Written by María Liébana, licensed tourist guide in Seville. Posted on 11/25/2025.
Quick answer
If you are a Game of Thrones fan visiting Seville, there is one place you should not miss: the Royal Alcázar.
This extraordinary palace became the Water Gardens of Dorne, the home of House Martell, in the HBO series. Its courtyards, pools, gardens and tiled halls were so close to the imagined world of Dorne that the production needed very little transformation.
For many visitors, the Alcázar is one of the most beautiful monuments in Spain.
For Game of Thrones fans, it is something even more special: one of the few filming locations where you can walk through real rooms, gardens and viewpoints that are instantly recognisable from the series.
This complete guide explains where Game of Thrones was filmed in Seville, which parts of the Alcázar appear as Dorne, what scenes were filmed there, how to visit the locations, whether you need a special ticket, and what other Game of Thrones sites you can see near Seville.
Game of Thrones in Seville: Dorne Filming Locations at the Alcázar
Last updated: July 2026
Where was Dorne filmed in Game of Thrones?
Dorne was filmed mainly at the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain.
In the series, the Alcázar appears as the Water Gardens of Dorne, the palace residence of House Martell. Several scenes from the Dorne storyline were filmed in different areas of the Alcázar, including:
- the Hall of Ambassadors;
- the Mercury Pond;
- the Grutesco Gallery;
- the palace gardens;
- the Baths of María de Padilla;
- and the Pavilion of Charles V.
The best part is that these areas are part of the normal Alcázar visit. You do not need a special Game of Thrones ticket to see them.
However, the Alcázar is one of the most visited monuments in Spain and tickets often sell out in advance, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Why was the Alcázar chosen as Dorne?
Dorne is described in Game of Thrones as a warm, southern, sunlit land with a very different atmosphere from King’s Landing, Winterfell or the North.
The Alcázar was almost perfect for that vision.
Its Islamic and Mudéjar architecture, reflective pools, orange trees, tiled walls, fountains and intimate courtyards already looked like the world the producers needed to create.
The palace did not need to pretend very much.
That is what makes the Alcázar such a powerful filming location. It does not feel like a set. It feels like a real palace that Dorne could have been based on.
The combination of water, shade, geometry, gardens and colour made the Alcázar one of the most natural choices in the whole series.
What is Dorne in Game of Thrones?
Dorne is the southernmost region of Westeros and the homeland of House Martell.
It is known for its warmer climate, distinct culture, political independence and strong identity. In the series, Dorne is presented as a place of elegance, danger, sensuality and political tension.
Its capital residence, the Water Gardens, is associated with Prince Doran Martell and his family.
The scenes filmed in Seville helped create that atmosphere.
Instead of using a studio or heavy CGI, HBO used one of Spain’s most spectacular real palaces. This gave Dorne a sense of authenticity that many fans immediately noticed.
The Real Alcázar of Seville: the real Water Gardens of Dorne
The Royal Alcázar of Seville is one of the oldest royal palaces still in use in Europe.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great masterpieces of Mudéjar architecture. Its history combines Islamic, Christian, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements, reflecting the different cultures and dynasties that shaped Seville over the centuries.
For Game of Thrones, this layered architecture was ideal.
The palace looks both real and otherworldly. It feels ancient, luxurious and political — exactly what Dorne needed.
When you walk through the Alcázar today, you are not visiting a replica of a filming location. You are visiting the real palace that appeared on screen.
Main Game of Thrones filming locations inside the Alcázar
Several areas of the Alcázar were used to represent Dorne. Some are instantly recognisable, while others are easier to miss without knowing where to look.
1. The Hall of Ambassadors
The Hall of Ambassadors is one of the most impressive rooms in the Alcázar.
With its golden dome, rich decoration and ceremonial atmosphere, it became one of the most powerful interior settings for the Dorne storyline.
In real life, this was one of the most important rooms of the Mudéjar Palace. It was designed to impress visitors and communicate royal power.
In Game of Thrones, it works perfectly as a political space for House Martell.
The room’s symmetry, decoration and dramatic light make it feel like a throne room, even though its real history is much older and more complex than the series.
When visiting, look up.
The ceiling is one of the most extraordinary parts of the Alcázar and one of the reasons the room feels so cinematic.
The Hall of Ambassadors is one of the most spectacular rooms in the Alcázar and one of the spaces that best explains why the palace worked so well as Dorne. To understand its dome, symbolism and royal function, read our guide to the Hall of Ambassadors.
2. The Mercury Pond
The Mercury Pond is one of the most recognisable Dorne locations.
This large reflective pool, surrounded by stone, greenery and architectural details, became part of the visual identity of the Water Gardens.
It is easy to understand why the production used it.
Water is central to the atmosphere of Dorne: calm, luxurious, controlled and symbolic. The Mercury Pond gives the scene a sense of elegance and stillness.
For visitors, this is one of the best places to stop and imagine the series.
It is also one of the most photogenic areas of the Alcázar.
3. The Grutesco Gallery
Above the Mercury Pond stands the Grutesco Gallery, a raised walkway with impressive views over the gardens.
This area gives the Alcázar a theatrical feeling. From above, you can see the gardens, the water, the palace structures and the movement of visitors below.
In Game of Thrones, elevated viewpoints like this helped create the sense of a royal residence where characters observe, speak privately and move through spaces of power.
In real life, the gallery is one of the best places to understand the scale and layout of the Alcázar gardens.
It also offers one of the most memorable views of the palace complex.
4. The Alcázar Gardens
The gardens are essential to the Alcázar’s role as Dorne.
Orange trees, hedges, fountains, shaded paths and tiled details create the kind of lush Mediterranean atmosphere that the series needed.
The Water Gardens are supposed to feel refined, peaceful and slightly separate from the rest of Westeros.
The Alcázar gardens provide exactly that.
Unlike darker locations in the series, Dorne is full of light, vegetation and warm colour. This contrast is one of the reasons the Seville scenes stand out so much visually.
When visiting, do not rush the gardens.
Many people focus only on the palace rooms, but the Game of Thrones atmosphere is especially strong outside.
5. The Baths of María de Padilla
The Baths of María de Padilla are one of the most atmospheric spaces in the Alcázar.
Located below the palace, this long vaulted area with water creates a very different mood from the bright gardens above.
It is darker, cooler and more mysterious.
That contrast made it useful for the Dorne storyline, because it added depth to the palace world. Dorne was not only sunlit patios and orange trees. It also needed hidden spaces, shadow and intimacy.
Even for visitors who are not Game of Thrones fans, the baths are one of the most memorable parts of the Alcázar.
They feel almost cinematic even without the series.
6. The Pavilion of Charles V
The Pavilion of Charles V is another area connected with the filming of Dorne.
This small Renaissance pavilion in the gardens, decorated with tiles and arches, adds another visual layer to the palace.
It shows how the Alcázar is not a single-style monument. It is a complex built and transformed across centuries.
For Game of Thrones, this variety was useful because it allowed the production to create a rich palace environment without leaving the same monument.
Which Game of Thrones seasons were filmed at the Alcázar?
The Alcázar appears mainly in the Dorne storyline of Season 5, with the Dorne setting also connected to the wider storyline that continues afterwards.
The Seville filming locations are especially associated with scenes involving:
- Prince Doran Martell;
- Ellaria Sand;
- the Sand Snakes;
- Jaime Lannister;
- Bronn;
- Myrcella Baratheon;
- and Trystane Martell.
The Alcázar gave the Dorne storyline a very different visual identity from other parts of the series.
Instead of snow, stone fortresses or dark halls, Seville provided light, colour, water and gardens.
Which scenes were filmed in the Alcázar?
The Alcázar was used for several scenes connected with the Water Gardens of Dorne.
These include palace conversations, political confrontations, garden walks and scenes involving the Martell family and visitors to Dorne.
Rather than one single room, the series uses the Alcázar as a complete environment.
That is why fans often recognise different places as they move through the monument.
You may notice:
- formal interior rooms used for courtly scenes;
- garden paths used for conversations;
- pools and fountains used to create the Water Gardens atmosphere;
- elevated viewpoints used for dramatic framing;
- and shaded areas that create a more private feeling.
A guided visit can be especially useful because the filming spots are spread across the monument and are not always signposted as Game of Thrones locations.
Can you visit the Dorne filming locations?
Yes.
All the main Dorne filming locations inside the Alcázar can be visited with a standard Alcázar ticket.
You do not need a special Game of Thrones ticket, private permit or film-tour access to see them.
However, there are two important things to know.
First, the Alcázar has strict capacity limits and timed tickets. It can sell out days in advance, especially during high season.
Second, the locations are part of a large historical monument, not a theme park. There are no large HBO signs inside the palace telling you exactly where every scene was filmed.
That means you can visit them independently, but you may not recognise every location without preparation or a guide.
You do not need a special Game of Thrones ticket to visit the Dorne filming locations, but you do need a valid Alcázar ticket. Since tickets are timed, nominative and often sell out in advance, we recommend reading our complete Alcázar tickets guide before planning your visit.
Do you need a special Game of Thrones tour?
No, you do not need a special Game of Thrones ticket to enter the Alcázar.
But a guided tour can make the visit much more interesting.
A good guide can help you:
- identify the exact filming locations;
- understand which real spaces were used as Dorne;
- connect the palace architecture with the series;
- avoid missing important areas;
- and understand the real history of the Alcázar beyond Game of Thrones.
This last point is important.
The Alcázar is much more than a filming location. It is one of the most important monuments in Spain.
The best visit combines both layers: the cinematic story of Dorne and the real history of Seville.
If your main interest is the Royal Alcázar itself, you can also choose a guided Alcázar tour focused on the palace, gardens and main highlights. This is a good option if you want to explore the Dorne filming locations without adding the Cathedral and Giralda to the same visit.
How to visit the Alcázar if you are a Game of Thrones fan
If your main reason for visiting is Game of Thrones, plan carefully.
The Alcázar is not difficult to visit, but tickets are limited and the monument is very popular.
A good plan would be:
- Book your Alcázar ticket in advance.
- Choose a time slot with enough time to visit both palace and gardens.
- Arrive early with your ID or passport.
- Visit the Mudéjar Palace carefully.
- Pay special attention to the Hall of Ambassadors.
- Continue towards the gardens, Mercury Pond and Grutesco Gallery.
- Look for the Baths of María de Padilla.
- Allow time to enjoy the gardens without rushing.
For a complete visit, allow at least 2 hours.
If you want to explore the palace and gardens properly, 2.5 hours is more comfortable.
Booking ahead is the best way to avoid unnecessary stress, especially if seeing the Game of Thrones locations is one of your priorities. Our guide to how to skip the line at the Alcázar explains what “skip the line” really means, what it does not include and how to avoid the most common entry mistakes.
Best time to visit the Alcázar for Game of Thrones locations
The best time depends on the season.
In general, early morning or early afternoon can offer a better experience than peak mid-morning.
During summer, heat is an important factor. The gardens can become very hot, so visiting early is usually more comfortable.
During spring and autumn, the Alcázar is extremely popular, and tickets can sell out well in advance.
For photography, morning light can be beautiful in the palace and gardens. Late afternoon may also be attractive, but you must be careful with closing times.
If you want the calmest possible experience, avoid arriving at the busiest hours with large tour groups.
Do Alcázar tickets sell out?
Yes.
The Royal Alcázar of Seville often sells out, especially during weekends, holidays and high season.
This is one of the most important practical points for Game of Thrones fans.
You may arrive in Seville hoping to see Dorne and discover that there are no tickets available for the day you want.
The Alcázar uses timed, nominative tickets and has strict capacity control. Once a time slot is full, availability is very limited.
Booking in advance is the safest option.
If your preferred date is already fully booked, do not assume that you can simply arrive at the monument and get in. Availability is very limited once online tickets are gone. Read our guide on what to do when the Alcázar is sold out to understand your realistic options.
Do you need to bring ID/Passport?
Yes.
Alcázar tickets are nominative, and visitors may be asked to show the same passport or national ID used during the booking process.
This is especially important if you booked online or through a guided tour.
Before your visit, make sure every member of your group has:
- the correct ticket;
- the same ID or passport used for booking;
- and any document required for a reduced ticket.
Visitors who cannot provide the required documentation may be refused entry.
Is the Alcázar worth visiting if you are not a Game of Thrones fan?
Absolutely.
Game of Thrones made the Alcázar even more famous internationally, but the palace was already one of Spain’s greatest monuments.
Even if you have never watched the series, the Alcázar is worth visiting for its:
- architecture;
- gardens;
- royal history;
- Islamic and Christian artistic heritage;
- tilework;
- courtyards;
- fountains;
- and atmosphere.
For fans, the series adds an extra layer of excitement.
For everyone else, the Alcázar remains unforgettable on its own.
Even beyond Game of Thrones, the Alcázar is one of the most fascinating monuments in Spain. If you want a broader overview of the palace before visiting, read our guide on what to see inside the Alcázar of Seville.
Real Alcázar history vs Game of Thrones fantasy
One of the most interesting things about visiting the Alcázar is the contrast between fiction and reality.
In Game of Thrones, the palace represents Dorne, a fictional kingdom.
In real life, the Alcázar tells the story of Seville, Al-Andalus, Christian kings, royal ceremonies, diplomatic power and artistic exchange.
The real history is just as fascinating as the fantasy.
The palace was shaped by cultures, religions and dynasties over centuries. Its architecture reflects a world where Islamic craftsmanship continued to influence Christian royal spaces long after the conquest of Seville.
That is why the Alcázar works so well on screen.
It already contains the richness, complexity and symbolism that fantasy worlds try to create.
Game of Thrones filming locations in and near Seville
The Alcázar is the main Game of Thrones location in Seville, but fans can also find other filming sites in the city and nearby.
In Seville city centre
- Royal Alcázar of Seville — the Water Gardens of Dorne.
- Royal Shipyards of Seville / Atarazanas Reales — used for darker interior scenes associated with King’s Landing and the Red Keep.
Near Seville
- Itálica, Santiponce — the Dragonpit.
- Osuna bullring — Daznak’s Pit in Meereen.
The Royal Shipyards of Seville: another Game of Thrones location in the city centre
The Alcázar is the most famous Game of Thrones filming location in Seville, but it is not the only one inside the city.
Another important location is the Royal Shipyards of Seville, known in Spanish as the Atarazanas Reales.
Located in the historic centre, close to the river and not far from the Cathedral, the Atarazanas are one of Seville’s most atmospheric medieval buildings. Their huge brick arches, vaulted spaces and dark interior made them a perfect setting for a very different side of the Game of Thrones universe.
While the Alcázar was used to create the warm, elegant and sunlit world of Dorne, the Atarazanas offered the opposite atmosphere: enclosed, monumental, shadowed and dramatic.
In Game of Thrones, the Royal Shipyards are associated with scenes connected to King’s Landing and the Red Keep’s underground spaces.
For visitors, this makes the Atarazanas especially interesting because they show how different Seville can look on screen. The same city provided both the bright palaces of Dorne and the darker, more secretive spaces of political power.
The Atarazanas are located in the centre of Seville, so they can be added easily to a Game of Thrones walk after visiting the Alcázar, the Cathedral or the river area.
However, access conditions may vary depending on restoration work, exhibitions or cultural programming. Before planning a visit inside, check whether the building is open to the public on your travel dates.
Itálica: the Dragonpit
Itálica is an ancient Roman city located in Santiponce, very close to Seville.
Its amphitheatre was used as the Dragonpit in King’s Landing.
This is where some of the most important characters meet in one of the major late-series scenes.
Itálica is very different from the Alcázar.
Instead of gardens and palaces, you find Roman ruins, stone, open space and archaeological remains.
Together, the Alcázar and Itálica show two completely different sides of Seville’s filming potential.
Osuna: the fighting pit of Meereen
The bullring of Osuna was used as the fighting pit of Meereen.
Osuna is located outside Seville and requires more travel time, but it is an interesting option for dedicated fans who want a fuller Game of Thrones route through Andalusia.
The town also embraced its connection with the series, and many fans include it as part of a wider filming-locations itinerary.
Can you visit all Game of Thrones locations near Seville in one day?
It is possible, but it would be a long and intense day.
A practical Game of Thrones route could include:
- The Royal Alcázar of Seville as Dorne.
- Itálica as the Dragonpit.
- Osuna as Meereen’s fighting pit.
However, most visitors with limited time should prioritise the Alcázar first.
It is the easiest to visit, the most central, and the most closely connected to the classic Seville sightseeing route.
If you have more time, add Itálica.
Osuna is better for fans with a stronger interest in filming locations and enough time for a day trip.
Game of Thrones and the Alcázar gardens
The gardens are one of the most important parts of the Dorne experience.
In the series, Dorne feels warm, open and elegant. The gardens help create that identity.
In real life, the Alcázar gardens are extensive and easy to underestimate.
Many visitors spend too much time inside the palace and then rush through the gardens. That is a mistake, especially for Game of Thrones fans.
The gardens contain some of the most recognisable views connected with Dorne, including areas around the Mercury Pond and Grutesco Gallery.
They also show why the Alcázar was such a perfect choice for the Water Gardens.
The gardens are one of the most important parts of the Dorne atmosphere. If you want to understand their layout, history, fountains, hidden corners and best viewpoints, read our complete guide to the Alcázar gardens before your visit.
Best photo spots for Game of Thrones fans
If you want photos connected with the Dorne atmosphere, focus on:
- the Mercury Pond;
- the Grutesco Gallery;
- garden paths with fountains;
- tiled benches and pavilions;
- the Hall of Ambassadors;
- and shaded arches inside the Mudéjar Palace.
Be patient.
The Alcázar is popular, and some areas can become crowded. Early visits, quieter time slots and guided routes can help you take better photos without feeling rushed.
Always respect monument rules and avoid blocking narrow passages.
Common mistakes Game of Thrones fans make
1. Waiting too long to book tickets
The Alcázar can sell out, especially in high season. Do not assume you can buy a ticket at the entrance.
2. Thinking Dorne is only one room
The Water Gardens were created using several different areas of the Alcázar.
3. Rushing the gardens
Many of the most recognisable Dorne views are outside.
4. Expecting signs for every scene
The Alcázar is a historical monument, not a film museum. Filming locations are not always clearly marked.
5. Forgetting ID
Tickets are nominative, and ID may be checked at the entrance.
6. Visiting at the hottest time of day
In summer, the gardens can be very hot. Early access is more comfortable.
7. Only focusing on the series
Game of Thrones is exciting, but the real history of the Alcázar is even richer. Do not miss it.
Is a guided tour worth it for Game of Thrones fans?
Yes, especially if you want to recognise the filming locations rather than simply walk through the palace.
A guided tour can connect:
- the real palace;
- the Dorne scenes;
- the architecture;
- the gardens;
- the filming spots;
- and the history of Seville.
It also helps with logistics.
The Alcázar has strict entry rules, timed access and frequent sell-outs. A guided tour reduces stress and gives the visit more structure.
For fans, it turns the palace from a beautiful place into a recognisable filming location.
For non-fans, it explains why the Alcázar matters far beyond television.
Should you combine the Alcázar with the Cathedral and Giralda?
Yes, if you want to see Seville’s most important monuments in one organised visit.
The Alcázar, Seville Cathedral and the Giralda are located very close to each other. Many visitors see them on the same day.
This is especially useful if you only have one or two days in Seville.
A combined guided tour allows you to:
- visit the Alcázar;
- understand the Dorne filming locations;
- continue to Seville Cathedral;
- climb or visit the Giralda depending on the itinerary;
- and see the historic centre without coordinating separate tickets.
This is usually the easiest option for visitors who want both the Game of Thrones connection and the essential Seville monuments.
If you want to visit the Dorne filming locations and also see Seville’s two other essential monuments, our Alcázar, Cathedral and Giralda guided tour combines the full experience in one organised visit with timed access, an official guide and a structured route through the historic centre.
Final advice for Game of Thrones fans visiting Seville
If you love Game of Thrones, the Alcázar is one of the best filming locations you can visit in Europe.
It is central, accessible, beautiful and instantly recognisable.
But do not treat it only as a screen location.
The real Alcázar is older, richer and more fascinating than any fictional kingdom. Its architecture, gardens and history are what made Dorne believable in the first place.
Book in advance, bring your ID, allow enough time, and look carefully.
When you stand by the Mercury Pond, walk through the gardens or enter the Hall of Ambassadors, you are not just seeing where Game of Thrones was filmed.
You are seeing why Seville was chosen.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions related
Was Game of Thrones filmed in Seville?
Yes. Several Game of Thrones scenes were filmed in Seville, especially at the Royal Alcázar, which represented the Water Gardens of Dorne.
Where was Dorne filmed in Game of Thrones?
Dorne was filmed mainly at the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain.
What part of the Alcázar was used in Game of Thrones?
The production used several areas, including the Hall of Ambassadors, Mercury Pond, Grutesco Gallery, gardens, Baths of María de Padilla and Pavilion of Charles V.
Can you visit the Game of Thrones locations in Seville?
Yes. The main Dorne filming locations are inside the Royal Alcázar and can be visited with a standard Alcázar ticket.
Do you need a special Game of Thrones ticket for the Alcázar?
No. A standard Alcázar ticket gives access to the main filming locations, although a guide can help you recognise them.
Which house lived in the Alcázar in Game of Thrones?
The Alcázar represented the Water Gardens of Dorne, associated with House Martell.
Was the Alcázar used as the Water Gardens of Dorne?
Yes. The Royal Alcázar of Seville doubled as the Water Gardens of Dorne.
Which Game of Thrones characters appear in the Dorne scenes?
The Dorne storyline includes characters such as Prince Doran Martell, Ellaria Sand, the Sand Snakes, Jaime Lannister, Bronn, Myrcella Baratheon and Trystane Martell.
Is the Alcázar worth visiting for Game of Thrones fans?
Yes. It is one of the most recognisable and beautiful Game of Thrones filming locations in Spain.
Are the Dorne filming locations easy to recognise?
Some are easy to recognise, especially the gardens and Mercury Pond. Others are easier to identify with a guide or by preparing before the visit.
Do you run a Game of Thrones themed tour of the Alcázar?
We do not sell a themed Game of Thrones tour. Our guided tour of the Alcázar covers the monument’s real history and architecture, and it walks through the courtyards, gardens and halls used for Dorne, so our guides can point them out along the way. If you want a costumed, script-based experience, this is not that tour..
How much time do you need to see the Dorne locations?
Around 90 minutes covers the main filming areas inside the Alcázar at a comfortable pace. Most visitors then stay longer in the gardens, which is where several of the Dorne exteriors were shot.
What other Game of Thrones locations are near Seville?
Nearby locations include Itálica, used as the Dragonpit, and Osuna, used as a fighting pit in Meereen.
Can you visit Itálica from Seville?
Yes. Itálica is located in Santiponce, a short trip from Seville.
Can you visit the Alcázar and Itálica in one day?
Yes, but it requires planning. Most visitors should prioritise the Alcázar if they have limited time.
Do Alcázar tickets sell out?
Yes. Alcázar tickets often sell out in advance, especially during weekends, holidays and high season.
Do I need to bring ID to visit the Alcázar?
Yes. Alcázar tickets are nominative, and visitors may be asked to show the same ID or passport used when booking.
María Liébana
María Liébana is a licensed tourist guide in Seville, holding an Advanced Technical Diploma in Tourist Guidance, Information and Assistance. Since 2023 she has guided visitors through the Royal Alcázar, Seville Cathedral and the Giralda, and she is the one travellers ask the practical questions: how long the visit really takes, which time of day is best, and whether the Giralda climb is manageable. She guides in english and spanish. Official Andalusian tourist guide licence no. [GA-5698]. María writes the practical guides on timings, access and visiting with children or older travellers.