Malta, first filming location

Mdina Gate (King's Landing Gate)

The 4000 year-old capital of Malta, Mdina is a walled hill town in the centre of the island, commonly called the Silent City. In Game of Thrones season one, Catelyn and Ser Rodrik Cassel ride into King's Landing through the gorgeous Mdina Gate to investigate the attack on Bran. Fort Ricasoli (Red Keep Gate in King's Landing)

A large seventeenth century fortification built by the Knights of Malta on the promontory known as Gallows Point. It is one of the first things you see if you visit the picturesque village of Kalkara, since it dominates the Grand Harbour. It was a military installation for centuries and played an active part in the defence of Malta during World War Two, when it was badly damaged. Due to its state it can't be visited up close, but take some snaps and you'll be in possession of a good few claims to fame - it's been used as a location for films and TV series.

Fort Ricasoli has been used to represent the Red Keep in King's Landing. Since 1987 Verdala Palace has been the official summer residence of the president of Malta but its origins date back to the sixteenth century, when it was built on the site of a hunting lodge. The elegant palace is surrounded by Buskett Gardens, which were used by the Knights of Malta to hunt game, while in the eighteenth century it was used as a military prison by Napoleon. It is closed to the public, but you can walk through the nearby gardens and imagine you're spying on the house of Illyrio Mopatis - the place where Daenerys and Viserys Targaryen meet Khal Drogo and his kalissi before the wedding.

San Anton Palace (The Red Keep)

This sixteenth century palace located in Attard is the official residence of the President of Malta and is surrounded by private and public gardens. San Anton Palace stands in for parts of the Red Keep in Game of Thrones. In the first series the Starks arrive there and use their stables, and later on a number of their attendants are murdered by Lannister soldiers while unloading some cargo. It is also the Red Keep's Hallway, where Varys and Littlefinger inform Ned Stark that the Goldcloaks are under his control.

Fort Manoel (Great Sept of Baelor)

This is another of the great fortifications of Malta, once a hugely important military stronghold. Fort Manoel stands on Manoel Island in Marsamxett Harbour, north-west of Valletta and will now be remembered forever as the Great Sept of Baelor, the infamous place where King Joffrey executes Ned Stark after his confession, at the end of season one.