Visiting filming locations is always popular among film and series enthusiasts. Sometimes, the spots where filming took place are clearly recognizable, but often they are not. For example, I previously wrote an article about Outlander filming locations, which includes several places that are not so easy to find. Especially when a lot of post-processing is involved, filming locations often become unrecognizable, as was the case with the Game of Thrones series. Scenes for this series were shot in Ireland, Spain, Iceland and Morocco, among other places. However, most of Game of Thrones was filmed in various locations across Croatia. Dubrovnik is a city well-known to many fans, but Split is also home to several Game of Thrones filming locations.
Diocletian’s Palace as the setting for several Game of Thrones scenes
The famous Diocletian’s Palace in Split is a location where multiple scenes for Game of Thrones seasons 4, 5 and 6 were filmed. The Roman emperor Diocletian had a palace built in the early 4th century, not far from Salona (which was then the capital of the province of Dalmatia). After his abdication in 305, he lived there until his death in 311. The palace was enormous, covering an area of 30,000 square meters (divided into four quarters). What was once enclosed within the palace walls is now the old center of Split. Much of it has been preserved, which is why Diocletian’s Palace was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.
Above ground in Split, it is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, arches and pillars. Your eyes will be constantly drawn to new details and if you enjoy photography, you’ll find yourself taking picture after picture. Underground, there is an entire network of corridors and cellars. Some of these cellars can be visited for free; this section runs from the Riva boulevard (Brass Gate) to Peristil Square, passing under the vestibule. The remaining cellars can be explored for a small entrance fee.
Where exactly in Split can you find Game of Thrones filming locations?
To discover the exact Game of Thrones filming locations, you can explore the old town (the palace) with a guide who will take you to the places where scenes were shot. This is a great option because a guide provides background information that is not always easy to find online. Many guides now offer specialized Game of Thrones tours. Of course, visiting the film locations on your own is also an option. To help you, we have listed several Game of Thrones filming locations in Split for you.
Cellars of Diocletian’s Palace, where Khaleesi keeps her dragons (S5 and S6)
The most famous Game of Thrones filming spot in Diocletian’s Palace is undoubtedly the place where Daenerys Targaryen (Khaleesi) keeps her dragons in the series. This location can be found in the cellars of the palace. When you descend the stairs at Brass Gate to enter the cellars, turn immediately to the left. After passing a few souvenir shops, you will see the entrance to the museum area. The entrance fee is 40 Kuna. Right after the ticket office, on the right, you’ll find the cellar that was used for the dragon scenes. A staircase was built at the very back, creating the illusion that the cellar is entered from there.
A fun detail: When Khaleesi locks two of her dragons in the catacombs in the final episode of season 4, there is a shot at the top of the stairs where she looks back. This scene was actually filmed in the fortress of Klis, at the entrance of a gate. If you walk around the fortress, you’ll easily recognize the spot by the cypress trees in the background. The editing team did a great job piecing everything together!
The fight between the Unsullied and the Sons of the Harpy (S5)
If you walk back to Brass Gate from the museum entrance and continue straight ahead, you will reach an opening on the left where the fight between the Unsullied and the Sons of the Harpy takes place. This battle was filmed in multiple locations, including the vestibule. There are also scenes showing narrow alleys within the palace, through which the Unsullied walk.
“Kill the Masters” in Papalićeva (S4)
In season 4, we see that in Meereen, “Kill the Masters” is written on a wall in blood. This spot is located in Papalićeva (one of the streets of Meereen), to the left of the entrance to the Split City Museum. Several scenes were filmed in Papalićeva. For instance, you can see the enslaved people storming into the street alongside the Unsullied to kill a Meereenese master.
Golden Gate, entrance gate of Meereen (S5)
The Golden Gate (Meereen’s gate) appears multiple times in the series as the entrance to Meereen. The gate is truly impressive, both from the inside and the outside. And very challenging to photograph without tourists!
Klis Fortress, setting for the city of Meereen (S4, S5 and S6)
From Split, it takes less than half an hour by car to reach Klis Fortress (the walls of Meereen), a major Game of Thrones filming location. The fortress serves as the city of Meereen in the series. One of the most famous scenes filmed here is the liberation of the slaves and the crucifixion of the masters, after Daenerys Targaryen takes over the city with the help of the enslaved people. Throughout seasons 4, 5, and 6, Klis Fortress appears frequently.
Other Game of Thrones filming locations
Game of Thrones was filmed in many other locations across Croatia, with Dubrovnik (King’s Landing) being the most well-known among fans. However, scenes were also shot in Trogir (Qarth), Krka National Park, Šibenik (Braavos) and Kaštel Gomilica (located between Trogir and Split).
