is simply exquisite.
Castillo de Almodóvar del Río is a castle in the town of Almodóvar del Río, Province of Córdoba, in Spain. The castle is open to public.
8. Braavos – Šibenik, Croatia
Arya’s time in Braavos was shot in Croatia. The House of Black & White was made on a sound stage but the exterior scenes were all filmed here. The Iron Bank is also located here.
Located in Croatia, Šibenik is a historical city. This is also the oldest native Croatian town that is located on the seashore.
9. King’s Landing Palace Gardens – Trsteno, Croatia
Palace Gardens of King’s Landing have seen some important scenes over the seasons even though we haven’t had even a glimpse in season 7.
With less than 300 people residing in this small town, Trsteno, in Croatia.
10. Yunkai – Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco
One of the 3 cities of Slaver’s Bay located in Essos, Yunkai was a significantly important city in Dany’s story. Since she is now in Westeros, we doubt the show will ever go back here.
Ait Ben Haddou in Morocco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. A lot of movies like Gladiator (2000) and The Mummy (1999) were also shot here.
11. Dorne – Alcázar of Seville, Spain
The Dorne story is pretty much over on the show but their palace left a lasting impression on the audience.
Located in Spain, Alcázar of Seville, is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. The upper levels of the palace are still used by the royal family. UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site in 1987.
We wonder how the makers found such stunning locations from all over the world. The locations add the much needed reality in a show that features dragons and zombies.
Stunning spectacular locations!