The Cathedral of St. James is a UNESCO-listed cathedral in the historic centre of Šibenik, Croatia. Built between 1431 and 1536, it is one of the most important Renaissance monuments on the Dalmatian coast and is especially known for its stone construction, sculpted exterior and distinctive dome. The cathedral combines Gothic and Renaissance elements, and its exterior includes the famous frieze of carved human heads around the apses. Its location in the old city, surrounded by stone streets and historic squares, makes it one of Šibenik’s most recognisable landmarks.
The Cathedral of St. James appears in Game of Thrones, where Šibenik is used to represent parts of Braavos in season 5. The cathedral and the square around it are most closely associated with the Braavos material connected to the Iron Bank and the House of Black and White storyline. Other Šibenik locations used in the series include the city’s old-town streets, waterfront views and St. John’s Fortress, but the Cathedral of St. James should be kept as its own location when the cathedral façade, square or immediate surroundings are visible.
In Game of Thrones (2015), the Cathedral of St. James appears in season 5, episode 9, “The Dance of Dragons”. Šibenik represents Braavos, and the cathedral is used as part of the city connected to the Iron Bank. The location appears as a backdrop in the Braavos scenes, using the cathedral’s monumental stone architecture to give the fictional city a grand and historic identity. The real Šibenik landmark is not presented as a church in the series, but becomes part of Braavos’ civic and financial world. Its stone façade and surrounding square help separate the Braavos scenes from the King’s Landing material filmed elsewhere in Croatia.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones was built from a wide range of real locations, with Northern Ireland serving as the main production base.
Diocletian’s Palace
Diocletian’s Palace has been used in several productions, most famously "Game of Thrones" (2011–2019) and the Netflix thriller "The Weekend Away" (2022).
Jesuit Stairs
Jesuit Stairs is best known from Game of Thrones. The Jesuit Stairs were used in the Season 5 finale Mother’s Mercy during Cersei Lannister’s walk of atonement.
Predjama Castle
As a filming location, Predjama Castle is best known for its appearance in the 1986 Jackie Chan adventure film Armour of God.
Royal Palace of Caserta
Royal Palace of Caserta has appeared in Star Wars – The Phantom Menace, Star Wars – Attack of the Clones, Mission: Impossible III, and many more.
Hotel DeMatteis
Hotel DeMatteis in Venice appears in "Spider-Man: Far From Home" as the rather disappointing hotel where Peter Parker and his classmates stay.
Bridge of Sighs
Bridge of Sighs appears in From Russia with Love, The Avenger of Venice, A Little Romance, A Haunting in Venice, and Madonna’s music video for “Like a Virgin”.
St. Mark’s Square
Films associated with St. Mark’s Square are Summertime, Death in Venice, A Little Romance, Moonraker, The Tourist, Inferno and Spider-Man: Far From Home.
St Mark’s Campanile
St Mark’s Campanile often appears in films as part of the wider San Marco skyline, its most direct use as a filming location is in "Nosferatu in Venice" (1988).
Santa Maria Formosa
Films associated with Santa Maria Formosa are A Little Romance (1979), The Wings of the Dove (1997) and Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019).
Leave a Reply