Where were the dragons kept in Game of Thrones?

The dragons were kept in the subterranean halls of Diocletian's Palace, specifically in the central and western parts of the cellars. These vaults served as the 'Dragon Pit' in Meereen where Daenerys Targaryen chained Viserion and Rhaegal.

How long is the Game of Thrones walk in Split?

The walk typically takes between 90 to 120 minutes. The distance is relatively short, around 1 kilometer, but you will want extra time to explore the Cellars and the Museum.

Is Diocletian's Palace free to enter?

The palace itself is a living part of the city and is free to enter. However, specific sites within it, such as the subterranean Cellars, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the GoT Museum, require a paid ticket.

Can I see Meereen in Split?

Yes, Split was the primary location for Meereen's city streets and the Dragon Pit. For the city walls and the climb to the top of Meereen, you would need to visit the nearby Klis Fortress, which is a 20-minute drive from the center.

What is the best time of day for a walking tour Split experience?

Early morning, before 9:00 AM, is the best time. This allows you to see the narrow streets and the Peristyle before the large groups of tourists and cruise ship passengers arrive.

Is the Game of Thrones walk in Split difficult?

The walk is rated as easy. Most of the route is on flat ground within the palace walls, though you should be prepared for uneven Roman paving stones and some stairs in the Cellars.

Is the Game of Thrones Museum in Split worth it?

For fans of the series, yes. It houses many high-quality replicas, props, and costumes that were used in or inspired by the show, providing a great indoor complement to the outdoor filming locations.

Game of Thrones: Real Meereen and Braavos | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Step into the ancient world of Meereen and Braavos without leaving the limestone streets of Split. This self-guided walk explores the 1,700-year-old Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as a primary filming location for the hit series Game of Thrones. As you navigate the winding alleys and subterranean vaults, you will see how the Roman Emperor's retirement residence was transformed into the city of Meereen, the site of Daenerys Targaryen's quest to liberate the enslaved. This neighborhood stroll offers a unique blend of authentic Roman history and cinematic fantasy, allowing you to stand exactly where the Mother of Dragons kept her children and where the Sons of the Harpy staged their deadly ambushes. The route begins in the heart of the palace at the Peristyle Square, a majestic courtyard that captures the scale of the Great Pyramid of Meereen. From there, you will descend into the cool, dark depths of the Palace Cellars, known to fans as the Dragon Pit. This walking route also leads you through the narrow, high-walled streets of the Papalić Palace area, where the slaves of Meereen rose up against their masters. You will visit the Golden Gate, the most ornate entrance to the city, and finish at a dedicated museum where you can see props and replicas from the show. Whether you are a die-hard fan of the series or simply interested in how modern film production interacts with ancient architecture, this walk provides a fascinating layer of storytelling to Split's historic center. By exploring independently, you can take as much time as you need to capture the perfect photo in the shadows of the Roman columns or spend extra time marvelling at the engineering of the subterranean vaults. This walking tour Split experience is designed to be flexible, letting you soak in the atmosphere of the Adriatic coast while retracing the steps of Khaleesi and her Unsullied army.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

Descend into the Dragon Pit in Diocletian's Cellars
Stand in the Peristyle, the heart of the Great Pyramid
Walk the narrow streets of the Meereenese slave revolt
See the Golden Gate where 'Kill the Masters' was written
Explore the atmospheric alleys used for Sons of the Harpy ambushes
Visit the Game of Thrones Museum to see show props

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Peristyle Square

Welcome to the heart of the Roman Empire in Dalmatia. This central courtyard was the ceremonial hub of Emperor Diocletian’s palace, built at the turn of the 4th century. In the world of Game of Thrones, this majestic space, with its towering Corinthian columns and ancient Egyptian sphinxes, served as the exterior of the Great Pyramid of Meereen. Imagine Daenerys Targaryen standing above, overlooking her newly liberated city. The architecture here is so well-preserved that very little CGI was needed to make it look like a fantasy capital. Take a moment to look at the prothyrum—the entrance to the imperial apartments—which provided the perfect regal backdrop for the Mother of Dragons.

2

Diocletian's Cellars

Below the palace lies one of the most iconic filming locations in the world: the Dragon Pit. These subterranean halls are a mirror image of the palace layout above, preserved for centuries by the refuse that was dumped here. In the show, this is where Daenerys kept Viserion and Rhaegal locked away. The damp, cavernous atmosphere and the echoing acoustics make it easy to imagine the dragons' roars. As you walk through these massive stone arches, you are standing in the very spot where the Unsullied guarded the queen’s most dangerous assets. Note the impressive Roman masonry that has supported the city above for nearly two millennia.

3

Papalić Palace (Slave Revolt Streets)

As you move through the narrow alleys near the Papalić Palace, you are entering the streets of Meereen during its most turbulent times. This area, with its high walls and overlapping balconies, was used for the scenes where the slaves of Meereen revolted against the Great Masters. In the show, the Unsullied distributed weapons to the enslaved people in these dark corners. The Gothic architecture of the Papalić Palace itself adds a medieval grit to the Roman foundations. It is one of the most atmospheric parts of the Old Town, where the shadows of the past—both Roman and fictional—seem to linger in every doorway.

4

The Golden Gate

The Porta Aurea, or Golden Gate, was the main entrance to the palace for the Emperor arriving from the nearby city of Salona. In the series, this gate served as an entrance to Meereen. It was near here that the iconic 'Kill the Masters' graffiti was seen by the liberating forces. The intricate niches once held statues of the four tetrarchs who ruled the Roman Empire. Today, it stands as a testament to the grandeur of the city. Just outside the gate, you'll see the massive statue of Gregory of Nin; while not in the show, rubbing his toe is a local tradition for good luck—perhaps something the masters of Meereen could have used.

5

Dominisova Street

This narrow corridor is a prime example of the 'kalas' or streets of Split that provided the perfect setting for the urban warfare seen in the show. Dominisova Street was used for the tense sequences where the Sons of the Harpy, wearing their gold masks, ambushed the Unsullied and Ser Barristan Selmy. The tight turns and hidden alcoves of the Old Town were ideal for the guerrilla tactics used by the insurgents of Meereen. Even without the masks and spears, the street retains a sense of mystery and history, showing how the living city of Split continues to inhabit its ancient shell.

6

Game of Thrones Museum Split

Your journey through Meereen concludes at the Game of Thrones Museum. While the city itself is the set, this museum offers a chance to see the details up close. Inside, you can find high-quality replicas of armor, swords like Longclaw and Needle, and life-sized figures of the characters. It is a great place to contextualize what you have seen on your walk. You can even sit on a replica of the Iron Throne for a final photo. This stop bridges the gap between the ancient stone walls you've just traversed and the global phenomenon that brought the world's attention back to the historic heart of Split.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk is the best way to see the sites at your own pace. Most filming locations are located within the pedestrian-only Diocletian's Palace, making it easy to explore on foot without needing a vehicle.