House of the Dragon, the prequel to the iconic Game of Thrones, has captivated audiences with its gripping storytelling, intricate character arcs, and, perhaps most importantly, its ability to whisk viewers to a fantastical world. As the story unfolds, fans can’t help but wonder about the real-life locations that served as the backdrops for this tale. The series creates an immersive universe by merging several filming sites. The series incorporates various distinct settings, each adding its character to the storyline, ranging from the sun-drenched landscapes of Spain and Portugal to the craggy shores of England.
Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain
At the heart of House of the Dragon lies the iconic city of King’s Landing, a metropolis where power is coveted and contested. To bring this pivotal setting to life, the production team ventured to the historic city of Cáceres in Spain’s Extremadura region. Cáceres boasts winding cobblestone streets, towering medieval walls, and architecture with Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance influences. It provided the perfect space for capturing the essence of King’s Landing. As viewers witness the intricate power dynamics unfold within the city’s walls, they can’t help but go back to a time when kingdoms rose and fell, and the fate of empires hung in the balance.
- Things to Do: Some of the most popular things to do in Cáceres include a Tron of Throne guided visit and Cáceres essential.
- Where to Eat: Restaurante alBalat and Nolasco Restaurante are just two of the town’s many popular restaurants.
- Where to Stay: Barceló Cáceres V Centenario and NH Collection Cáceres Palacio de Oquendo are among the most sought-after hotels in Cáceres.
Monsanto, Portugal
One of the most awe-inspiring locations featured in House of the Dragon is Dragonstone, the ancestral Targaryen home of the Targaryens. This formidable fortress, perched atop a rocky outcrop, demands a filming location that exudes strength, resilience, and a sense of timeless grandeur. The village of Monsanto in Portugal, found among towering boulders and prehistoric rock formations, became the embodiment of Dragonstone. Monsanto provided the perfect setting for showcasing the Targaryen’s unyielding spirit.
- Things to Do: Some of the most popular things to do in Cáceres include the Discovering the Historic Village of Monsanto tour and Castle of Monsanto: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Portugal’s Most Famous Site.
- Where to Eat: Visit Casa da Velha Fonte Unip Lda and Restaurante Nossa Senhora, two of Monsanto’s many popular restaurants.
- Where to Stay: Casa Pires Mateus and Monsanto GeoHotel Escola are among the most highly-rated hotels in Monsanto.
St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall, England
The Velaryons, a powerful Valyrian house, play a pivotal role in the unfolding events. To capture the essence of their stronghold, the production team turned to St. Michael’s Mount in Cornwall, England.
This rocky tidal island, with its medieval church and intimate living community, served as the fictional Driftmark, the ancestral home of House Velaryon. The island’s main castle and the stunning vistas of Kynance Cove and its beaches created a visual glory.
- Things to Do: A visit to St. Michael’s Mount, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, and Minack Theatre are popular activities in the area.
- Where to Eat: Famous eateries in Cornwall include Fifty and Nice Baps.
- Where to Stay: St Michaels Resort and The Greenbank Hotel are among the best hotels in Cornwall.
Derbyshire, The Peak District, England
Not all locations in House of the Dragon were sun-drenched or coastal. The series also ventured into Derbyshire and the Peak District in England. It captured the raw beauty of these regions and lent an air of authenticity to the show’s more remote settings. The village of Castleton, with its ancient lead mines and classic English hamlets, transformed into The Vale of Arryn, a familiar location for fans of Game of Thrones. Meanwhile, the Peak District’s rolling hills, moorlands, and valleys were perfect for scenes that required a touch of untamed wilderness.
- Things to Do: Derbyshire and the Peak District from Manchester and Hunted in the Peak District are some of the best things to do in Derbyshire. The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Minack Theatre are popular activities in the area.
- Where to Eat: Popular Restaurants in the area include The Shalimar and La Corrente.
- Where to Stay: Casa Hotel and Buxton Crescent are among the best hotels in Derbyshire.
Trujillo, Catalonia, Spain
While the primary filming locations have garnered significant attention, House of the Dragon also ventured into lesser-known destinations.
The medieval town of Trujillo in Spain, with its Roman ruins and hilltop castles, provided a glimpse into the show’s more obscure settings. Meanwhile, the botanical gardens of Santa Clotilde in Catalonia, Spain, with their winding gravel paths and tall hedges, did justice to Red Keep’s walking grounds.
- Things to Do: A guided tour of Trujillo at Sunset, “El Collector de Atardeceres,” and visiting the Medieval Scene and Route of the Discoverers are popular activities in Trujillo.
- Where to Eat: La Abadía Restaurante and Meson Los Naranjos are popular restaurants in the town.
- Where to Stay: Parador de Trujillo and Hotel Boutique Posada Dos Orillas are among the best hotels in Trujillo.
