Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Malta

Ever since witnessing the wedding of Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen in season one, Malta has become a top destination for all Game of Thrones fans. The iconic scene took place in Gozo, Malta’s sister island, with the Azure Window serving as a breath–taking backdrop. Although harsh winds and seas have now brought down the Azure Window in Dwejra Bay, Gozo, you are still in time to visit the following Game of Thrones Malta filming locations during your trip to the islands.

The formative first season was filmed around different towns, gardens and fortifications in Malta. You could even visit all of the locations in one day with a Games of Thrones Malta tour with Uphoto Malta. But, while you’re staying at one of our AX Hotels properties in Malta, make the most of the locations and their surroundings with our helpful guide. Unlike the Azure Window, these aren’t going anywhere!

Malta’s old capital, also called ‘The Silent City’ and ‘Citta Nobile’ (the noble city), has a history dating back more than 4000 years. The timeless atmosphere of this walled city has been preserved throughout history, and its fortifications attracted the Game of Thrones location scouts, too.

It was here that a handful of moving scenes took place, including the farewell between Catelyn and Ned Stark as she headed north from King’s Landing, following King Robert’s death. The medieval gate is characterised by the two stone-carved lions on either side of the entrance to the city.

The cobblestoned streets and sandy-coloured buildings also featured as the courtyard outside Littlefinger’s brothel, where the heart-pounding fight between Ned Stark and Jaime Lannister took place. While you’re here, take a moment to explore the labyrinth of streets in Mdina until you reach the Mdina bastions, which are famously known for having the best views of Malta.

Remember the famous line: “When you play the game of thrones, you win, or you die”? These words were uttered right here at St Dominic’s Priory. Located in Rabat, the town just outside the Mdina gate, the St Dominic’s priory is one of the most remarkable Game of Thrones filming locations in Malta. The courtyard of the Red Keep is where Ned Stark revealed that he knows about Cersei Lanaster’s incestuous secret, making it one of the most prophetic scenes of season one!

St Dominic’s Priory is found on the outskirts of Rabat. While you’re here, you could also visit the St Paul’s Catacombs, or just wonder around the picturesque streets of Rabat. Malta’s most well-known ‘Pastizzeria’ is also located here, so stop by ‘Crystal Palace’ for a couple of delicious pastizzi too!

Just 10 minutes away from Rabat, you’ll find San Anton Gardens in Balzan, another Red Keep location. The gardens are officially part of the President of Malta’s residence, so not all sections are accessible to the public. However, the public gardens are well-worth a visit of all those looking to discover Games of Thrones Malta locations.

You’ll be able to wander around the entrance patio, which provided the setting for the Red Keep stables in the series. Also, the gardens are an idyllic place to stroll around and enjoy the natural surroundings, with exotic flowers, fountains and peacocks roaming around freely. This might be enough to distract you from the memory of when Joffrey took Sansa to see the head of her father and her septa on a spike, which was filmed right here.

Before his untimely death, Ned Stark was imprisoned in a chamber beneath the Red Keep, which was filmed at Fort St Angelo in Birgu. The fort is one of the most important buildings left from the period of the Knights of St John, as its prime location in the harbour made it responsible for protecting the island from invaders. 500 years ago, Fort St Angelo was the prison where the famous Italian painter, Michelangelo Merisi di Caravaggio, was locked up for murdering a Maltese Knight!

The beautiful gate of Fort Ricasoli was also used as one of the Game of Thrones filming locations in Malta. The main gate, with its tortile columns, served as the entrance to the Red Keep. The beautiful site will take you back to the scene when Arya tried to re-enter the Red Keep, but the guards did not believe that she was the daughter of the King’s Hand.

Manoel Island set the scene for one of the most tragic moments in season one. It was here that Ned Stark was forced to make a false confession of treason in order to save the lives of his beloved daughters. Ned’s trial and execution took place at the Lazzaretto on Manoel Island, by the hateful Joffrey Baratheon.