Malta film locations: Game of Thrones, Gladiator and Popeye

Medieval towns, bastions and the rocky coastline have made Malta a magnet for filmmakers for decades. The islands have already served as King’s Landing, ancient Rome, Troy and the Middle East. Here are the places that film fans can visit.

“Game of Thrones”

The first series was largely filmed in Malta.

• The Gate of Mdina – the main gate of the ‘Silent City’ served as the gate of King’s Landing, through which Catelyn Stark enters the city.
• Mdina – its narrow streets served as the streets of the capital of Westeros.
• Fort Manoel on Manoel Island in Gżira – this is where the scene of Ned Stark’s execution in front of the Great Sept of Baelor was filmed.
• San Anton Palace – this stood in for part of the Red Keep. The San Anton Gardens are open to the public, whilst the palace itself is the president’s official residence.
• Verdala Palace – this served as Illyria’s residence in Pentos, in front of which Daenerys first meets Khal Drogo. The palace is the President’s summer residence and is not open to the public.
• Fort Ricasoli – its gate served as the entrance to the Red Keep.
• The Azure Window on Gozo – the backdrop to Daenerys and Khal Drogo’s wedding. The rock arch collapsed in 2017, but Dwejra is still well worth a visit.

‘Gladiator’ and ‘Gladiator II’

Fort Ricasoli, on the eastern side of the Grand Harbour, is one of the most frequently used film locations in Malta. It was here, amongst other things, that ancient Rome was built for ‘Gladiator’. Many years later, scenes for ‘Gladiator II’ were also filmed in Malta. The fort is not normally open to visitors, but its walls are clearly visible from the sea and from Valletta.

“Popeye”

Popeye Village in Anchor Bay is a wooden village built for the 1980 film “Popeye”, starring Robin Williams. The set was not dismantled and today operates as an amusement park, ideal for a visit with children.

“Troy”

Maltese locations were also used in the film “Troy” starring Brad Pitt, including Fort Ricasoli, where the city sets were built.

Valletta as other cities around the world

Valletta has repeatedly stood in for other cities. In Steven Spielberg’s film Munich, it stood in for several European and Middle Eastern locations, whilst in World War Z, starring Brad Pitt, it stood in for Jerusalem. Walking around the city, it’s easy to see why filmmakers are so fond of it.

How to explore film locations

• Mdina, the Mdina Gate and the San Anton Gardens are open to the public and can easily be visited in a single day.
• Ricasoli and Manoel Forts aren’t always open, so check availability before visiting or simply admire them from the outside.
• Popeye Village and Dwejra fit perfectly into a day trip to northern Malta and Gozo.

Film-themed Malta with See It

In the See It app, you’ll find descriptions of film-related locations, complete with photos, opening times and ticket prices. Using the planner, you can create your own ‘film’ itinerary around the islands, and you can read or listen to the descriptions as you go.

You’ll also find Mdina and Dwejra in our itinerary Malta in 3 days – a step-by-step sightseeing guide.