Posted on Tuesday, 23 April 2019

While much of Game of Thrones is filmed in Paint Hall studios in Northern Ireland - which is not open to the public - there are numerous exterior locations you can visit. Here are seven of the most unforgettable GoT spots you can see in real life...

Muslim Fort of Alcazar, Seville, Spain (Water Gardens)

Spain has provided many locations for the Game of Thrones universe, mostly in the depiction of Dorne. Among the most impressive is the Muslim fort of Alcazar, which doubled as the evocative Water Gardens. In the real world it is a residence of the Spanish royal family and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But Seville boasts many other magnificent attractions: La Giralda (a bell tower perched on a former minaret) and Plaza de Espana (a vast public space lined with ceramic tiles and a majestic pavilion).

Cordoba Bridge, Southern Spain (Long Bridge, Volantis)

In series five, Tyrion Lannister and Varys cross the mighty Long Bridge of Volantis, which in George RR Martin's universe spans the Royne River. In reality, it is the Roman Bridge of Cordoba, crossing the Guadalquivir River in southern Spain. Originally built in the 1st century, the current incarnation was constructed in the 8th century. Today, only the 14th and 15th arches are original. Despite its many modifications, it's a very old bridge indeed and impressive to see in person. Other reasons to visit: the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba; the Roman Mausoleum in the Paseo de la Victoria; and the Minaret of San Juan.

Dubrovnik, Croatia (King's Landing)

The mighty walls of Dubrovnik provided many backdrops for the series, usually representing King's Landing. According to David Benioff, Executive Producer, “The minute we started walking around the city walls we knew that was it. You read the descriptions in the book and you come to Dubrovnik and that's what the actual city is. It has the sparkling sea, sun and beautiful architecture.” Dubrovnik is the closest you'll get to King's Landing, since the Iron Throne room and the Red Keep are located in Paint Hall film studios in Belfast, where parts of the Titanic were built.

Glaciers of Iceland (Fist of the First Men)

Representing the frozen wastelands of the Fist of the First Men were the glaciers at Snæfellsjökull and Svínafellsjökull. Meanwhile, Mance Rayder's wildling army camp was depicted by the frozen lava field Mývatn Lake, near Akureyri. And Grjótagjá cave, a popular thermal pool, was where a passionate moment occurred between Jon and Ygritte. Because it's so famous among GoT fans, Grjótagjá can get busy, so aim for an early-morning visit - and don't forget to take your crampons!

Kirkjufellsfoss, Iceland (Arrowhead Mountain)

The freestanding Mt. Kirkjufell (463m) isn't high by most standards, but it cuts a unique, lonely shape, and is regarded as one of Iceland's most beautiful peaks. The only way to make a photo of Kirkjufell better is by including the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in the frame.

Essaouira, Morocco (Astapor)

Parts of Morocco were used in seasons one and three, but filming was eventually switched to Croatia for the depiction of warmer GoT locales. That's not to say Morocco does not have some truly evocative locations. One of the most appealing is arguably the coastal city of Essaouira, doubling as Astapor, where the unsullied were introduced on the city's ramparts. The city itself is a kind of 'Marrakesh lite' - more tranquil than its much bigger counterpart, but with all the atmosphere of an ancient, bustling medina.

  

Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland (The Kingsroad)

This beech-lined avenue was only used for a single, short scene - but its Instagrammability made it a huge hit. Disguised as a boy, Arya Stark bids farewell to her old life by escaping on a wagon which rolls down this dramatic road. Named Bregagh Road in real life, this Kingsroad double lies between Armoy and Stranocum in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Thousands of tourist flock here annually.

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