Malta’s Best Game of Thrones Sites

For those of you who can’t get enough of Game of Thrones, Malta offers the perfect chance to step into Westeros. This small, history-soaked island served as a striking background for several iconic scenes in the show’s first season.

If you decide to visit these locations on your Malta holiday, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to immerse yourself in the settings that shaped the best scenes in the series. Below, we’ll share some of the most famous spots.

Mdina

Malta’s ancient walled city is a must-visit for any Game of Thrones fan. Known as the “Silent City,” its narrow lanes, stone arche and medieval charm brought King’s Landing to life.

Begin at the city gate, which doubled as the King’s Gate, and meander through the labyrinthine streets to soak up the atmosphere. Any true fan will recognise Mesquita Square as the place where Jaime Lannister confronted Ned Stark.

Fort Ricasoli

Located at the edge of the Grand Harbour, Fort Ricasoli was used extensively in the show’s early episodes. Originally built by the famous religious military order known as the Knights Hospitallers, this formidable fort provided the backdrop for various King’s Landing exteriors. Its imposing walls and dramatic, wave-battered setting suited the show’s vision of a city marked by political machinations and looming conflict.

While Fort Ricasoli is not open to the public, you can catch views of it from nearby points like Kalkara and Valletta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens. This gives you a good vantage point from which to appreciate how this formidable fort seamlessly brought the gritty landscape of King’s Landing to life.

San Anton Palace and Gardens

Located in the quiet village of Attard, San Anton Palace and Gardens played the role of the Red Keep’s palatial locale. The lawns and the palace’s imposing structure provided the background for several key scenes – you’ll recall it as the environment where King Robert Baratheon and the Lannisters frequently strolled.

San Anton Gardens are open to the public, so you can wander the very paths where power-hungry nobles plotted their next moves. In springtime, the lush greenery of the carefully maintained grounds is in full bloom. Visit in the morning to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and take time to marvel at the array of flora, fountains and winding paths.

St. Dominic’s Priory, Rabat

Set amid Rabat’s historic structures, this centuries-old priory appeared in the scene where Ned Stark confronted Cersei in the secluded gardens. The cloistered layout and stone arches lend an air of gravitas, perfectly mirroring the tension in the show.

Visit this priory for a serene experience, where you can envision the charged encounters that unfolded here. With fewer tourists than other locations, it’s an ideal spot for a reflective pause and perhaps a few snapshots reminiscent of Westeros.

Verdala Palace

While Verdala Palace might not appear as frequently, it’s a fascinating location for Game of Thrones fans. Set amid Buskett Gardens, Verdala served as the backdrop for Daenerys Targaryen’s wedding to Khal Drogo. The grand, fortified structure adds a regal touch, and its isolated location gives it a distinctly otherworldly feel, fitting for Daenerys’s journey.

Although the stately home itself is not open to the public, a walk around Buskett Gardens allows you to appreciate the views that surround this historic residence. Visiting Verdala offers a more secluded experience, well-suited to those who want to feel like they’re in a far-off land.

In every corner of Malta, there’s a touch of Westeros waiting to be uncovered. As you explore these filming sites, you’ll step right into the fantasy world that captivated millions, adding a cinematic layer to your Malta adventure.