I’ve never visited a movie location before, but while I was right there in Malta, I got excited enough to visit some of the Game of Thrones Locations Malta and Gozo is rich. And I really enjoyed it, going back into the first series of the show to see what the actual scenes were like.
If you like this post, make sure to also check out my post about Game of Thrones locations in Northern Ireland!
Please note that all movie stills are copyrighted by HBO.
GAME OF THRONES LOCATIONS MALTA AND GOZO
In the show’s first season, the city of Mdina on the island of Malta was the setting for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Westeros is an island continent resembling medieval Britain. Gozo, Malta’s smaller sister island, was the setting for the Dothraki Wedding in the show’s first season.
Game of Thrones moved production from Malta in the second season to Croatia, as there was some controversy over damage to the Azure Window and its ecosystem caused by the show’s contractors.
1. Azure Window, Gozo
Please note: Unfortunately, the Azure Window collapsed into the ocean due to heavy weather in 2017. I’m soooo sad about the loss of this amazing natural arch! Here you can see what the location looked like:
The Azure Window can be seen behind Daenerys and Khal Drogo’s wedding in S01E01 (“Winter Is Coming”).
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Azure Window use for Malta Game of Thrones Filming
Stunning sunset at the Gozo Game of Thrones Location
2. Fort Manoel, Manoel Island, Gzira Marsamxett Harbour, Valletta, Malta
This fort is used as the Great Sept of Baelor in S01E09 (“Baelor”). In this episode, Joffrey gets Ned Stark to admit to being a traitor and then has him beheaded in front of his children.
I didn’t go up to the fort myself, but happened to spot it from the other side of the water in Valletta!
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Valletta Game of Thrones Location
3. St. Dominic Convent, Rabat, Malta
This convent is used as the Red Keep Garden. Here, in S01E07 (“You Win or You Die”), Ned confronted Cersei over the parentage of her children. Eddard warns Cersei about what he knows and tells her he is going to go public with it.
Later in the episode a messenger informs Ned that Joffrey and Cersei requested his presence.
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4. Fort Ricasoli, Grand Harbour of Valletta, Malta
The gates and the gatehouse feature as “The King’s Gate” in S01E03 (“Lord Snow”), when the King’s party returns to the city.
Also used in S01E05 (“The Wolf and the Lion”), when Arya arrives back at the King’s Gate after sneaking out through a secret passage. She then tries to convince one of the gate guards to let her back into the Red Keep.
Unfortunately, I didn’t visit the Fort myself and I’m not sure if you can?
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5. Mdina Game of Thrones location on Malta
The old gate of Mdina stood in for King’s Landing in S01E03 (“Lord Snow”), as Catelyn and Ser Rodrik ride into King’s Landing to investigate the attack on Bran.
Also seen in the episode later when Ned says goodbye to Catelyn at the gate.
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Stunning Mdina Malta Game of Thrones Location!
Gate used in Game of Thrones Mdina Location
6. Verdala Palace, Buskett Gardens, Dingli, Malta
The Verdala Palace is the official summer residence of the President of Malta. It is used as Illyrio’s Mansion in S01E01 (“Winter is Coming”) when Daenerys and Viserys meet Khal Drogo out front of the mansion.
7. Piazza Mesquita, Mdina, Malta
This is the scene of Littlefinger’s Brothel, as seen in S01E03 (“Lord Snow”). Lord Baelish shows Ned Stark to his brothel to see Catelyn who had snuck into the city.
Although I was in Mdina, I totally missed out on the fact this place was used as well and I didn’t take any photos here, ahh!
UPDATE: Many, many thanks to our lovely reader Harald for sending in some photos of this location, such a great addition to this post!
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8. San Anton Palace and Gardens, Attard, Malta
San Anton Palace is the official residence of the President of Malta, and is surrounded by both private and public gardens. It was the setting for the Red Keep Stables in S01E03 (“Lord Snow”) when the Starks arrive at the Red Keep.
In S01E08 (“The Pointy End”), a number of the Starks’ attendants are murdered by the Lannister soldiers while unloading some cargo from which Arya later recovers her sword.
Also used as Red Keep Hallway in S01E05 (“The Wolf and the Lion”) when Ned is walking through the keep when a messenger informs him that the small council is meeting.
In S01E07 (“You Win or You Die”), Varys and Littlefinger inform Ned that the Goldcloaks are under his control in this place too.
Finally, in S01E04 (“Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things”), this place is used as the Red Keep Gardens when Ned and Littlefinger discuss the actions of the former Hand right before his death.
9. Fort St Angelo, Birgu, Malta
Fort Saint Angelo is a large fortification in Birgu, Malta, right at the centre of Grand Harbour.
The fort is used as the Red Keep Dungeon. On assignment from Syrio Forel, Arya chases a cat into the tunnels beneath the Red Keep where she overhears a conversation between Varys and Illyrio in S01E05 (“The Wolf and the Lion”).
10. Tal-Qargha, Manikata, Malta
This place is representing Lhazareen, The Dothraki attack a village and Khal Drogo is wounded in S01E08 (“The Pointy End”).
11. Mtahleb Cliffs, Malta
The Dothraki camp for after Khal Drogo collapses in S01E09 (“Baelor”).
Also the place where Daenerys enters the funeral pyre and emerges in S01E10 (“Fire and Blood”).
Are you a Game of Thrones Fan? Would you go and visit the filming locations on a Malta game of thrones tour?
For more Malta & Gozo attractions and for Game of Throne Tours around the world, check GetYourGuide:
- Girona: Game of Thrones Locations Tour
- Belfast: Game of Thrones & Giants Causeway Location Tour
- Dublin: Game of Thrones Tour
- Iceland: Full-Day Game of Thrones Tour
- Split: Game of Thrones Tour with Diocletian Palace
- Dubrovnik: Game of Thrones Daily Tour
More Game of Thrones Filming Locations
A great website to find more information about and a map with exact points of all the different Game of Thrones Malta locations is: https://moviemaps.org
I also found this great video on YouTube with some more Game of Thrones Malta tour and filming locations, have a look:
Fun Game of Thrones Swag
Have a look at the following Game of Thrones (inspired) items, makes a great gift for the fan of the series!
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Hi Nienke,
What an awesome and comprehensive post on the GoT filming locations in Malta! I’m doing my research as I will be there next month. I can’t wait to see Malta and add it to the GoT locations I’ve visited (Iceland, Spain, Croatia and soon Northern Ireland).
Did you have a local guide or did you visit the places on your own?
Hi Tessa, Thanks so much! Malta is amazing and the sites are easy to find yourself (that’s what I did), but I was supposed to go on a Viator tour, as they offer some GoT tours! I have travelled with them before, and the tours are always good. Check their website: http://www.viator.com/. Hope you enjoy Malta!
Check out our Game of Thrones tours in Malta! Group tours held every Saturday with the option of private tours on other days. For more info please contact us on +35679421112 or info@maltafilmtours.com or http://www.maltafilmtours.com or find us of Facebook and Trip Advisor.
Sounds great Malcolm! Thanks for the tip!
My boyfriend and I are going to Malta this August. Your article was very interesting and helpful. Definitely thinking about visiting these places!
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Thanks for sharing Marjolein! I hope you’ll have a great holiday in Malta, such an interesting place!
Didnt even know they filmed in Malta=) Great views )
Yes, most people don’t! It was only the first season though, before they moved to Northern Ireland. Some amazing filming locations there as well!
Hey just thought I should let you all know that the Azure window collapsed last month so it’s no longer there
Thanks for writing Chris, I know, heard on the news the day it happened!! So horrible, right?!!! I will change the post soon, thanks for the reminder!
I’ve just come back from Malta and gutted to have missed these! Why do I always research holidays once I return :). OK going forwards I’m going to do things the right way round!
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