From screen to scenes: Game of Thrones locations in real life - Part 1: Malta
- The lost Wanderer
- Aug 24, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 5, 2022
#Fromscreentoscenes is a project of The lost Wanderer about the filming locations of movies or series that you might be curious about. Let's start with Game of Thrones, an HBO TV-series which is not only attractive by the story itself, but also all the ingredients that the series was made from, including the filming places. Game of Thrones locations in real life are mainly in Croatia, Northern Ireland, Spain, Iceland, Morocco, and Malta where it all started.
A litttttle spoiler, be aware.
1. Fort Ricasoli, Valletta
Known as: Gate of the Gods in King's Landing
The Game of Thrones Season 1 was primarily filmed in Malta. Valletta is the capital city of Malta, officially recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. Fort Ricasoli is easily pointed out from the "Lord Snow" (S.01, E.03) with the unique architecture of two enormous twisted braid-alike columns in the front.
2. St. Dominic's Priory, Rabat
Known as: Red Keep Garden
It is also the main picture of this post above, where Cersei Lannister and Ned Stark have a friendly small talk in "You Win Or You Die" (S.01, E.07). It was filmed in the cinematic garden of St. Dominic's convent.
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Known as: King's Landing main gate
Also in "Lord Snow", you might spot lady Catelyn Stark and ser Rodrik Cassel riding through this gate into the city. Later on, she would also have to farewell Ned Stark here.
4. Pjazza Mesquita, Mdina
Known as: Petyr Baelish's brothel
Not only being featured several times in the series as a dreaming place belongs to Littlefinger, Pjazza Mesquita is also the filming location of the scene that Ned Stark was attacked by Jamie Lannister in "The Wolf and The Lion" (S.01, E.05)
5. Fort Manoel, Manoel Island
Known as: Scaffolding of King's Landing
After being forced to make a false confession of treason to save his daughters' lives, Ned Stark is beheaded here in Fort Manoel, in front of Sansa's witness in "Baelor" (S.01, E.09). Since then, Joffrey becomes one of the hated names of all time.
6. San Anton Palace and Garden, Attard
Known as: Ned Stark's head severed on spike
Was once filmed previously when they make use of the palace stables when the Starks arrived at Red Keep in S.01, E.03, the San Anton palace is used to shoot for severing Ned's head on spike in "The Pointy End" (S.01, E.08).
Tips: San Anton palace is the current official residence of President of Malta. The palace is not fully opened for public, but you can visit the garden from 7:00 to 19:00 daily.
7. Verdala Palace, Buskett Gardens
Known as: Illyrio Mopatis’ Pentos palace
Pentos is where Daenerys and Viserys Targaryen stay in the first episode "Winter is Coming" (S.01, E.01). This is actually the summer palace of the President so it's also closed to the public, however, the Buskett gardens can be visited.
8. Azure Window, Gozo
Known as: Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo wedding
Located in one of the three islands of Malta, Gozo, Azure Window is where the Dragon Mother's wedding took place in "Winter is Coming" (S.01, E.01). Unfortunately, this stone arch was collapse due to a serious storm in 2017.
9. Mtahleb Cliffs
Known as: Khal Drogo's funeral, Dragon Mother is born
To end the list of the recognizable landmarks from Game of Thrones filming locations in Malta is also the end of Khal Drogo's speedy life in "Fire and Blood" (S.01, E.10). As for Drogo, life is too short to grow dragon so yolo, leave 'em all to Khaleesi.
There are more footage angles from Game of Thrones beside the filming locations listed above, so together with these specific spots, you may find many familiar alleys or squares seen in the series in the medieval architecture in Malta. Have you ever been to Malta following the GoT footsteps?
Please let me know if you find out any hidden spots out of here.
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