"Game of Thrones" filming locations in Croatia - Split and Klis

Recently, we began a Croatian tour of "Game of Thrones" filming locations in the country, starting with Dubrovnik. Now, we are are going 230 km north - to the city of Split. Spalatum, as the town was named in the Roman time, is the second-largest city in Croatia and an important cultural and industrial center of the whole Dalmatian region. "Game of Thrones" crew decided to shoot some scenes in this amazing city as well. Also, the fortress Klis, near Split, was one of the most recognizable filming locations in Croatia.

Split has something for everyone: a vibrant nightlife, a beautiful promenade called Riva, an old town with Diocletian's Palace built in the 4th century AD, and more. Split is well-connected with nearby small gorgeous cities - Trogir (in the "Game of Thrones" used as a filming location of Qarth) and Omiš. This Croatian city has in its vicinity three amazing Adriatic islands - Brač, Hvar, and Vis. 

Now, let's find out how "Game of Thrones" crew created a fantasy world in historic Croatia.

Diocletian’s Palace or Daenerys' throne

Diocletian’s Palace was built in the 4th century AD, while this region was still part of the Roman Empire. Nowadays, this is one of the most visited historical and touristic sights in Croatia and Europe labeled* as the UNESCO World Heritage Site**. Naturally, it became the filming location for HBO's hit series* - its basement was the scenery for the place where Daenerys Targaryen kept her dragons in her palace. Besides the dragon spot, the basement was also a stage for Daenerys’ throne room, of course, with a little help from many visual effects and animation. Just like Diocletian, Daenerys was an enormous emperor and a fundamental character of the known world.

The history of the Roman Empire is written on the walls of Diocletian's Palace, and similarly, Daenerys made some of the most important decisions regarding the Seven Kingdoms right there. Come and visit this amazing place and get to know more about Roman history in Croatia while exploring some of the most famous locations of the Seven Kingdoms and their fantasy world.

Papalićeva Street - a slave rebellion street

Remember the slave rebellion scene from the 4th episode of season 4? Of course, you do. It was a big jaw-dropping moment for all of us. We were nervous to see what will happen after the huge chase through the small and narrow alleys of Meereen. The stage for this scene wasn't in the studio, it was right at Papalićeva Street in the middle of the old town of Split. Stone walls, narrow streets, and authentic architecture were enough for the Game of Thrones creators to choose this place as the scenery.

Fortress of Klis or the city of Meereen

"*All the slaves are free", *Daenerys shouted proudly, as the Game of Thrones fans globally got uncertainty chills and goosebumps during this iconic episode. That happened in season 4, in the free city of Meeren, which is actually the fortress Klis, near Split. It takes only 20 minutes by car to get from the Split city center to the Klis Fortress. Additionally, buses run regularly from Split to Klis. This Dalmatian limestone stronghold, a house of Croatian kings and dukes, was a crucial defending point against Ottoman Empire. It is suspected to be built in the 3rd century BCE. In the last few years, Klis is best known as the city of Meereen, the most significant metropolis in the Bay of Dragons, where Daenerys released from chains all the slaves.

When walking the Klis Fortress, you can easily see some parts of the "Game of Thrones" scenery.

All those filming locations in Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split, and Klis) are places where people can feel the series' unique emotion as well as explore the real-life historical milestones. Modern tourists want to visit the sites from the TV shows and use their imagination to relive the moments of their favorite fictional queen or king. In Croatia, TV show tourism becomes more and more popular, especially with the evergrowing popularity of the Game of Thrones fantasy world. Croatia took the right steps in accepting and enhancing TV show tourism, making a profit from it, but without forgetting all other important cultural, historical, and natural spots. Game of Thrones filming locations in Split and Klis are must-see locations for all the series' fans and for all those who want to experience this fantastic TV show atmosphere in real-life.