Season 6 of Game of Thrones got us witnessing the realm of swords, schemes and surprises all over again. The series has not only changed our series-watching experience, it has brought in a whole new brand of tourism. We’ve seen castles and seas and ancient cities and what not, that mostly failed to show up on tourism ads. Though, won’t it be so very exciting to visit these grand architectural and natural marvels, and experience the grandeur of Westeros for real? Of course! You can spice up your travel plans by visiting GOT’s filmin g locations.
Santa Florentina Castle, Canet de Mar, Barcelona (Horn Hill), SPAIN
In the much awaited season 6 of Game of Thrones, the magical castle of Santa Florentina has been transformed into the seat of House of Tarly (Horn Hill). It is surrounded by lush greenery and has been redesigned by Art Nouveau architect Lluis Domenech I Montaner. The castle is frequently booked for film and fashion shoots apart from grand weddings. It is rumoured that the castle’s grand turrets and sophisticated courtyards will play witness to epic battle in the realm of Game of Thrones.
Klis Fortress, Split, Croatia (Meereen)
Klis Fortress, Split, CROATIA (Meereen)
Split is Croatia’s second largest city and has been the base ground for shooting of many scenes that involve Daenerys. The medieval castle, Klis Fortress overlooks the Klis village, about 20 minutes away from Split. This castle serves as the city walls of Meereen, the hot seat of Daenerys’s return to power and also where she responded to ‘injustice with justice’ and set the slaves free.
Aït-Ben-Haddou (Yunkai and Pentos)
Aït-Ben-Haddou (Yunkai and Pentos), MOROCCO
Follow in the footsteps of Daenerys Targaryen’s quest for power and explore Aït-Ben-Haddou that lies 100 some kilometres from Marrakech in Morocco. A UNESCO Heritage Site since 1987, this architectural marvel encloses 6 forts and almost 50 palaces that can serve as individual forts too. In GOT’s magical world of Essos, the structure has been turned into Yunkai, the smallest of the three cities in Slaver’s Bay and, Pentos, the largest of the Free Cities.
Castle of Zafra, Guadalajara (Tower of Joy)
Castle of Zafra, Guadalajara (Tower of Joy), SPAIN
Castle of Zafra is a 12th century structure that stands on the site of a former Visigothic fortification that fell into Christian hands later. Fondly known as ‘the fortress of Spain’s Siberia’, the castle lies on top of rocks and has been progressively restored and is privately owned. This is the castle that was occupied by the infamous Lyanna Stark in GOT, and was the unexpected site of her demise too. The castle is open to visits by permission of the owners. Guess we can finally find out why Arthur Dayne was considered the best swordsman in Westeros.
Lovrijenac Fortress (The Red Keep)
Lovrijenac Fortress (The Red Keep), CROATIA
Lovrijenac Fortress is The Red Keep in our world of GOT. Heart of King’s Landing, the fortress is triangular in shape and is located on a 37 meters high cliff in the western part of the Old Town. The fort provides spectacular views of the city and is also known as ‘Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar’. Ironically, above the leading door of the fortress there is a famous inscription that has been carved – Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro. This means that freedom cannot be sold for all the gold of the world. Guess the Lannisters never practiced what they preached. The bay in front of the fortress was also used to shoot the climatic scenes of the Battle of Blackwater.
Alcázar de Sevilla, Seville (Water Palaces of Dorne), SPAIN
Alcázar de Sevilla, Seville (Water Palaces of Dorne), SPAIN
The perfect place for the lovers of peace and all things nice, the Martells, Alcázar de Sevilla didn’t even require touch ups to serve as the Water Gardens of Dorne. The beauty of the place could be admired in the previous season too and, word has it that season 6 has more of it in store for us. The castle is complete with lush green and blooming gardens and large private rooms that were occupied by Catholic Monarchs about 5 centuries ago, while it was originally built by the caliphs. Another quick fact – the castle is the oldest one in Europe among the ones still in use.
Doune Castle (Winterfell), SCOTLAND
Doune Castle (Winterfell), SCOTLAND
The original structure from the 13th Century was damaged and rebuilt in the 14th Century, most parts of which still remain unchanged. The majestic castle has been positioned at an impressive strategic site, right at the crossroads of Scotland. Our initial introduction with Doune Castle happened way back in the pilot episode of Game of Thrones as the very first appearance of Winterfell, where it all started.
