“Game of Thrones” was not just another television series – it became a global phenomenon that changed the way audiences experience television production. From its premiere in 2011 to the final episode in 2019, the series gained millions of fans worldwide, becoming one of the most-watched and influential series of all time.
An Epic Saga Adaptation
The series is based on the literary series A Song of Ice and Fire by American author George R.R. Martin. The books are known for their intricate plots, unexpected twists, and morally ambiguous characters, and HBO’s adaptation managed to retain this unpredictability and depth, which was crucial to its success.
From the first season, viewers were drawn into the dark and brutal world of Westeros, where powerful noble families battle for the Iron Throne. The series rejected the classic tropes of fantasy – instead of a clear division between “good” and “evil” characters, it introduced complex personalities whose motives and decisions were often unpredictable and morally gray.
Characters That Defined a Generation
The series launched the careers of numerous actors, and some of the characters became pop culture icons. Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen), Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister), and many others gained international fame thanks to their roles.
One of the most well-known aspects of the series was its unpredictable narrative – key characters could die at any moment, and shocking twists, such as the Red Wedding, left viewers in disbelief.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
“Game of Thrones” was not just a series people watched – it became a topic of discussions, conspiracy theories, and endless analyses. Every new episode was an event, and social media was flooded with fan reactions. The series won numerous awards, including 59 Emmy Awards, making it one of the most-awarded series in television history.
The influence of the series was felt across all areas of pop culture – it inspired video games, books, souvenirs, parodies, and even tourist tours to filming locations. Phrases like “Winter is Coming,” “You Win or You Die,” and “Dracarys” became part of everyday speech.
Although the final season divided fans, the fact remains that Game of Thrones redefined the television landscape and set new standards for ambitious, high-budget series.
Given its success, HBO continued to expand the world of Westeros – in 2022, House of the Dragon, a prequel focusing on the Targaryen dynasty, was launched, with plans for other series and spin-offs.
Revolutionary Television Production
One of the reasons Game of Thrones left such a strong impact lies in its production. HBO spared no expense – visual effects, lavish costumes, convincing sets, and realistic battles made the series incredibly immersive. Each season was filmed in various locations around the world, including Northern Ireland, Spain, Malta, Iceland, Morocco, and, of course, Croatia. We will highlight the most famous locations that are a must-see when visiting Croatia.
- Diocletian’s Palace and the Cellars in Split – The Secret Dungeon of the Dragons
Diocletian’s Palace is one of the best-preserved Roman palaces in the world, and its monumental architecture provides the perfect historical setting for the fantastical world of Westeros. The producers of the series recognized its unique atmosphere, which, with minimal intervention, became part of Meereen.
The underground spaces of Diocletian’s Palace were depicted as the dungeons where Daenerys imprisoned her two dragons, Rhaegal and Viserion. The massive stone halls with vaulted arches and a mystical atmosphere were a perfect match for the look of ancient Meereen, the city Daenerys conquered and freed from slavery.
Queen’s Street and the Authentic Ambience
The streets within Diocletian’s Palace, with their narrow passageways and stone facades, were also used for scenes set in Meereen. Thanks to its authentic Roman architecture, Split required little digital enhancement, making it a perfect location for filming the series.
- Klis Fortress: The City of Meereen in Game of Thrones
Another spectacular location played a key role in portraying Meereen – Klis Fortress. This historic fortified city, situated on steep cliffs above Split, provided an authentic backdrop for numerous epic scenes.
Klis Fortress, located just a 20-minute drive from Split, perfectly represented the exteriors of Meereen in Game of Thrones. Its imposing stone walls and dramatic position on the cliff created an ideal setting for scenes in which Daenerys Targaryen liberates the city from slavery. The series’ producers didn’t need to make significant alterations to the fortress, as its historical architecture and surroundings already resembled the world of Westeros.
Klis Fortress is one of the most impressive historical fortified cities in the region. Its monumental architecture and spectacular views of the surrounding area provided the perfect historical framework for the fantastical world of Westeros. The producers of the series recognized its unique atmosphere, which, with minimal intervention, became part of Meereen.
- Žrnovnica: An Idyllic Village in Game of Thrones
In addition to Split and Klis, another Dalmatian location served as a backdrop in Game of Thrones – the picturesque village of Žrnovnica. This small village, located by the river east of Split, was used for filming scenes from Meereen, particularly the famous bathing scene with Missandei, Daenerys’ loyal advisor. Additionally, the local quarry was utilized, specifically for scenes depicting the quarry in Slaver’s Bay, near the city of Meereen, which played a key role in the series’ storyline.
Dubrovnik: The Iconic City of King’s Landing
Aside from Split and its surroundings, it is impossible not to mention Dubrovnik, which became synonymous with Game of Thrones, as this stunning city on the Adriatic coast was the main setting for scenes that took place in King’s Landing – the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
- Old Town Dubrovnik (City Walls)
The city walls of Dubrovnik are not only a part of history and architectural heritage but also became a crucial location in Game of Thrones. The walls were used as a backdrop for many scenes depicting the defense of King’s Landing, especially during battles for the city. One of the most famous scenes filmed here is when Tyrion Lannister coordinates the defense of the city.
- Fort Lovrijenac
Fort Lovrijenac, situated above the sea to the west of the Old Town, became a symbol of the royal palace in King’s Landing, known as the Red Keep. Many scenes were filmed here, where characters engage in political intrigue and plot the struggle for power. Additionally, this beautiful fort hosted key scenes related to numerous battles and encounters between powerful characters like Cersei and Joffrey.
- Stradun – St. Dominic’s Street
Stradun, the main street of the Old Town, with its stone pavement and distinctive architecture, often served as a backdrop for character walks and scenes from the first season. One of the most iconic scenes filmed here is when Cersei Lannister undergoes the “walk of shame” through the city, surrounded by people who mock and insult her.
- Arboretum Trsteno
Arboretum Trsteno, located near Dubrovnik, is one of the most beautiful and significant locations featured in Game of Thrones. This historic botanical garden became famous as it served as a backdrop for several scenes in the series, particularly those set in Trsteno, the estate of the Tyrell family, depicting various events from Game of Thrones.
In addition to its fame for appearing in the series, Trsteno is also a botanical garden with many rare plants and trees. The garden boasts numerous Mediterranean plant species, and the location itself dates back to the 15th century.