Malta, a land of legends, where the white limestone of globigerina meets the azure Mediterranean Sea, boasts breathtaking landscapes that have attracted filmmakers from the hit series Game of Thrones. From ancient forts and medieval streets to breathtaking cliffs and palaces, Malta is a dream destination for fans of Game of Thrones. If you’re a fan of the series, you’ve probably traveled to Malta without realizing it! The island is home to numerous filming locations, which we invite you to explore. From fiction to reality, let’s embark on a journey through the Game of Thrones filming locations in Malta.
1 – Valletta and its narrow streets
The ancient, well-preserved streets of Valletta were frequently used to depict the winding alleys of King’s Landing. To create the series’ unique atmosphere, various props and elements were added. Walking through these streets instantly transports you to another era.
2 – Fort Manoel
Facing Valletta, at the heart of an island, this historic fort was the filming site of Ned Stark’s execution, one of the most pivotal moments in the series.
3 – Fort Ricasoli
Located just a short distance from Valletta, Fort Ricasoli didn’t just inspire Game of Thrones producers. Movies with a similar epic setting, such as Troy and Gladiator, were also filmed here. To visit the fort, take a day trip to the Three Cities—it is located in Kalkara.
4 – Fort St. Angelo (Birgu)
The medieval dungeons of this fort were featured in an important Game of Thrones scene: Arya overhears two men discussing an attack on the Dothraki. You can see Fort St. Angelo from the sea during the ferry ride from Valletta to Birgu.
5 – Mdina
Several Game of Thrones locations can be found in Mdina, including the city gate, which served as the entrance to King’s Landing. Mdina’s medieval and Mediterranean architecture perfectly matches the imagined setting of Westeros. However, since Mdina is not by the sea, only indoor scenes were filmed there.
In Season 2, the producers shifted filming to Dubrovnik instead of Mdina to better capture King’s Landing’s coastal setting.
📍 Key filming locations:
- Piazza Mesquita – The site of Jaime and Ned’s duel.
- Verdala Palace – Where Daenerys first meets Drogo. (Note: This palace is the Maltese president’s summer residence and is not open to the public.)
6 – St. Dominic’s Monastery in Rabat
The courtyards of this monastery served as the gardens of King’s Landing. This is where Ned Stark confronts Cersei, revealing his knowledge of her incestuous relationship with Jaime and threatening to expose her secret.
7 – St. Anton’s Palace
Even Malta’s presidential residence made its way into Game of Thrones! This 16th-century building was used as the Red Keep’s royal quarters.
To maintain historical accuracy, all modern objects were removed from the main hall. This is where Ned Stark was arrested, and his guards were massacred.
8 – St. Anton’s Palace Gardens
The palace gardens were also used for filming, but many of the scenes were shot in private areas that are not open to the public. However, fans can still visit the publicly accessible gardens, which offer a view of the president’s private gardens where the show was filmed.
9 – Mtahleb Cliffs
This stunning, rocky landscape served as the Dothraki camp. It was the setting for one of the series’ most iconic scenes: the death of Khal Drogo and Daenerys emerging unscathed from the fire in the episode “Fire and Blood”.
For the series, the sea was digitally replaced with a vast stretch of land, making the scenery slightly different from what visitors will see in real life.
10 – Azure Window & Dwejra Bay
The neighboring island of Gozo also played a role in Game of Thrones. The rugged, rocky landscapes of Dwejra Bay immediately caught the attention of the producers.
The Azure Window, a natural rock arch (which has since collapsed), was a popular tourist attraction and was featured as the backdrop for the wedding ceremony of Daenerys and Khal Drogo.
