Game of Thrones Season 6, a pivotal season marked by dramatic power shifts and breathtaking battles, was filmed across a diverse array of locations, predominantly utilizing the stark beauty of Spain and Northern Ireland, alongside returning favorites like Croatia and Iceland. These settings served as powerful backdrops, enhancing the narrative depth and transporting viewers to the war-torn lands of Westeros and beyond.
A World of Locations: The Geographic Canvas of Season 6
Season 6 expanded upon the show’s already impressive geographic footprint, showcasing both familiar landscapes and introducing entirely new visual palettes. The deliberate selection of each location significantly contributed to the overall atmosphere and authenticity of the on-screen world. From the sun-drenched plains of Dorne to the icy winds of Winterfell, each setting played a crucial role in telling the complex story.
Northern Ireland: The Heart of Westeros
Northern Ireland remained a cornerstone of Game of Thrones filming, anchoring many key locations. Castle Ward, the real-world incarnation of Winterfell, continued to serve as the ancestral home of the Starks, its imposing structure conveying both strength and vulnerability. The Cushendun Caves, formed over 400 million years, provided the dramatic backdrop for Melisandre’s shocking scene after Stannis Baratheon’s defeat. Downhill Strand and the iconic Mussenden Temple, perched precariously on the cliff edge, stood in for Dragonstone, the ancestral seat of the Targaryens. The dark hedges, and the Titanic Studios, which was the central hub for much of the show’s indoor filming.
Spain: Dorne, Meereen, and Beyond
Spain solidified its role as a major filming location, particularly for the sun-drenched regions of Dorne and certain areas of Essos. The Alcázar of Seville once again stood in for the Water Gardens of Dorne, its intricate architecture and lush gardens perfectly capturing the Dornish aesthetic. The Bardenas Reales, a semi-desert natural region in Navarre, provided the vast, barren landscapes necessary for portraying the Dothraki Sea, as well as some parts of Essos. Girona, a picturesque city in Catalonia, was transformed into the sprawling Braavos, where Arya Stark underwent her rigorous training with the Faceless Men. Pechina in Almería, took on the role of Vaes Dothrak.
Croatia: King’s Landing Retains its Glory
Dubrovnik, Croatia, maintained its iconic status as King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. The city’s historic walls and red-tiled rooftops offered the perfect setting for the political intrigue and power struggles that defined the season. Split, in Croatia, had a cameo as part of Meereen.
Iceland: Beyond the Wall Endures
Iceland’s stark and imposing landscapes continued to represent the harsh and unforgiving territories Beyond the Wall. The glacial expanses and snow-covered mountains lent authenticity to the perilous journeys undertaken by characters navigating this frozen wasteland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Game of Thrones Season 6 Filming Locations
FAQ 1: What specific part of Girona, Spain, was used to represent Braavos in Season 6?
Girona’s Jewish Quarter, with its narrow, winding streets and ancient architecture, was heavily featured in scenes depicting Arya Stark’s life in Braavos. The Girona Cathedral, with its grand staircase, also served as a backdrop for several key moments.
FAQ 2: Did they actually film in the Bardenas Reales for the entire Dothraki Sea sequence, or were there other locations involved?
While the Bardenas Reales was the primary location for the Dothraki Sea, some scenes may have incorporated CGI and studio filming to extend the landscape and create specific visual effects, such as the scale of the Dothraki horde.
FAQ 3: Were any scenes in Season 6 filmed in new locations that hadn’t been used in previous seasons?
Yes, several new locations were introduced in Season 6. Notably, Pechina in Almería, used as Vaes Dothrak, and the increased role of Girona for Braavos.
FAQ 4: How did the show protect the filming locations, especially environmentally sensitive areas like Iceland and the Bardenas Reales?
The production team worked closely with local authorities and environmental organizations to minimize their impact. They implemented strict protocols for waste management, protected sensitive flora and fauna, and ensured that filming activities adhered to local regulations. Furthermore, often the show worked with local environmental agencies, helping to repair and bolster the natural environment after filming had occurred.
FAQ 5: Was any filming done in Morocco for Season 6, as it had been in previous seasons for Essos?
No, Morocco was not used for filming in Season 6. Spain became the primary location for depicting Essos and Dorne, effectively replacing Morocco’s role from earlier seasons.
FAQ 6: Besides Girona, were any other Catalan cities used for filming in Season 6?
Yes, although Girona played the most significant role, other areas in Catalonia were used. Examples include Tossa de Mar, which featured as a coastal area during Arya’s escape from the Waif.
FAQ 7: How did the climate of different filming locations affect the production schedule?
The production schedule was meticulously planned to accommodate the varying climates of the filming locations. For example, filming in Iceland was scheduled during periods with more favorable weather conditions, while filming in Spain took advantage of the region’s warmer, sunnier climate. The team often had to take the weather into account for scenes, and would use the weather conditions to their advantage.
FAQ 8: What were some of the challenges of filming in historically significant locations like the Alcázar of Seville and Dubrovnik?
Filming in historically significant locations presented logistical challenges, including restrictions on equipment placement, the need to protect historical artifacts, and managing crowds of tourists. The production team worked closely with local authorities to ensure that filming activities were respectful of the historical significance of the locations.
FAQ 9: Did the local communities in Northern Ireland and Spain benefit economically from the filming of Game of Thrones?
Absolutely. The filming of Game of Thrones provided a significant boost to the local economies of Northern Ireland and Spain. It created numerous jobs for local residents, attracted tourism to the region, and generated revenue for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.
FAQ 10: Where were the interiors of Castle Black filmed in Season 6?
While exterior shots of Castle Black were sometimes filmed on location, the interior scenes were predominantly filmed in the Titanic Studios in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
FAQ 11: Were the actors able to visit the locations during their free time and explore the local culture?
Yes, the cast and crew often had opportunities to explore the local cultures and visit historical sites during their free time. Many actors shared photos and stories of their experiences on social media, further promoting tourism to the filming locations.
FAQ 12: What resources are available to fans who want to visit the Game of Thrones filming locations from Season 6?
Numerous resources are available for fans interested in visiting the filming locations. These include online guides, guided tours, and official Game of Thrones studio tours, which provide detailed information about the locations and the filming process. Tourism Northern Ireland, Tourism Spain, and other regional tourism boards offer specialized itineraries and information tailored to Game of Thrones fans. These itineraries often include maps and details on the specific locations, helping fans plan their visits more effectively.
By carefully utilizing these diverse and stunning locations, Game of Thrones Season 6 crafted a visually compelling and emotionally resonant narrative, further cementing its place in television history.