The medieval fantasy epic series had aired its final season but you can enjoy the thrill and adventure by visiting the wonderful castles from Game of Thrones. After visiting these historical sites, you will feel like you are reliving the season and recall all the best scenes filmed in these castles.
Castles from Game of Thrones
Castle of Zafra, Spain
Castle of Zafra is the historic setting of The Tower of Joy in Game of Thrones. During the third episode of season six, a young Ned Stark and his bannermen fight Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Gerold Hightower as seen in flashback via Bran Stark’s visions. In real life, Castle of Zafra is a 12th-century castle in Guadalajara near the small village of Campillo de Dueñas. Surprisingly, it’s also a mining site where remains from the Celtiberians, Romans, and the Visigoths have been discovered.
Doune Castle, Scotland
Doune castle is stood in for a segment of Winterfell, the Stark’s old home, in the pilot episode. (It worked as the tower where Jamie Lannister pushes Bran out the window, famously saying, “The things we do for love.”) The 14th-century ancient castle was built as the residence of Regent Albany, known as “Scotland’s uncrowned king.” Would-be tourists are warned that it’s not an accessible property to visit. The castle courtyard and basement, including display, is available through a steep, cobbled (but somewhat timbered) tunnel.
Castle Ward, Northern Ireland
One of the prime locations of the Game of Thrones series, Castle Ward also performed the part of Winterfell in the pilot and during most of the first season. Sign up for one of Winterfell Tours to feel the 18th-century palace, including dressing up as your favorite GOT character and stepping into a model of the Winterfell Archery Range.
Castillo de Trujillo, Spain
Despite Casterly Rock performing a minor role throughout the series, the castle wasn’t actually observed on-screen until the seventh season of GOT, when Daenerys Targaryen’s impeccable army attacks the famed Lannister home. The real-life location is Trujillo Castle. Built over the remains of an ancient Muslim citadel, the ancient Moorish stone defense fort is located at the highest point in the town of Cáreres. It highlights eight towers and a horseshoe arch.
Lovrijenac Fortress, Croatia
Also known as Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar, this castle and theater in Dubrovnik, Croatia doubles as the Red Keep in King’s Landing, the center of the Seven Kingdoms in Game of Thrones. It makes many appearances everywhere in the run of the HBO show, including working as the setting for King Joffrey’s name day and in season eight as Cersei Lannister plans to defend the city and during the consequent battle. The fortress dominates the two entrances to the city, entered from the sea and by land. It’s most distinguished for countering Venetian rule in the 11th century.
Peñiscola Castle, Spain
In season six, the striking walled town of Peñíscola worked as the setting for Meereen and the Bay of Dragons. The guarded seaport is located on a rocky cliff on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. The town is recognized for its beaches like Pebret and Norte, and its historic old town. The 13th century Peñíscola Castle, constructed by the Knights Templar, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coast and Artillery Park.
Ait Benhaddou, Morocco
The ancient walled city of Ait Benhaddou records back to the 1700s and was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. An impressive example of Moroccan architecture, it includes a group of protected houses, small sandy castles, a mosque, and stables. In Game of Thrones, it stands in for the city of Yunkai. It is not only one of the best castles from Game of Thrones but also in the world.
Castillo Almodóvar, Spain
Castillo Almodóvar, located in the province of Córdoba, worked as the setting of House Tyrell, Highgarden. The castle didn’t actually have its appearance until the seventh season, however, when Jaime Lannister invaded the Tyrells’ home. In real life, the Roman citadel records back to the 8th century. Now, the fort hosts all sorts of activities and travels, including an interactive Game of Thrones journey.
Alcázar of Seville, Spain
This royal palace in Seville, Spain records back to 913, but its modern iteration was constructed for King Peter of Castile on the site of a former Abbadid Muslim residential citadel in the 14th century. Enrolled in 1987 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it appeared in the fifth season of Game of Thrones, where producers recorded the scenes for the Water Gardens of Dorne.
Gosford Castle, Northern Ireland
The setting of Riverrun, Catelyn Stark’s boyhood haven, Gosford Castle, built in the mid-1800s, got recognition when it came up for sale for $656,452 earlier this year. “In 2006, the castle has gone through extensive restorations, which not only brought the structure up to modern code but also transformed the reservation into 23 incredible apartments. Now, six of those apartments are available for sale. The castle recently sold for an undisclosed price.
