Malta was an underrated destination till Game of Thrones got to it! Full of history and culture, Malta has the perfect setting no matter what holiday you’re looking for! Here are Malta Game of Thrones locations if you’re a fan!

As I wandered through the streets of Malta I couldn’t help but wonder which buildings were featured in the series. The Mdina is full of such buildings that look like sets – they’re that pretty!

Malta was an underrated destination in Europe till GOT got here.

If you ever visit you’re sure to ask yourself – where have you seen this before? Was the Gate of Mdina one of the King’s Landing filming locations?

Head off to Gozo and you will see where Azure Window once stood and witnessed Khal Drogo and Daenerys’ wedding. GOT has cleverly used different forts and streets and structures in Malta for filming and you can see most of them today.

If you wonder if Game of Thrones was filmed in Malta and what this tiny country contributed to the magnificent series then read on and you will find an elaborate list of Malta Game of Thrones locations that every GOT fan must visit. This article should help if you’re unsure how many days in Malta you need.

Spoiler warning – If you are one of the few who have not seen Game of Thrones yet, then this blog is full of spoilers. So, do read but at your own risk of finding out what happened (or didn’t) in GOT.

 

Planning your Malta trip at the last minute? Here are important links – 

Popular tours in Malta – 

Where to stay in Malta?


The Mdina in Malta in March during Spring in Malta

Here’s some fun trivia about the Malta Game of Thrones filming period

 

Malta is the place where it all started for GOT lovers. This is the island where King’s Landing Malta became a reality, the world came to realize how truly messed up Joffrey is, Daenerys found and lost Khal Drogo, and rose from the ashes with her dragons.

And the best part, even if Malta Game of Thrones locations are limited to only 1st season, the country has so many interesting sites for you to explore.

And if you think Game of Thrones in Malta was banned from filming because it led to the collapse of Azure Window, then nope! In fact, Malta Environment and Planning Authority researched if there was damage to the Azure Window due to filming and they found none.

Game of Thrones Malta scenes were filmed between September 2010 to November 2010 for around 37 days.

Some say that Villa Bulebin in Zebbug was used for the filming of the brothel scenes. But, it is hard to confirm this news as there is no official list and no official website for this villa.

Close to 1000 locals from Malta were part of the cast and crew of Game of Thrones Malta. From being extras to being essential crew members, Maltese people have seen it all when it comes to this world-famous series. You can also find this series on all streaming platforms using a firestick.

When shooting Game of Thrones in Malta, locals had to follow no phone policy on sets to prevent any leaks. Of course, who would anyway have time to check the phone when being part of something epic like GOT, right?


Where to stay in Malta

 

Most travellers prefer staying in Valletta or Sliema while visiting Malta. These are two major cities in Malta and offer a range of accommodations suitable for all types of tourists.

If you decide to stay in Valletta, then The Phoenicia Malta is a good choice. This 1920s-style hotel is located near Valletta bus station and is near ancient city walls, making it easier to explore the city.

If you are interested in staying in Sliema, then you can go to Land’s End, Boutique Hotel. MedAsia Beach and Tigne Point Beach are less than half a kilometre away from this hotel. Amenities like free wifi and airport shuttle are also available.

You will also find different service apartments in these cities. You can also consider staying in St. Paul’s Bay or choosing a hotel on Gozo Island while visiting Malta.

 

Boats by the Bay in Valletta in Malta on Malta game of thrones filming locations

Here are 10 of the most popular Malta Game of Thrones locations

 

The Gate of Mdina

Used in – Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 3: Lord Snow

 

The Gate of Mdina is one of the Kings landing Malta locations where you see Lady Catelyn Stark riding into the King’s Landing in season 1 episode 3. This is where she comes in with Ser Rodrick Cassel looking for Ned Stark – her husband.

You come across the Gate of Mdina again in the very same episode when Lady Catelyn bids goodbye to Ned Stark.

As they engage in a passionate kiss (which unfortunately happens to be their last), we may have lost this background Mdina Gate into their emotional dialogues and teary goodbye.

But, next time you binge-watch GOT, keep an eye out for the sunlit Gate of Mdina.

And even though now you know this as Mdina Game of Thrones, this Baroque-style structure dates back to 1724 and has been an important part of Malta for centuries. Location can be found here


Mesquita Square, Mdina

Used in – Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 3: Lord Snow

Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 5: The Wolf and the Lion

 

Mesquita Square – a place where the entrance of Littlefinger’s Brothel is located, a place where Ned Stark is injured in a swordfight with Jamie Lannister and his men.

So it is obvious when you look for Mdina Malta Game of Thrones places, you find Mesquita Square top on the list.

Of course, it is just a regular square with historic houses and cobblestone lanes in real life. No brothels or any sword fights breaking in broad daylight today. But it still is one of the important Mdina Game of Thrones locations that will take you to Kings Landing Malta in no time.

Even if you are not a GOT fan and you visit this square, you will love the old-world vibes this area has. With a tiny stone well in the middle and old houses around, Mesquita Square is an instagrammable place.

Consider booking this Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch. From St. Cataldus Catacombs and Dingli Cliffs to San Anton Gardens and the Ta’ Qali Craft Village, you will explore so many of Malta’s gems.


St Dominic’s Priory, Rabat

Used in – Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 7: You Win or You Die

 

Imagine standing in the garden of Red Keep, as Ned Stark stands in front of Cersei Lannister and accuses her of incest with Jamie.

Imagine the goosebumps when you hear Cersei threaten Ned with the now-famous lines “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.”

I would give anything to watch this powerful exchange between these two unfolding in front of me, but alas!

All one can do is visit St Dominic’s Priory in Rabat and stand in the garden to relive Malta Game of Thrones moments.

Apart from being one of the key Game of Thrones Malta locations, St Dominic’s Priory has a history dating back to 500 years. You can tour St Paul’s Catacombs and take a walk in the lush gardens around the church.


DETAILS

St Dominic’s Priory, Rabat

Address: Misraħ RBT 2521, San Duminku, Ir-Rabat, Malta

Timings: 9 am – 5 pm from Mondays to Saturdays. Sundays 9 am – 12 pm

Cost: Free


Malta game of thrones location gozo bay

San Anton Palace and Gardens

Used in – Game of Thrones Season 1, Episodes 3, 4, 5, and 7

 

Remember that blood-chilling scene when the not-so-loved character of Joffrey led and forced Sansa to see the head of her father as well as her septa on a spike?

That balcony is part of San Anton Palace and the entire premises is also used several times during different Game of Thrones Malta scenes.

We first see it when the Starks ride in the Red Keep and enter the stables in season 1 episode 3. These are also the Red Keep corridors that Ned passes on his way to the council meeting in season 1 episode 7.

The San Anton Palace and Gardens also appeared again when several Starks were murdered and Arya (well, being Arya) decided it was time for her first kill. That’s when we also see Needle in action! All these scenes make Game of Thrones in Malta even more interesting.

Apart from all the gruesome details, San Anton Palace is the official residence of the President of Malta. So, not all parts of the palace are open to the public today.

But, well-manicured gardens with lovely walkways and a small aviary are well worth a visit when you are looking for Malta Game of Thrones locations.


DETAILS

San Anton Palace and Gardens

Address: 7 St. George’s, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta

Timings: 7 am – 4.45 pm every day in winter, 7 am – 5.45 pm every day in summer (June to September)

Cost: Free


Fort St. Angelo

Used in – Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 5: The Wolf and the Lion

 

Remember the chambers under Red Keep where Ned Stark was imprisoned before he was killed? Remember the chambers where Arya was led when chasing after a cat?

Those chambers belong to Fort St. Angelo and are part of Game of Thrones locations in Malta.

Its strategic location has made this fort an important part of Maltese history. Originally erected in the medieval period and rebuilt during the 1530s and the 1560s, this fort has seen 500 years of development in this area.

So, when you take a Malta Game of Thrones tour and explore Fort St. Angelo, you not only get to see the chambers of Red Keep but also an actual structure that has played a significant role in Maltese history.


DETAILS

Fort St. Angelo

Address: Waterfront, Birgu, Malta

Timings: 9 am – 4.30 pm every day

Cost: €8.00 for adults, €5 for young people till 17, visitors over 60 and students and €3 for children between 6 and 11


Malta game of thrones location san anton palace and gardens

Fort Ricasoli

Used in – Game of Thrones Season 1 Episode 3: Lord Snow

Game of Thrones Season 1 Episode 5: The Wolf and the Lion

 

When you were getting furious over guards not letting Arya Stark back into Red Keep in Season 1 Episode 5, you may have missed this impressive Fort Ricasoli in the background.

But it was first used for Malta Game of Thrones sites during Season 1 Episode 3 when Starks entered Red Keep for the first time.

Known to be the largest fortification in Malta, Fort Ricasoli dates back to the 17th century.

But keep in mind that Fort Ricasoli is temporarily closed to the public as it is not in great condition.

So, do check the updated opening days before planning your visit.


DETAILS

Fort Ricasoli

Address: Fort Rikasoli, St. Rocco Street, Il-Kalkara KKR 9062, Malta

Timings: Temporarily closed

Cost: Temporarily closed


Fort Manoel

Used in – Game of Thrones Season 1 Episode 9: Baelor

 

Another Fort, another tragedy – That’s what happened when Game of Thrones locations, malta were finalized on the premises of Fort Manoel.

As we watched in horror Ned Stark falsely confessing to treason and Joffrey ordering Ser Ilyn Payne, “bring me his head”, we all may not have the energy to appreciate Fort Manoel – where it was all filmed.

Fort Manoel is located northwest of Valletta and is known for its restored bastions & walls. This star-shaped fortification is where one of the key scenes of Malta Game of Thrones was shot. So, do not miss a chance to witness Fort Manoel and see where the dreadful last moments of Ned Stark were filmed.


DETAILS

Fort Manoel

Address: Manoel Island, Malta, Malta

Timings: Open only on Sundays from 9 am – 5 pm

Cost: Free

 

Verdala Palace

Used in – Game of Thrones Season 1 Episode 1 – Winter Is Coming

 

Yes, Verdala Palace has made a grand entrance in the very first episodes of this nail-biting series.

We see it as the temporary home to Daenerys and her brother as they both stayed at the mansion of Illyrio Mopatis.

This is also the place where Daenerys, for the first time, met Khal Drogo as he rode that mighty black horse through the gardens.

No matter how awkward their first meeting was, Verdala Palace was a soothing backdrop in all those tense Game of Thrones, Malta scenes.

But, as Verdala Palace is the official summer residence of the President of Malta, it is not open to the public. You will have to rewatch GOT to see how beautiful this location actually is.

 

 

DETAILS

Verdala Palace

Address: VC62+H7C, Siggiewi, Malta

Timings and Cost: Can be visited only on a tour


Malta game of thrones location verdala palace

Mtahleb Cliffs and Valley

Used in – Game of Thrones Season 1 Episode 9: Baelor

Game of Thrones Season 1 Episode 10: Fire and Blood

 

It is hard to believe that this beautiful geographical location was used for such sad parts of Malta’s Game of Thrones scenes. We can see the Mtahleb Valley surrounding the Dothraki camp after Khal Drogo collapses in episode 9 of Baelor.

And of course, the iconic scene of Danny entering and reemerging Drogo’s funeral pyre was also shot around here. This Game of Thrones in Malta site should be on top of every fan’s itinerary.

Who knows, you might spot 3 little dragons around here somewhere. I am not losing my hope yet!

 

The Azure Window, Gozo [collapsed in 2017]

Used in – Game of Thrones Season 1 Episode 1 – Winter Is Coming

 

As we all watched in anticipation of the wedding of Daenerys and Khal Drogo, I am sure many must have noticed the beautiful background. The arch we see in GOT Season 1 Episode 1 during the wedding, is part of the Game of Thrones Gozo locations.

Unfortunately, the Azure Window shortly after gaining fame through GOT fell into the ocean after harsh winds and storms hit the area. But that does not mean you cannot visit Dwejra Bay. This is still a popular place amongst beach lovers and scuba divers.

So, when you are exploring Gozo, go to this Game of Thrones Gozo, Malta site as well.

When planning to explore Gozo, I suggest booking this Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour. this full-day Malta tour will give you a chance to uncover the island’s beauty with a local guide. 

You can also check the details of the Gozo Day Trip Including Ggantija Temples as a licensed guide will help you step back in time.


DETAILS

Azure Window

Address: 353Q+C79, San Lawrenz, Malta

Timings: Was open 24 hours, however it is closed since collapsed

Cost: Free


Malta game of thrones location azure window

How to reach Malta by air?

 

Malta is an island country and therefore the quickest way to reach Malta is by air. This island country has only one international airport located in Luqa town – southwest of the Maltese capital Valletta.

The Malta International Airport (MLA) serves all the Maltese islands. It is also one of the essential international hubs for Air Malta. Most of the European, as well as Mediterranean countries, have direct flights to Malta.

Several major international airlines have regular scheduled and charter flights for Malta.

If your country does not have a direct flight to Malta, you can reach any other nearby European country and hop onto one of the direct flights. While doing so, ensure you are following all the visa and passport requirements.


How to reach Malta by ferry?

 

The other way to reach Malta is by ferry ride, though it is not exactly convenient. There is no one timetable that is followed strictly as different seasonal as well as logistical factors may affect ferries to Malta.

You will find a direct ferry to Malta from Salerno and Catania. The quickest ferry takes less than 2 hours to reach Malta whereas the longest duration may go up to 24 hours. So, it is advisable to book your ferry to Malta after confirming the route in advance.

 

So, with the House of Dragons launching are you planning to visit any new Game of thrones locations if you haven’t?

If you’re planning of visiting Malta, do you know any more sites where GOT was filmed here? Let me know so I can pick it up next on my visit!


Malta Game of Thrones FAQs

 

Was Game of Thrones filmed in Malta?

 

Yes! Several key moments from Game of Thrones Season 1 were filmed in Malta. From the Gate of Mdina to the island of Gozo, Game of Thrones locations in Malta are plenty. This tiny country is a treat for GOT fans. You will get to see the original Red Keep chambers as well as King’s Landing in Malta.

 

Where in Malta was Game of Thrones filmed?

 

Game of Thrones in Malta locations include The Gate of Mdina, Mesquita Square in Mdina, St Dominic’s Priory in Rabat, San Anton Palace, Fort St, Angelo, Fort Ricasoli, Fort Manoel, Verdala Palace, The Azure Window, and Mtahleb Cliffs and Valley.

 

Why did Game of Thrones stop filming in Malta?

 

Many, including a few news sources, believe that Game of Thrones stopped filming in Malta after the shooting of Daenerys and Khal Drogo’s wedding damaged the Azure Window on Gozo Island.

But, HBO refused this part and said that changing locations had nothing to do with the natural collapse of the Azure Window.

 

Was Mdina used in Game of Thrones?

 

Yes, the Gate of Mdina can be seen when Lady Catelyn Stark rides into the King’s Landing in season 1 episode 3. Mesquita Square was a place where the entrance of Littlefinger’s Brothel is located.

The same square was used for filming the swordfight between Ned Stark and Jamie Lannister and his men. The streets of Mdina were also used for Game of Thrones filming in Malta.

 

Lavinia Dsouza

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.

She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.

She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.


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