Game of thrones in Morocco
For those of you that don’t know ‘Game of Thrones’ is a popular fantasy television series created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, based on the “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series by George R.R. Martin.
The show aired from 2011 to 2019 and gained immense popularity worldwide for its complex characters, political intrigue, and epic battles. It was known for its unpredictable plot twists and willingness to kill off major characters. The series is set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos and follows several noble families vying for control of the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Essos, on the other hand, is a vast continent located to the east of Westeros, known for its diverse cultures and landscapes.
Several places in Morocco were used as filming locations for various scenes in “Game of Thrones.” Morocco’s diverse landscapes and unique architecture made it an attractive choice for depicting some of the fictional cities in Essos.
Essaouira
Essaouira served as a filming location for certain scenes set in Essos. Specifically, Essaouira was used to depict the city of Astapor in the show. Astapor is a major city in Slaver’s Bay, a region in Essos, and plays a significant role in the story during the third season of ‘Game of Thrones’ in which Daenerys Targaryen acquires the Unsullied army.
When Daenerys Targaryen, one of the main characters, arrives in the city of Astapor, it is actually the real-life location of Essaouira that serves as the backdrop for those scenes.
Daenerys is seen exploring the harbour/waterfront of Essaouira and the ramparts were used to create Astapprs walk of punishment. It is also in Essaouira where Daenerys meets her loyal army of Unsullied for the first time. The Skala de la ville is the arch where Daenerys walks when she first enters astapor and sees the Unsullied and Missandei.
It is on the ramparts where Daenerys and Jorah are walking and Daenerys is almost assassinated by the warlock girl before they meet Barristan Selmy
The city’s unique architecture and coastal setting made it a suitable choice for depicting the exotic and ancient city of Astapor in the TV series.
Aït Benhaddou
This UNESCO World Heritage site is an ancient fortified city located near Ouarzazate in southern Morocco. It was used to depict the city of Yunkai, another prominent city in the Slaver’s Bay region, where Daenerys Targaryen continues her conquest. It is where Daenerys Targaryen was held up to the chanting Mhysa in the 10th episode of the third series and where the Battle of yunkai takes place. It is here that daario, greyorm and Jorah take the city and yunkai camp scenes
Ouarzazate
Often referred to as the “Door of the Desert,” Ouarzazate is a city in southern Morocco known for its stunning desert landscapes. Several scenes involving the Dothraki Sea and other desert scenes were filmed in the surrounding areas of Ouarzazate. Season 3 scenes of Daenerys in a tent negotiating the terms of surrender for Yunkai are filmed in the small town of Tazentout.
Atlas Mountains
The rugged and breathtaking landscapes of the Atlas Mountains were used for various scenes beyond the Wall in the North. This area was a suitable choice for depicting the vast and harsh terrain north of the Wall.
Atlas studios
It was in the famous Atlas Studios where the scenes of the fire and ice saga were shot. Also, Pentos a free city in slavers bay was filmed here. The Kingdom of heaven set was redressed and repainted to become Illyrio Mopatis, the mansion where Daenerys meets Khal Drogo for the first time. And finally, Episode 4 series 3 where the fury of Daenerys dragons is unleashed on a bunch of slave owners.
The original pilot show was also filmed in Morocco.
The show’s producers utilised the country’s diverse geography to bring the fictional world of Essos to life, making Morocco an essential part of the series’ visual storytelling.
