Game on

As Oberyn Martell beautifully puts it, “It is a big and beautiful world, most of us live and die in the same corner where we were born in, never get to see any of it, I don’t want to be most of us”. These wise words were my guiding light this 2021 – making this year, undeniably the best in my life to date, for reasons more than my fingers could ever count. Plot twists came after another and another and another, which all led me to reach otherworldly places I never thought I’d be in this lifetime – including Dubrovnik – the very heart of Kings Landing, where nights were definitely not dark, nor filled with terrors, just sheer joy. 

 

If you think that this post has a happy ending, yes, you have been paying attention. Perhaps it’s best to start from the very beginning (The Pile Gate) – the shoot location for some memorable Game of Thrones scenes, e.g. when King Joffrey uttered the famous line, “Kill him, Kill them!” in the episode, The Old Gods and the New. The very moment I got off the taxi and walked through this very gate, I instantly knew that this place will forever hold a special place in my travel heart. And I have a lifetime to thank the old gods and the new, particularly Lord Erasmus, for the wonderful opportunity that made this possible. 

 

The King's Landing (Pile Harbor) was featured on the same episode when Princess Myrcella was sent to Dorne, a small beach between the Fortress and Fort Lovrijenac. Princess Myrcella was seen departing from Pile Harbor, bidding farewell to her mother Cersei, and the rest of the court. The small beach provided the backdrop for this emotional moment. Later in the episode, Cersei anxiously waits for Myrcella's return at the same location, emphasizing the significance of the beach as a setting for important events and character interactions. The water was too cold btw, so there was no chance to have  dip.

Upon entry to the walls is Stradun (Dubrovnik Main Street), a limestone-paved pedestrian street where the Onofrio’s fountains (in Pile and Ploce gates) are situated. Beyond GOT, this is home to several cafes, also a location shoot for a Star Wars famous scene, basically the heart of the city. Stradun offers a mesmerizing walk through centuries of history and culture. Along this enchanting street, the Onofrio's fountains stand as iconic symbols of Dubrovnik's rich architectural heritage, designed by the renowned architect Onofrio della Cava in the 15th century. It provides a refreshing oasis for both locals and visitors to quench their thirst while admiring the intricate stonework and the harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. 

Blackwater Bay (pier in the Pile Harbor), of course, is known for the Battle in Blackwater in Season 2, among other epic scenes. The battle, a momentous clash between the forces of Stannis Baratheon and those loyal to King Joffrey Lannister, unfolded with dramatic intensity along its shores. The Battle of Blackwater was a turning point in the series, marked by explosive action, political intrigue, and strategic brilliance. Beyond its role in the battle, the pier in Pile Harbor exemplified the grandeur of Blackwater Bay, a picturesque location with its shimmering waters and breathtaking vistas. It gave a stark contrast between the serenity of the bay and the chaos of war, enhancing GOT's narrative depth and visual splendor.

 

Then there's he Red Keep, capital of the Seven Kingdoms, set on a cliffside in Lovrijenac Fortress beside West Harbor. Needless to say, it was breathtaking as it is even without the cgi. One notable event that took place within the Red Keep was King Joffrey's Name Day celebration. This extravagant and opulent occasion showcased the wealth associated with the Lannisters. The festivities within the Red Keep added to the portrayal of King's Landing as a city of indulgence and excess, while also serving as a backdrop for important character interactions and political maneuverings. Another memorable scene within the Red Keep involved Cersei Lannister, who delivered her iconic quote, Knowledge "Power is Power." Oh the cunning and determined Cersei, and her ruthless nature of politics and willingness to wield power at any cost, matches the loc's energy. And the very walls of the Red Keep seemed to resonate with these Cersei's word. Relentless pursuit of power.

 

Another personal favorite episode: The Purple Wedding. It definitely was one of the most unforgettable events to ever grace the show, beautifully shot in Gradac Park; lush greenery, meticulously manicured gardens, and panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. The park's natural beauty seamlessly merged with the opulence and treachery that unfolded during the wedding ceremony, created an unforgettable contrast. While the Purple Wedding was a celebration of union and joy, until it took a dark and unexpected turn, in a very good way. If you have some heart or if you ever have the slightest care for the Starks, this episode will at the very least give some reason to celebrate. Who wants small wins, if we can take down the big fish?

 

The circular steps of St Dominic Monastery, made famous through the protest speech in the episode Ghost of Harrenhal, was where the rumor about the brother fornicating with his sister in the bed of kings (resulting in a rotten king) was utterly broadcasted by a protestor in loud jest, to which Tyrion (who drinks and knows things) apparently agreed. Such event showcased the impact of public dissent and the power of rumors in shaping the dynamics of the intricate political landscape in the Seven Kingdoms.

 

House of Undying (Minčeta Tower), the highest point in the walls, featured Daenerys finding her missing dragons and deepening her understanding of her role in shaping the destiny of Westeros, during the eighth episode of the second season. The House of Undying is a foreboding place, filled with mysterious visions and illusions that test Daenerys' resolve and reveal glimpses of her destiny. She encountered a series of hallucinations and prophetic visions that serve as pivotal moments in her character development and foreshadow future events in the series. They include haunting scenes such as the throne room in ruins, a glimpse of the icy lands beyond the Wall, and even a vision of her deceased husband, Khal Drogo, and their unborn son. 

 

Speaking of Daenerys trying to find things, there also was this place (Rector's Palace) in a scene when she visits the spice king to ask for ships to cross the Narrow Sea (although this palace, assumed to be in Qarth, was technically located in the King’s Landing).

 

Lokrum Island, a few thousand meters away from King’s Landing, is that little green thing over there! Its picturesque landscapes and coastal charm added an authentic touch to the fictional world of Westeros. With its rugged terrain, Lokrum Island became the perfect backdrop for significant moments, such as Jaime Lannister's return to King's Landing. Too bad I didn't have the chance to visit, and experience it, close enough.

 

Walk of Shame automatically triggers a replay of a series of scenes inside every GOT fan’s brain. And why not, this was allegedly the most expensive GOT scene filmed for the entire series. The use of the Jesuit Staircase adds historical and symbolic depth, representing a path of penance and judgment. It presented Cersei's fall from grace and exposes the power dynamics and consequences of her actions. The scene raises thought-provoking questions about society, power, and the treatment of women, exploring themes of misogyny and abuse of power, a turning point for Cersei's character, stripping her of pride and setting the stage for her subsequent motivations. Ironically, it felt everything but shame upon walking in these very steps of the Great Sept of Baelor (Jesuit Staircase), as it truly was a wonderful experience. The feeling in question was actually, pride, which doesn't need furher explanations I believe.

 

Definitely, there are more. But I'm afraid my watch has ended.