Split – a Song of Fantasy and Fact | European Travel Magazine

Split is without any doubt one of the most magical cities we’ve visited. No wonder they chose the UNESCO World Heritage classed Diocletian’s Palace – the historical nucleus of Split – as filming location for Game of Thrones. The Roman and medieval ambiance is evident everywhere you turn. Here are the best places to discover the Game of Thrones sites in Split and beyond – and where you can learn more about its fascinating history.

What made the emperor Diocletian choose this very spot for his retirement home more than 2.300 years ago, is not recorded. What he thought about when he watched the sun sink into the west, into the Dalmatian ocean, is not remembered.

What remains, though, is this amazing open-air museum slash lively scene slash tourist mecca. To get lost in the maze-like streets and yet feel safe, because you know that the labyrinth is limited is invigorating yet risk-less: you feel like you are on an adventure, not knowing where the next turn on the narrow alleyway will lead you, but still Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Croatia is a limited area, so there’s no chance to get lost – only a chance to get entertained.

Game of Thrones locations

It’s no wonder, that this captivating city was used as filming location for Game of Thrones and you’re wandering the streets that was turned into Meereen or the Diocletian Palace basements that became Daenerys’ throne room. If you want to discover more Game of Thrones locations, check out this guide made by the Central Dalmatian Tourist board. If you’re going on a Game of Thrones Fan Tour here in Dalmatia, we also recommend a trip to Klis Fortress, that doubled as Meereen or venture further south and soak in the essence of King’s Landing in Dubrovnik.

Top 5 best Game of Thrones sites in Split

The narrow streets of Split – was overrun by slaves of Meereen in Season 5
Diocletian’s Palace basement – was where Daenerys kept her dragons in Season 4
Golden Gate, North entrance of Diocletian’s Palace – was featured in the Season 5
Klis Fortress – served as Meereen in Season 4
Kaštel Gomilica – doubled as Braavos in Season 5

The narrow streets of Split – served as streets of Meereen in Season 5
Diocletian’s Palace basement – was where Daenerys kept her dragons in Season 4
Golden Gate, North entrance of Diocletian’s Palace – was featured in the Season 5
Klis Fortress – served as Meereen in Season 4
Kaštel Gomilica – doubled as Braavos in Season 5 (from Wikimedia, photo taken by Draceane)

If you’re hanging around Split for a few days we can recommend visiting the UNESCO classed, small city-island of Trogir. Or drive a bit further to charming Šibenik – the first Croatian city – and visit the UNESCO listed St James Cathedral.

Split is the kind of city, that makes the difference for us: it has lots of history, cool vibes, authentic feel, street music and a nearby beach. It doesn’t get much better than that. The only place I can think of, which comes close, is Barri Gothic in Barcelona – that place has the the same history-laden, Gothic atmosphere like Split. Only Split precedes it with about 1.500 years!

So, you may come to Split, lured in by its starring role in the Fantasy TV series. But you leave, full in awe by the Facts; the history, the heritage, the nature.