Split, Croatia, served as a magnificent backdrop for some of the most memorable scenes in the HBO phenomenon, Game of Thrones. Primarily, Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stood in for the city of Meereen, Daenerys Targaryen’s liberated but politically complex stronghold.
Diocletian’s Palace: The Heart of Meereen
Diocletian’s Palace, a sprawling Roman palace complex built in the 4th century AD, provided the perfect setting for the ancient city of Meereen. Its impressive architecture, featuring colonnades, courtyards, and underground cellars, transported viewers directly into the world of Essos. The series meticulously utilized the palace’s various sections to create different environments within Meereen, from bustling marketplaces to clandestine meeting places.
The Cellars: A Dragon’s Den
Perhaps the most iconic location within Diocletian’s Palace used in Game of Thrones are the cellars. These vast, subterranean chambers, originally designed to support the upper floors of the palace, became Daenerys Targaryen’s dragon pit. Viewers vividly remember these dark, stone-walled spaces as the place where Daenerys locked up her dragons, Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion, struggling to control their growing power and destructive potential. The imposing scale and historical atmosphere of the cellars lent a palpable sense of tension and danger to these scenes.
Peristyle: A Stage for Power
The Peristyle, the central courtyard of Diocletian’s Palace, also featured prominently in several scenes. Its Corinthian columns and open-air setting served as a platform for Daenerys to address her people, highlighting her authority and showcasing the grandeur of Meereen. The Peristyle’s authentic Roman architecture added an undeniable layer of authenticity to the show, making it a truly immersive experience for viewers.
Streets and Alleys: A Meereenese Maze
The narrow, winding streets and alleys surrounding Diocletian’s Palace were also utilized to create the bustling atmosphere of Meereen. These ancient walkways, lined with shops, restaurants, and historical buildings, provided a realistic and vibrant backdrop for scenes involving everyday life in the city. The producers skillfully used these locations to convey the energy and cultural diversity of Meereen, making it a believable and captivating place.
Beyond Diocletian’s Palace: Expanding the Meereen Landscape
While Diocletian’s Palace was the primary filming location in Split, other nearby areas contributed to the overall look and feel of Meereen. However, these locations are often misattributed directly to Split when the Palace itself was the heart of the filming.
Klis Fortress: A Strategic Overlook
Though technically not in Split, the Klis Fortress, located a short drive from the city, provided stunning aerial views of the surrounding landscape that were incorporated into the depiction of Meereen and its surrounding territories. This strategic hilltop fortress, with its commanding views, offered a perfect visual complement to the city itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Game of Thrones Filming in Split
Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of the filming locations in Split:
FAQ 1: Was Diocletian’s Palace damaged during filming?
No, extensive precautions were taken to protect Diocletian’s Palace during the filming of Game of Thrones. The production crew worked closely with local authorities to ensure that all activities were carried out in a way that minimized any potential damage to the historical site.
FAQ 2: Can I visit the cellars of Diocletian’s Palace?
Yes, the cellars of Diocletian’s Palace are open to the public and are a popular tourist attraction. You can explore the very space where Daenerys Targaryen kept her dragons, experiencing firsthand the atmosphere that made it such a memorable filming location.
FAQ 3: Are there guided tours of the Game of Thrones filming locations in Split?
Absolutely! Many tour operators in Split offer guided tours specifically focused on the Game of Thrones filming locations, providing insights into the scenes that were filmed there and the historical context of Diocletian’s Palace.
FAQ 4: What other Croatian locations were used in Game of Thrones?
Besides Split, other significant Croatian locations included Dubrovnik (King’s Landing), Šibenik (Braavos), Ston (King’s Landing City Walls), and Lokrum Island (Qarth). Croatia’s diverse landscapes proved invaluable to the production.
FAQ 5: How did the filming of Game of Thrones impact tourism in Split?
The filming of Game of Thrones had a significant positive impact on tourism in Split. The show’s popularity led to a surge in visitors eager to explore the filming locations and experience the atmosphere of Meereen.
FAQ 6: Was any CGI used to enhance Diocletian’s Palace in the show?
Yes, while Diocletian’s Palace provided a stunning foundation, CGI was used to enhance certain aspects, such as adding details to the architecture, expanding the city visually, and, of course, incorporating the dragons.
FAQ 7: Are there any restaurants or shops themed around Game of Thrones in Split?
Yes, you’ll find several restaurants and shops in Split that have embraced the Game of Thrones theme, offering themed menus, merchandise, and experiences for fans of the show.
FAQ 8: When was Game of Thrones filmed in Split?
The majority of the Game of Thrones scenes in Split were filmed during seasons 4 and 5, when Meereen became a central location in Daenerys Targaryen’s storyline.
FAQ 9: What makes Diocletian’s Palace such a unique filming location?
Diocletian’s Palace’s unique blend of ancient Roman architecture, historical significance, and impressive scale made it an ideal location for portraying the grand and imposing city of Meereen. Its authentic atmosphere added a layer of realism that resonated with viewers.
FAQ 10: Is it necessary to book tours of the filming locations in advance?
While it is possible to book tours on arrival, it is highly recommended to book Game of Thrones tours in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure availability.
FAQ 11: What should I wear when visiting Diocletian’s Palace?
Comfortable shoes are essential, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking on uneven stone surfaces. Also, consider wearing sunscreen and a hat, especially during the summer months, as the palace is largely open to the elements.
FAQ 12: Are there any other historical sites near Split that I should visit?
Besides Klis Fortress, consider visiting the ancient Roman city of Salona, located a short distance from Split, for a deeper dive into the region’s rich history. Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also nearby and offers stunning medieval architecture.
By exploring Diocletian’s Palace and its surrounding areas, Game of Thrones fans can step into the world of Meereen and experience the magic of this iconic filming location firsthand, adding another layer of appreciation to the beloved series.