Games of Thrones – The Ruins of Dragonpit

The ancient city of Itálica, located near Seville, once again takes center stage as the Dragonpit of King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. First introduced in the seventh season, Itálica’s Roman amphitheater served as the backdrop for the ruins of Dragonpit, a historic location in Westeros where the Targaryens once kept their dragons. However, the confinement of these majestic creatures led to their gradual decline and eventual extinction.

In the climactic scene of the seventh season’s most-watched episode, Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, along with their allies, meet Cersei Lannister in Dragonpit to propose a truce and unite against the threat of the White Walkers. The significance of this moment is amplified by the location itself, steeped in the history of the Targaryen dynasty. Dragonpit, perched on Rhaenys’ Hill in King’s Landing, was commissioned by King Maegor I Targaryen as a place to house the royal dragons. Its dual purpose was to keep the dragons close yet safely distanced from the city’s inhabitants.

The Dragonpit, however, carries a dark legacy. As chronicled in George R.R. Martin’s The Princess and the Queen, the structure was the site of a tragic rebellion during the reign of Aegon II Targaryen. Amid famine and despair, the citizens, spurred on by a religious fanatic, stormed the Dragonpit to kill the dragons they believed were the source of their suffering. The assault ended in a fiery catastrophe, destroying the building and killing both the dragons and many of the attackers.

The filming of these pivotal scenes at Itálica underscored the location’s historical resonance in both real-world and fictional terms. The ruins of the Roman city, particularly its amphitheater, were closed to the public for over a month during production. This marked a significant moment for Spanish fans of the series, as their country hosted such a critical piece of Westerosi lore.

In the seventh season, Itálica not only brought Dragonpit to life but also set the stage for Jon Snow’s first arrival in King’s Landing. Accompanied by a formidable delegation—Tyrion Lannister, Davos Seaworth, Brienne of Tarth, Jorah Mormont, Theon Greyjoy, Podrick Payne, and Daenerys Targaryen herself—Jon confronts Cersei and Jaime Lannister with evidence of the White Walker threat. This historic meeting, held in the ruins of Dragonpit, symbolized the unification of fractured factions against a common enemy.

The choice of Itálica as Dragonpit was no coincidence. Its monumental ruins and rich history provided the perfect setting for one of the most dramatic and symbolic locations in Game of Thrones. Today, visitors to Itálica can explore these ancient ruins and walk in the footsteps of Westeros’ most iconic characters.