If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you’ve probably wondered: Does Kings Landing look like the UK? As one of the most iconic settings in the series, King’s Landing is a city filled with drama, history, and power. But many viewers have noticed similarities between this fictional city and certain locations in the UK. This blog will explore whether King’s Landing resembles the UK, diving into architectural features, landscapes, and historical influences.
The Inspiration Behind King’s Landing
King’s Landing: A Fictional Power Center
King’s Landing is the capital of the Seven Kingdoms in Game of Thrones. It’s a city known for its sprawling castles, winding streets, and the famous Red Keep. George R.R. Martin, the author behind A Song of Ice and Fire, has drawn inspiration from numerous historical cities in Europe, including those in the UK.
But what makes Does Kings Landing Look Like the UK so intriguing is how it blends various real-world influences. While it may not be a perfect match for any single location, some cities in the UK seem to share a similar vibe.
Must read Travel Tan How Long Does It Take to Go Away?
Does King’s Landing Look Like the UK’s Medieval Cities?
Comparing King’s Landing to London
One of the most obvious comparisons is between King’s Landing and London, the capital of England. Like King’s Landing, London has a rich history as a center of power and politics. The winding alleys of London’s old neighborhoods could easily remind fans of the narrow streets of King’s Landing. Furthermore, the Thames River might remind you of the Blackwater Bay, where pivotal battles take place in the series.
However, King’s Landing is much more compact and densely built than modern-day London. It also has a warmer climate, as seen in the series, which is not typical of London. This climate difference sets the two apart, though the architectural styles might still draw comparisons.
Does King’s Landing Resemble York?
Another contender is York, a historic city in northern England. York is known for its medieval walls, cobbled streets, and historical buildings. Like King’s Landing, it has an old city charm, with remnants of Roman and medieval architecture. Walking through the Shambles, York’s famous medieval street, you could almost imagine yourself wandering through the markets of King’s Landing.
Yet, York lacks the coastal aspect of King’s Landing, which is a crucial part of the fictional city’s identity. King’s Landing is a port city, vital for trade and warfare, which differs significantly from York’s inland location.
The Tower of London and the Red Keep
Fans often draw comparisons between the Red Keep of King’s Landing and The Tower of London. Both are ancient castles that serve as symbols of power and control. The Red Keep, perched on a hill overlooking the city, is where the Iron Throne is kept, much like how the Tower of London has served as a royal residence and fortress.
The similarity lies in their imposing nature and strategic importance. But while the Tower of London is known for its cold, stone structure, the Red Keep has a more Mediterranean style, with open courtyards and views of the sea.
Edinburgh Castle and King’s Landing’s Skyline
Does Kings Landing Look Like the UK? Moving further north, Edinburgh in Scotland offers another potential comparison. Edinburgh Castle, perched on a rocky hill, dominates the city’s skyline, much like the Red Keep does in King’s Landing. This similarity in placement gives both cities a dramatic, looming presence.
The surrounding landscape of Edinburgh, with its rolling hills and proximity to the sea, also feels reminiscent of King’s Landing. However, Edinburgh’s cooler climate and the style of its stone buildings contrast with the warmer, more Mediterranean-inspired King’s Landing.
The Mediterranean Influence on King’s Landing
Dubrovnik, Croatia: The Real King’s Landing
While cities in the UK share some similarities with King’s Landing, Dubrovnik in Croatia is the real-world location most closely associated with the fictional city. It served as the primary filming location for King’s Landing in the later seasons of Game of Thrones. The city’s red-tiled roofs, ancient walls, and stunning sea views bring the fictional capital to life.
Dubrovnik’s architecture is distinctly Mediterranean, which fits the climate depicted in King’s Landing. The Old Town’s winding streets and stone buildings match many scenes in the show, offering a visual authenticity that UK cities cannot fully replicate.
Why Do People Think Kings Landing Look Like the UK?
Historical Inspiration from British History
One reason why fans may think King’s Landing looks like the UK is the strong influence of British history in George R.R. Martin’s writing. He has acknowledged that the Wars of the Roses, a series of dynastic wars in England, inspired the power struggles between the houses of Stark and Lannister. The political intrigue and battles for the throne in King’s Landing echo the chaos of this historical period.
Castles and Cathedrals
The UK is known for its stunning castles and grand cathedrals, which might remind fans of the architecture in King’s Landing. While the UK’s castles are typically built in a Gothic or medieval style, King’s Landing has a more varied architectural influence, combining medieval elements with Mediterranean aesthetics. Yet, the grandeur of places like Windsor Castle or Westminster Abbey can remind fans of the splendor of the Red Keep. Click here for more information.
Does Kings Landing Look Like the UK? Key Takeaways
- King’s Landing has similarities to UK cities like London, York, and Edinburgh due to their historical nature and architecture.
- The climate and coastal setting of King’s Landing make it more reminiscent of Mediterranean cities, especially Dubrovnik, Croatia.
- British historical influences are clear in the political dynamics of King’s Landing, even if the visual appearance differs.
- The filming locations in Croatia helped to solidify the Mediterranean look of King’s Landing in the TV adaptation.
Conclusion: Does Kings Landing Look Like the UK?
In conclusion, does Kings Landing look like the UK? While the fictional city shares some architectural and historical similarities with places like London, York, and Edinburgh, its visual inspiration leans more toward the Mediterranean, especially with Dubrovnik as its filming location. However, the historical context and medieval charm of the UK certainly influenced the atmosphere and feel of King’s Landing. So, while King’s Landing might remind viewers of the UK in some ways, its unique blend of inspirations sets it apart as a truly iconic fantasy setting.
FAQs About Does Kings Landing Look Like the UK
Is King’s Landing based on a real city?
King’s Landing is not based on a single real city, but it draws inspiration from various European locations, particularly Dubrovnik, Croatia, which was used for filming. It also shares similarities with cities in the UK due to their medieval architecture and history.
Why does King’s Landing look like Dubrovnik?
The producers of Game of Thrones chose Dubrovnik for its historic charm, red-tiled roofs, and coastal views, which matched the description of King’s Landing from the books. This helped bring a Mediterranean flavor to the fictional city.
Is King’s Landing supposed to resemble London?
King’s Landing shares some characteristics with London, like being a capital city and a political hub. However, its Mediterranean architecture and climate set it apart from London’s cooler, Gothic-style buildings.
Was Edinburgh used as a model for King’s Landing?
Edinburgh’s castle-on-a-hill setup has similarities to the Red Keep’s location in King’s Landing, but the city was not directly used as a filming location or model for the fictional capital.
Are there any tours of real-world locations for King’s Landing?
Yes, fans can visit Dubrovnik, Croatia, to see many of the filming locations for King’s Landing. There are guided tours that take visitors through famous spots used in the show.
