Medieval fortresses, ancient ruins, UNESCO landmarks, dramatic cliffs and breathtaking landscapes across Spanish geography are back in the spotlight with one of this season’s most awaited series, a take on the world of dragons and dynasties. Power rings are set to whirl through Amazon Prime Video on September 2. The series premieres this Monday, August 22, on HBO Max. Dragon House, a prequel to Game of Thrones set roughly two centuries before, follows the rise of the Targaryen dynasty at the dawn of their reign, tracing generations that shaped the Iron Throne. The saga’s legacy spans from 2011 to 2019 across eight seasons, featuring central figures such as Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow, the Stark family, and the Lannisters.
In line with its legendary predecessor, which earned 59 Emmy nominations and wins, the new story carves its own path while drawing from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire and the Fire and Blood volumes that inspired the world of dragons and power. The narrative reimagines familiar conflicts, weaving a tale of succession that resonates with fans and newcomers alike.
Many scenes were reshot to better convey the Targaryens’ early era and the political climate of Westeros. The production unfolds across ten episodes shot in Spain, with standout locations highlighting how architecture meets nature. In Lloret de Mar, Girona, the Mediterranean landscape frames the Gardens of Santa Clotilde, where striking cliffs offer sweeping views. The nearby city of Cáceres showcases its UNESCO-listed historic core with iconic sights such as the Santa María Gate, the Arco de la Estrella, the Torre de los Púlpitos, the Torre de Bujaco, and Cuesta de la Compañía, while Trujillo reveals its castle and the Barruecos natural park, a dramatic battlefield setting for pivotal moments. The Calahorra Tower stands tall in Guadix, Granada, underscoring the region’s architectural splendor used to convey regal authority in the story.
Although many interiors and exteriors were filmed elsewhere, Spain was a central filming hub for Game of Thrones. The country hosted a variety of memorable shoots that became pilgrimage sites for fans. Here is a guide to the main Spanish locations used in the series:
✅Almeria
The Walls of Almería’s Alcazaba and the San Cristóbal hill symbolize the peninsula’s Muslim heritage, serving as the fictional setting of Dorne. The Mesa Roldán Tower stands near Cabo de Gata Natural Park, where dragons were dramatized in flight across the sky. In the vicinity of the capital, the Sierra Alhamilla region, especially the El Chorrillo area, housed the Dothraki village where Daenerys was held captive during season six.
✅Barcelona
Santa Florentina Castle in Canet de Mar, dating to the 11th century, is the wondrous backdrop known as Raven Hill in the series. Today the castle opens to visitors and can even be rented for experiences tied to the fantasy world.
✅Moles
The seventh season captured the monumental Cáceres’ Plaza de Santa María, Arco de la Estrella, Torre de los Púlpitos and Torre de Bujaco, along with the Cuesta de la Compañía. Trujillo’s castle and the Barruecos natural reserve near Malpartida provided key battlefield atmospheres that fans remember vividly.
✅Castellon
Peníscola’s walled town appears alongside the Papa Luna Castle perched atop the rock that dominates the coast. The scene is complemented by the artillery park, Calle Mayor, the Felipe II ramp and other historic sites that lend a sense of epic scale.
✅ Cordoba
Beyond the Roman bridge, the Almodóvar del Río Castle becomes a visual proxy for several strongholds in the story, echoing the Highgarden and Casterly Rock motifs that fuel the plot without losing its own Andalusian flavor.
✅ Girona
During the sixth season, Girona transformed into Braavos. In the medieval streets near the cathedral, staircases witnessed Arya Stark’s stealthy beggar scenes, and the cathedral steps hosted Jaime Lannister’s dramatic arrival. The city’s charm, enhanced by modern chrome effects, merges with the sea-inspired ambiance of Braavos.
✅ Guadalajara
Campillo de Dueñas in Zafra Castle plays the role of the Tower of Joy, the birthplace of Jon Snow, adding a poignant layer to the saga’s lore.
✅ Gipuzkoa
The Zumaia cliffs, known for their Flysch formation, serve as dramatic coastlines where key meetings unfold between important characters as the story advances along the northern shore.
✅ Navarra
The Bardenas Reales, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, become a Martian-esque landscape that frames Daenerys and her Dothraki as their paths cross with the desert-like terrain and windswept horizons of the region.
✅ Seville
Seville’s Real Alcázar and surrounding rooms host the Martell family’s fictional residency in later seasons. Nearby Osuna and its ancient church add to the sense of a living, breathing empire. The region’s Itálica ruins, repurposed as the Dragon Pit, anchor significant scenes involving Daenerys and her allies in the fight against threats.
✅ Biscay
To reach the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage, travelers are advised to book in advance. Between Bermeo and Baquio, the island connected by a stone bridge and a 241-step climb has grown in fame since Dragonstone became the ancestral seat of House Targaryen.