Winter is coming
I was reminded of Dubrovnik because I was there this time of year!
For many years, HBO’s series “Game of Thrones” had impressive popularity, and now with the “House of the Dragon,” we decided it would be fun to show fans a few ways to immerse themselves in some of the show’s most iconic settings. Dubrovnik, Croatia, is the lovely city where the production of the show took place. This land is filled with rich culture, and, whether you side with House Stark or House Lannister, these five places will definitely leave you impressed.
1. The Jesuit Stairs – These famous Baroque stairs appeared in Season Five of the series during the infamous 'Walk of Shame' scene. The stairs extend from Gundulic Square to St. Ignatius Church and embrace Spanish architecture. The iconic scene catapulted the location's popularity and has become a frequently visited landmark. The view from the top is charming and gives you a great view of the city.
2. Fort Lovrijenac – This area is often referred to as St. Lawrence Fortress and is a theater located on the outskirts of the western walls of the Old Town in Dubrovnik. The interior of the fortress is used for filming the halls of the 'Red Keep' while the exterior captures Blackwater Bay. Visitors are welcome to navigate the fort and experience the ancient history that lies within.
3. City Walls – The amazing City Walls of Dubrovnik were a major deciding factor with producers when selecting Dubrovnik to shoot this beloved series. Countless scenes feature the Medieval style walls, including some near the Narrow Sea, and many private walks that were taken on the show. You can take a tour of the walls for a small fee. There are three main entrances, and while taking the tour, you will get a chance to see Lovrijenac Fortress and capture beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea.
4. Tresteno Arboretum – This site is a major filming location on the show, known as the King’s Landing and the Red Keep’s Garden. It's located 10 miles from Dubrovnik. The park is stunning and encapsulates the privacy that's represented in the series. It's one of the oldest arboretums in the world, and the hedges combined with the floral selections are immaculate.
5. Island of Lokrum – This island is located 600 meters from the city and is home to the famous 'Iron Throne.' The throne is housed in the Visitors Center and is free for spectators. You are welcome to pose and snap a few pics sitting on the throne if you'd like. Other “Game of Thrones” points of interest in Lokrum include the botanical gardens (located off the coast) featured in the city of Quarth and the monastery.
The essence of the show is everywhere in Dubrovnik. As you walk the streets, you may not see any Dragons but you will surely recognize details and signature scenes from the series. Lisa’s Dirty Little Secret: I’ve not seen one episode of Game of Thrones. But, I have been to Dubrovnik and it is an amazing city that needs to be on everyone’s travel list. Here I am in Dubrovnik, pretending to know all about Game of Thrones!
