Last Updated on 7 January 2026 by Vanessa
Few TV shows have captured audiences quite like Game of Thrones did. The series pulled viewers into the world of Westeros with sweeping landscapes and grand cities that made the story feel real. One of the most memorable locations was King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms—brought to life on screen by the historic city of Dubrovnik in Croatia.
And it turns out Game of Thrones has some unexpected fans… feline ones.
Let’s take a walk through the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik and meet the cats who now rule these spots.
Cats rule over Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik City Walls ⇢ The Fortifications of King’s Landing
Dubrovnik’s city walls date back to the 7th century, making them a natural choice for King’s Landing’s defenses in Game of Thrones. The stone walls run along the edge of the old town and overlook the Adriatic Sea, creating a believable setting for the capital of Westeros.
The show filmed several well-known scenes here, including moments from the Battle of Blackwater Bay and scenes of Cersei walking the walls while plotting her next move. Walking the walls today gives you a clear sense of why the production chose this location.
About the Dubrovnik City Walls
The city originally built the walls to protect itself from invasions, then expanded and reinforced them over time. By the 13th century, Dubrovnik had a strong defensive system made up of walls, towers, and forts that surrounded the entire old town.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, Dubrovnik grew into an important maritime republic and trading center. As the city’s influence increased, so did its need for protection. Architect Michelozzo Michelozzi helped update the fortifications, adding features based on Renaissance military design.
The walls protected Dubrovnik through many conflicts and sieges. An earthquake damaged them in 1667, but the city rebuilt them soon after. By the 19th century, they no longer served a military purpose, and preservation efforts took over. In 1979, UNESCO named the walls a World Heritage Site.
The cats
You’ll see a lot of cats inside the city walls. They descend from cats brought to Dubrovnik in the 13th century to control the rat population during outbreaks of the plague. Since rats spread the disease, cats played an important role in keeping the city safer.
That practice became a tradition, and cats have remained part of life in Dubrovnik ever since.
Travel writer Jennifer Deborah Walker—co-author of the travel books Lonely Planet Global Coffee Tour, Lonely Planet Around the World in 80 Food Trucks, Lonely Planet Global Distillery Tour, and many others—visited Dubrovnik a few years ago and spotted a particularly calm, confident cat while walking the walls. The cat posed for photos and ended up on the cover of the article. He’s a true Lannister lion.
📍 Tip: Take this Dubrovnik Walls Early Morning or Sunset Walking Tour for the best views.
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Fort Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress) ⇢ The Red Keep
Fort Lovrijenac stands on a rocky outcrop just outside Dubrovnik’s old town, making it a logical stand-in for the Red Keep, home of Westeros’s ruling monarchs. Its position and layout gave the show a convincing setting for the seat of power in King’s Landing.
The series filmed several important scenes here, including tense conversations inside the fortress and confrontations along the ramparts. Fort Lovrijenac helped establish the political center of the city without relying on heavy visual effects.
About Fort Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress)
Construction of Fort Lovrijenac began in the 11th century as part of Dubrovnik’s efforts to strengthen its defenses against threats from both land and sea.
Builders placed the fortress on a rock above the Adriatic to control access to the city’s harbor and protect Dubrovnik’s western side. The name “Lovrijenac” is often linked to the Croatian word ljubiti, meaning “to love,” reflecting the city’s dedication to defending its people.
Over time, the fortress went through several upgrades to improve its defenses. Most of what you see today dates to the 14th century and includes a mix of Gothic and Renaissance design.
Fort Lovrijenac played an important role in defending Dubrovnik during conflicts with the Venetian Republic, including a successful defense in 1667.
Today, the fortress hosts cultural events such as theater performances and the Dubrovnik Summer Festival.
The cats
Fort Lovrijenac attracts plenty of cats, and they clearly treat the fortress as their territory. You’ll often find them resting along the walls or wandering the grounds, seemingly very comfortable in one of Dubrovnik’s most well-known landmarks.
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Pile Gate ⇢ the gateway into the realm
Pile Gate is the main entrance into Dubrovnik’s Old Town, and in Game of Thrones, it became the entrance to King’s Landing. The show filmed several major scenes here, including the riot during King Joffrey’s rule and Cersei’s “walk of shame.”
With its drawbridge and enclosed approach, Pile Gate worked well for scenes that needed a controlled, recognizable entrance into the city.
About Pile Gate
Builders completed Pile Gate in 1537 as the city’s primary point of entry. They designed it to balance defense and appearance, with a bridge crossing a moat that once formed part of Dubrovnik’s protective system.
The gate combines Renaissance and Gothic elements. You’ll see a stone bridge, a wooden drawbridge, and a stone arch topped with a statue of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint.
In the past, the city raised the wooden drawbridge each night to secure the entrance and protect the residents inside the walls.
The cats
Many cats are guarding the Pile Gate entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town. And “guarding” truly is the right word here, since many of them – even though they look adorable – will attack you if you come too close.
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Minčeta Tower ⇢ House of the Undying in Qarth
The show used Minčeta Tower as the exterior of the House of the Undying in the city of Qarth. This is where Daenerys Targaryen goes in search of her stolen dragons. The tower’s round shape and solid construction made it a good fit for the role without needing much modification.
About Minčeta Tower
Minčeta Tower is the highest point in Dubrovnik’s defensive walls. From here, you can see across the city and out toward the Adriatic Sea.
Construction began in 1319, and builders expanded and reinforced the tower over time. It originally served as a defensive structure and as a clear signal of the city’s military strength. Its position allowed guards to monitor approaches from the land side of Dubrovnik.
The tower’s current form dates mainly to the early 15th century, following work by Italian architect Michelozzo Michelozzi. Its circular design and thick walls reflect a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles.
The cats
There are fewer cats here than in many of the other Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik, but you will definitely spot at least a few of them. Don’t forget to grab some dry cat food to bring along – it’s a great way to lure them.
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Lokrum Island ⇢ the city of Qarth
A short boat ride of about 10 to 15 minutes from Dubrovnik takes you to Lokrum Island, which the show used as part of the city of Qarth. Filming took place in the island’s gardens and around the old monastery, which helped create the setting for Daenerys’s time in the city.
Lokrum’s mix of dense greenery and historic buildings made it a practical location for Qarth without heavy set construction.
About Lokrum Island
Lokrum’s recorded history goes back to the 11th century, when Benedictine monks settled on the island and built a monastery. They also established gardens and planted a wide range of plant species, shaping much of the island’s landscape.
Over the centuries, Lokrum changed hands several times and served as a residence for various noble families. It also fell under French and later Austro-Hungarian rule. In the 19th century, Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg lived on the island briefly and introduced many exotic plants that still grow there today.
Lokrum is now a protected nature reserve with maintained gardens, walking paths, and the remains of the medieval monastery.
You can explore the island during the day, but overnight stays are not allowed.
📍 Tip: This boat trip and guided tour lets you see the most of Lokrum Island.
The cats
Cats are everywhere on Lokrum Island. However, since the island is not permanently inhabited, they rely on the goodwill of the tourists and some tour guides. Bring along some kibble and fresh water to help take care of these poor kitties.
The picture below was taken at Café Ruza, with a view of Lokrum Island.
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Stradun ⇢ the Walk of Shame
Stradun is the main street running through Dubrovnik’s Old Town. It served as the setting for one of the show’s most talked-about scenes: Cersei Lannister’s Walk of Shame in Season Five. The scene follows her as she moves through the heart of the city, making Stradun instantly recognizable to fans of the series.
About Stradun
Stradun wasn’t always a street. It began as a marshy channel that separated the settlements of Ragusa and Dubrava. The city filled it in during the 12th century, creating the wide stone street that runs through the Old Town today.
For centuries, Stradun has functioned as Dubrovnik’s main thoroughfare. Historic buildings, shops, and cafés line both sides. The limestone pavement, worn smooth by generations of foot traffic, is one of its defining features. Landmarks along the street include the Orlando Column, Sponza Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery.
The cats
Stradun itself is often a bit too busy for the cats, but if you explore the smaller alleys and back streets, you’ll find plenty of them.
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St. Dominic Street ⇢ bustling markets of King’s Landing
St. Dominic Street runs parallel to Stradun and appeared in Game of Thrones as part of King’s Landing’s market area. The show used it to help fill out the city’s everyday life, even if the scenes filmed here weren’t as recognizable as those shot on Stradun.
About St. Dominic Street
The street takes its name from the nearby Dominican Monastery and features a mix of small shops, cafés, and historic buildings.
The Dominican Monastery dates back to the 13th century and includes Gothic and Romanesque architectural elements. Inside, it houses a collection of artwork and historical objects.
The cats
Cats will often take a nap in the restaurant chairs. Instead of shooing them away, the waiters are generally nice and let them snooze. If someone needs the chair, the waiters will gently move the chair with the cat and get a new one for the customer.
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Gradac Park ⇢ Purple Wedding Venue
Gradac Park sits just outside Dubrovnik’s Old Town and appeared in Game of Thrones as the location of the Purple Wedding, where King Joffrey is poisoned. The show returns to the park later in the same season when Sansa escapes from King’s Landing.
About Gradac Park
Gradac Park dates to the early 20th century. Croatian architect Dr. Rudolf Faber designed it, and the city opened it in 1906 as a public green space.
The park is a short walk from Fort Lovrijenac and looks out over the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea.
The cats
Croatian cats love Gradac park. Here, they have plenty of shade and quiet spots to rest.
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Rector’s Palace ⇢ Spice King’s Mansion
Rector’s Palace in Dubrovnik stood in for the exterior of the Spice King’s mansion in Qarth in Season Two, Episode Six, “The Old Gods and the New.” In the scene, Daenerys visits the Spice King to request ships for her journey across the Narrow Sea. The interior shots, however, were filmed elsewhere.
About Rector’s Palace
The palace was originally built in the late 1400s in the Gothic style as the residence of Dubrovnik’s elected rector, the head of the Republic. The rector served a one-month term to prevent any one person or family from gaining too much power.
Over time, fires and earthquakes led to multiple reconstructions. Today, the palace reflects mostly Renaissance architecture while still blending several styles. It now operates as a museum, displaying artifacts, furniture, and paintings that tell the story of Dubrovnik’s political and cultural history.
The cats
Lots of local cats hang out outside the Rector’s Palace. If you’re a cat lover, it’s a pretty cool place to spot some furry friends enjoying the surroundings.
Did you know that Dubrovnik’s most famous cat lived at Rector’s Palace? We’re talking about an 18-year-old tricolor named Anastazija.
In 2022, thousands of people signed a petition against of the eviction of Anastazija from her home in front of the palace.
Animal lovers tried to find her a new place, but she always came back to the palace. Some volunteers made a cozy spot for her using a cardboard box on the porch. But the owers of the palace, Dubrovnik Museums, didn’t like the box and took it away.
A kind person even built a little wooden house for Anastazija that looked just like the Rector’s Palace. It even had her name on it. Unfortunately, Dubrovnik Museums removed this special home as well.
Eventually, a vet took Anastazija in and took care of her. Sadly, she passed away in April 2023.
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The Ethnographic Museum ⇢ Littlefinger’s brothel
The Ethnographic Museum in Dubrovnik stood in for Littlefinger’s brothel in King’s Landing. In Season Four, it also served as the location for a scene where Tyrion speaks with Oberyn Martell, who has come to King’s Landing seeking revenge for his sister and her children.
About the Ethnographic Museum
The museum is housed in a former granary and was founded in 1937 by the Dubrovnik Antiquities Society. Its goal is to preserve and showcase the traditional culture of the region. Exhibits include folk costumes, art, agricultural tools, and other artifacts that reflect everyday life in Dubrovnik and the surrounding area.
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Trsteno Arboretum ⇢ Palace Gardens of King’s Landing
About 20 kilometers (12 miles) northwest of Dubrovnik, Trsteno Arboretum was used in Game of Thrones as the palace gardens of King’s Landing. Its greenery, old trees, and fountains provided a believable setting for the estates of Westerosi nobility. Scenes featuring conversations with Olenna Tyrell were filmed here, taking advantage of the garden’s historic and peaceful atmosphere.
About Trsteno Arboretum
Trsteno Arboretum dates back to the late 15th century. It was originally created by the noble Gozze family and later expanded by the shipbuilding Gucetić family. The gardens include a mix of Mediterranean and exotic plant species, some introduced through maritime trade.
Over the centuries, the arboretum survived earthquakes and other challenges, continuing to flourish. In the 18th century, the Gucetić family added architectural features, including a central fountain and a Neptune statue. Today, Trsteno is recognized internationally and attracts botanists and visitors who enjoy its beauty and history.
📍 Tip: Lines for Trsteno Arboretum can get very long. It’s a good idea to purchase your tickets beforehand here.
The cats
Cats are common in Trsteno Arboretum. The gardens provide plenty of shade, hiding spots, and quiet corners. This makes it an ideal place for them to rest and explore.
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Practical information
Game of Thrones walking tour
While you can technically explore these filming locations on your own, joining a Game of Thrones walking tour is a lot more fun, interesting, and practical. Tours start at just $25, and they provide deeper insights and behind-the-scenes secrets of HBO’s hit series while visiting all the key filming spots. You’ll even have the chance to take a photo on the iconic Iron Throne.
On the other hand, if you just want to see the attractions without the behind-the-scenes insights, you may want to take the Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour instead. It covers some of the filming locations (including Pile Gate, Stradun, and Rector’s Palace), but not all.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik?
It is a good idea to stay in the Old Town of Dubrovnik. This way, you’ll be close to the majority of the Game of Thrones filming locations, making it easier to avoid the big crowds during the day.
Make sure to book your hotel well ahead of time, especially if you’re coming in the summer. Rooms in Old Town hotels fill up quickly.
A good option is Dominus Little Palace, a cute boutique hotel just a five-minute walk from the Pile Gate entrance to the Old Town. Everything you want to see is within a short walk from the hotel, which has some of the best views of the Old Town – check prices now.
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Want to see even more cats?
Know that from Dubrovnik you can easily take a day trip to Kotor, Montenegro, which is also teeming with cats. You can book the boat to from Dubrovnik to Kotor here.
Pin these Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik and their cats!
