Game of Thrones in Malta: Discover Mdina and other filming locations from the series

Welcome to Malta, the island where “Game of Thrones” came to life. Mdina, in particular, will amaze you. The former capital played a key role in the famous series, transforming itself into King’s Landing for filming. A tour of this historic city offers filming locations familiar to any fan of the series.

Each episode seems more alive when you recognize the filming locations. Vallettathe present-day capital, also plays its part, but it’ s Mdina that really catches the eye. Our reviews of this silent city are unquestionably positive. A day spent here is like a journey through time and space.

When you visit Mdina, every nook and cranny will remind you of a moment from “Game of Thrones”. Intense moments, battles, intrigue, every turn in the city is a new surprise. Despite its status as a former capital, Mdina has lost none of its charm.

Mdina: King’s Landing’s first understudy in Game of Thrones

Enter the mythical world of “Game of Thrones” at Mdina, the first incarnation of King’s Landing. Every nook and cranny of this medieval Maltese town evokes a memory from the series.

Game of Thrones in Mdina: Iconic filming locations

Mdina Gate

Visiting Mdina is like flipping through the pages of a Westeros history book. One of the most emblematic sites is the town’s entrance, which served as the gateway to King’s Landing in the series. When you walk through this door, it’s as if you’re treading on the soil of the capital of the 7 kingdoms. A memorable moment for any fan of the series.

Piazza Mesquita

It’s another key shooting location. This historic square is the scene of the intense duel between Ned Stark and Jamie Lannister in the first season of the series. You can almost hear the clash of swords and the cheers of the crowd as you stand there.

Even if you’re not a GOT fan and you visit this square, you’ll love the old-world atmosphere this neighborhood exudes. With a small stone well in the center and old houses all around, Piazza Mesquita is the perfect place to take photos.

Moving the shoot to Dubrovnik

After the first season, the filming of “Game of Thrones” moved to Dubrovnik, Croatia. The main reason for the move was Dubrovnik’s proximity to the sea. King’s Landing is described as a port town in the series, which was not the case for Mdina, located in the center of the island of Malta.

Dubrovnik also offered a larger, more complex set of medieval buildings and streets, which better suited the evolution of the series. But despite this move, Mdina’s impact on the series remains unforgettable, as the town laid the foundations of King’s Landing in the hearts of fans.

Other Game of Thrones filming locations in Malta

Malta is a jewel of history and culture, and “Game of Thrones” has taken advantage of its richness to create its epic universe. Let’s explore other iconic filming locations across the island.

Azure Window, Gozo (collapsed in 2017)

The Azure Window in Gozo provided the idyllic backdrop for Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo’s wedding in the first season. This natural monument, sadly gone since 2017, offered a spectacular archway jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea, and created a perfectly exotic backdrop for the Dothraki people.

Mtahleb, Dingli Cliffs

The steep cliffs of Mtahleb have been used to represent the Westeros countryside. They offer breathtaking sea views and are a striking example of Malta’s natural beauty, making every scene filmed here incredibly dramatic and memorable.

Fort Ricasoli, Grand Harbour, Valletta

Fort Ricasoli, located at the entrance to Vallettas Grand Harbour, played an important role as Red Keep, the seat of the King of Westeros in “Game of Thrones”. Its imposing structure and picturesque location on the water make it an ideal choice for palace scenes.

St Dominic Convent, Rabat

The Convent of St Dominic in Rabat was the setting for the Red Keep Garden, where many plots were hatched. With its Gothic architecture and peaceful gardens, it created the perfect atmosphere for these crucial scenes.

Fort Manoel, Manoel Island

Fort Manoel on Manoel Island was used to represent the Sept of Baelor, the religious center of King’s Landing. It was here that Ned Stark suffered his tragic fate, and the dark, historic atmosphere of the fort magnifies this dramatic scene.

Palace and gardens of St Anton, Attard

The palaces and gardens of St Anton in Attard served as the backdrop for the gardens of Red Keep Palace. This verdant film location, full of shady corridors and blossoming flowers, was the setting for many of the series’ most important moments, including the meeting between Ned Stark and Cersei Lannister.

Getting to Mdina by bus

From Valletta: lines X3 – X4 – 31 – 32- 35 (about 1 hour)
From St Julian’s and Sliema: lines 202 -203 (about 1 hour)

The picturesque historic town of Mdina has much more to offer than the world of Game of Thrones. We invite you to discover it by clicking on this article!