Daenerys Targaryen’s epic journey from exiled princess to powerful queen was brought to life through stunning visuals, with a significant portion of her storylines filmed across diverse and breathtaking locations. The primary filming locations for Daenerys Targaryen’s scenes in Game of Thrones spanned several countries, including Croatia, Morocco, Spain, and Iceland, each lending unique characteristics to the different regions she encountered in Essos and beyond.
Mapping Daenerys’ Rise to Power: A Filming Location Breakdown
Daenerys’ arc, a cornerstone of Game of Thrones, demanded a tapestry of backdrops reflecting her evolution. From the arid landscapes of Qarth to the majestic pyramids of Meereen, each location played a crucial role in shaping her character and storyline. Here’s a breakdown of the key filming destinations:
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Croatia: The ancient city of Dubrovnik, with its imposing city walls and stunning coastal views, served as the primary filming location for King’s Landing. However, it also doubled as Qarth, the opulent trading city where Daenerys sought refuge. The island of Lokrum, just a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik, provided the lush scenery for Qarth’s garden party.
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Morocco: Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fortified city or ksar, served as Yunkai, the Yellow City. Its distinctive earthen architecture and strategic location made it the perfect backdrop for Daenerys’ liberation of slaves. Also, parts of Astapor, the city of the Unsullied, were filmed in Morocco.
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Spain: Spain’s diverse landscapes played a crucial role in depicting various locations across Essos. The Alcázar of Seville became the Water Gardens of Dorne, a key location for the Martell storyline but briefly seen when Daenerys discusses alliances. More importantly, the Roman bridge in Córdoba served as the Long Bridge of Volantis, and Peñíscola portrayed parts of Meereen and Astapor. The rugged landscapes of Bardenas Reales in Navarre were also used to depict the Dothraki Sea.
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Iceland: While Iceland primarily served as the backdrop for scenes north of the Wall, the otherworldly landscape of Dimmuborgir, with its lava formations, was used for some scenes within the Dothraki Sea, particularly when Daenerys discovers the burned Khalasar.
The Visual Language of Essos: Matching Location to Narrative
The selection of these locations wasn’t arbitrary. Each was carefully chosen to reflect the cultural and geographical characteristics of the fictional cities they represented. The production team meticulously considered factors like architecture, landscape, and overall atmosphere to create a believable and immersive world. For instance:
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Dubrovnik’s medieval architecture seamlessly translated into the imposing grandeur of King’s Landing and the exotic elegance of Qarth.
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Ait Benhaddou’s earthy tones and fortified walls perfectly captured the harsh realities of slave cities like Yunkai.
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Spain’s varied landscapes, from the sun-drenched gardens of Seville to the arid plains of Bardenas Reales, offered the versatility needed to depict the diverse regions of Essos.
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Iceland’s stark and dramatic scenery added a sense of isolation and danger to the Dothraki Sea, emphasizing the vulnerability of Daenerys and her small band of followers.
The Lasting Legacy: Tourism and Game of Thrones
The impact of Game of Thrones on the tourism industry in these locations has been significant. Fans flock to see the real-life settings of their favorite scenes, boosting local economies and raising awareness of these cultural treasures. Many tour operators offer Game of Thrones-themed tours, guiding visitors through the filming locations and sharing behind-the-scenes insights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Daenerys’ Filming Locations
H3: Where exactly in Dubrovnik was Qarth filmed?
Qarth was filmed in various locations within and around Dubrovnik. Key locations included the Lokrum Monastery Gardens for the garden party scene and sections of the Dubrovnik City Walls themselves. Look for the Minceta Tower to identify a recognizable landmark.
H3: What part of Spain was used for the Dothraki Sea scenes?
The Bardenas Reales Natural Park in Navarre, Spain, with its semi-desert landscape and unique rock formations, served as a significant part of the Dothraki Sea, specifically when Daenerys was captured and taken to Vaes Dothrak.
H3: Was Meereen only filmed in Spain?
No, Meereen was filmed in multiple locations. Peñíscola, Spain was used for some exterior shots and city scenes, while other portions, particularly interior sets and shots of the Great Pyramid, were filmed in studios in Northern Ireland.
H3: How can I visit the filming locations in Ait Benhaddou?
Ait Benhaddou is easily accessible from Marrakech, Morocco. Numerous tour operators offer day trips or multi-day excursions. It’s important to hire a local guide to fully appreciate the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
H3: Did Emilia Clarke actually travel to all these locations?
Yes, Emilia Clarke traveled to most of the major filming locations, including Croatia, Morocco, and Spain. However, depending on the scene’s complexity and schedule, stand-ins and body doubles were sometimes used. Iceland might be an exception for extended periods due to the challenging conditions.
H3: Were there any scenes of Daenerys filmed in Northern Ireland?
While Northern Ireland was a major production hub for Game of Thrones, primarily housing studio sets, most of Daenerys’ on-location scenes were filmed in the countries mentioned above. Some interior shots of the Great Pyramid and other Essos buildings were filmed in studios in Northern Ireland.
H3: Is it expensive to visit the Game of Thrones locations?
The cost varies depending on the location and your travel style. Croatia, particularly Dubrovnik, can be relatively expensive during peak season. Morocco and Spain offer more budget-friendly options. It’s best to research and book accommodations and tours in advance.
H3: Are there guided Game of Thrones tours available in these locations?
Yes, numerous tour operators offer guided Game of Thrones tours in Dubrovnik, Split, Ait Benhaddou, Seville, Peñíscola, and other relevant locations. These tours often provide behind-the-scenes insights and show you the specific spots where famous scenes were filmed.
H3: What is the best time of year to visit these filming locations?
The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) generally offer the best weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be very hot, especially in Morocco and Spain, while winter can be cold and wet in Croatia and Iceland.
H3: How much of the finished product was CGI versus real locations?
Game of Thrones employed a combination of real locations and extensive CGI. While the locations provided the foundation and atmosphere, CGI was used to enhance the scale and grandeur of the cities, create dragons, and add visual effects. The balance between practical effects and CGI was carefully managed.
H3: Can I still see Game of Thrones sets at these locations?
Most of the temporary sets were dismantled after filming concluded. However, the architecture, landscapes, and historical sites that served as backdrops remain largely unchanged. You can still experience the atmosphere and imagine the scenes being filmed there. For example, you will see the walls of Dubrovnik are still standing.
H3: Were any parts of Daenerys’ story specifically written to take advantage of the unique filming locations?
While the core storyline was based on George R.R. Martin’s books, the production team undoubtedly made adjustments and enhancements to the visual narrative based on the available filming locations. The discovery of visually stunning locations may have inspired certain scenes or expanded upon existing elements in the books, creating a richer and more immersive experience for viewers.