Game of Thrones: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Game of Thrones Dubrovnic, Croatia
The fortressed medieval city of Dubrovnik sits on the Adriatic coastline of Croatia looking out onto a string of small islands and a sea baring every shade of azure to emerald. An ideal setting for the Game of Throne’s city of Westeros. The pale stonework creates a regal fluidity, highlighted by narrow alleyways and darkened corners – just perfect for a murder or two, or whatever the average is at this point in the series.
I’m not usually one to sucker into a touristy “tour,” but Game of Thrones appeals so deeply to my inner geek, I had to say “yes” when Insight Vacations offered it on my Dalmatian Riviera itinerary. I did not regret my choice and found it was a pretty kickass way to find out about many other aspects of the city. We met our local guide, Tomaslav (a.k.a. Tom), just inside Pile Gate, the main entrance to the city. Up until the early 1800s’ the drawbridge to the gate was closed at sunset, after that it remained down until a scene King Joffrey was in deemed it be once-again raised. The city complied and HBO got its shot.
We filled up our water bottles at Onofrio’s fountain and followed Tom back out to the exterior of the city walls and up ramps where the infamous poop nailed Joffrey in the face. Around the corner we made our way through the shadowy corridor where Sansa was nearly raped and killed by the hordes of revolters, but saved by the Hound.
As we traversed across a dry moat and found ourselves on a stone beach alcove, Tom pulled out his book of Game of Thrones scenes to share what had been filmed at that spot.
Continuing passed fishermen repairing boats next to a crystalline alcove we started our climb up the narrow staircased switchback of Fort Lovrijenac – what is used (with a little CGI help) as the Red Keep and looks out onto the ocean and over the expanse of the old city. The view was worth the climb and the fort is rife with familiar scenes and left over production pieces.
We eventually made our way to the back alleys of Dubrovnik with recognizable settings at every turn, and were let in on a spoiler that one of the main characters will do a major walk of shame through the city streets at the end of the current season. The tour came to a close at the youth hostel where allegedly, in a very Tyrion Lannister fashion, a certain talented and diminutive actor got completely ripped one night with some Aussie backpackers and passed out drunk. Allegedly.
Westeros is a magical place, and the real thing, Dubrovnik, is even better – without the high murder rate, uprisings and evil plotting.
