Game of Thrones filming locations in Malta
I am a HUGE fan of ‘Game of Thrones’ and the A Song of Ice and Fire saga. I think the adaptation of the show, especially on the first seasons, is one of the best adaptation work in the history of TV. And of course an important part of that is choosing right where to film the scenes. In that HBO has excelled, choosing some amazing locations for filming the show. I have collected some here that you can visit during your travels, to give a little spice to your trip. Game of Thrones has been filmed in six countries: Croatia, Iceland, Spain, United Kingdom (mostly Northern Iceland), Morocco and Malta. This post will only focus in the Game of Thrones filming locations in Malta. You can find links to the rest of the locations at the end of the page.
*Disclaimer: if you are not up to date with the show you may find spoilers in this article. Proceed at your own peril!
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Game of Thrones filming locations in Malta
Malta was heavily used as a set for many of the scenes in the first season, particularly of King’s Landing, Pentos and the Dothraki Sea. They stopped filming because Malta’s government was unhappy of how the crew left one of the country’s touristic gems, Azure Window, after the shooting. However, some of the locations can still be visited.
→ What to do in Malta: top 10 activities
Azure Window, Malta (Pentos)
One of the most iconic settings from Game of Thrones in Malta appeared in the very first episode. I am talking about Azure Window used to film Khal Drogo and Daenerys’ wedding on the coast of Pentos. Unfortunately, the cliffs collapsed due to heavy storms, although some of the landscape is still visible.
Mdina, Malta (King’s Landing)
Mdina is one of Europe’s best preserved ancient walled cities. This is why its gate was used in season 1 as the gate to King’s Landing, when Catelyn and Ser Rodrik Cassel rode there to find Ned. It is seen again when Ned and Catelyn say goodbye.
Then again in the same season it can be seen as the outer part of Petyr Baelish’s brothel and the square where Ned and Jamie’s fight happen in the Mesquita Square.
→ Mdina: a guide to the Silent City
Fort Ricasoli, Malta (Red Keep)
In Malta’s capital Valletta you can find Fort Ricasoli, another Maltese location that doubled as King’s Landing. In this case, it was used as the Gate of the Gods of the city several times in season one.
→ What to do in Valletta, Malta
Fort Manoel, Malta (Sept of Baelor)
Fort Manoel is a fort located in Manoel Island, right between Valletta and Sliema. It was used to film some scenes in the previous to last episode of Season 1. Concretely, it doubles as the steps of the Sept of Baelor, where Ned is sentenced to death.
Fort St. Angelo, Malta (Red Keep)
Fort Saint Angelo is a fort located in Birgu, accross the Grand Harbour from Valletta. It was used to film scenes of the Red Keep’s dungeon and underground chambers. You can see it in scenes like the one were Arya is chasing cats and ends up overhearing a conversation between Varys and Illyrio.
Verdala Palace Grounds, Malta (Pentos)
The Verdala Palace, which is used as a summer house for the President of Malta, appeared in the very first episode of the series as Illyrio Mopatis’ house in Pentos. It is here where Daenerys and her brother Viserys are hosted and where Daenerys first meets Khal Drogo.
Photo credit: Tobias von der Haar with CC BY 2.0
San Anton Palace and Gardens, Malta (Red Keep)
San Anton Palace and Gardens are the official residence of the President of Malta. They appeared several times throughout season 1 as the exterior of the Red Keep. It appears as the balcony, stables and some of the hallways in King’s Landing.
Mthaleb Cliffs, Malta (Dothraki Sea)
The Mthaleb Cliffs also appeared in season 1 towards the end. It is the last camp of Khal Drogo’s khalassar when he collapsed after his wound was infected and also where his corpse is burned in the funeral pyre that gives birth to the dragons.
St. Dominic’s Priory in Rabat, Malta (The Red Keep)
St. Dominic’s Priory will for sure look familiar because it was used in some scenes as the gardens of the Red Keep, for example when Ned tells Cersei he knows her little secret. It is a fantastic a lesser visited attraction. Make sure you have a look at this hike through Malta’s Southern coast which stops here.
Where to stay in Malta
You should choose your accommodation in Malta based on which locations you are planning to visit. Most likely, you will start or end your trip in the capital Valletta. It is also perfectly doable to use Valletta as a base for your Malta trip, as long as you are not visiting the more remote sites of the island of Gozo. You can also stay nearby in Sliema or the Three Cities (Birgu, Cospicua and Senglea), which offer a much more affordable accommodations and are close to Valletta’s transportation hub.
Other likely places to stay are:
- the tiny Medieval walled town of Mdina, perfect for history buffs or couples in a romantic getaway. For cheaper accommodation have a look at Rabat.
- St. Julian’s for luxury and party seekers.
- Mellieha if you’re looking for a beach holiday.
- Mellieha or St. Paul’s Bay as a gateway for Malta’s smaller islands Gozo and Comino.
- Marsaxlokk for a retreat in a small fishing village with the best seafood in the country.
- Victoria as a base to explore Gozo.
Closing statement
The world is a fantastic set for many movies and series, and in Game of Thrones they have done a remarkable job at transporting us to Westeros and the other sites in the World of Ice and Fire. Discover the other filming locations in the links below:
→ ‘Game of Thrones’ locations that you can visit in Croatia
→ ‘Game of Thrones’ locations that you can visit in Iceland
→ ‘Game of Thrones’ locations that you can visit in Spain
→ ‘Game of Thrones’ locations that you can visit in United Kingdom
→ ‘Game of Thrones’ locations that you can visit in Morocco
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