'House of the Dragon' Filming Locations Explored: Spectacular Real-Life Places Featured in the Show

"Game of Thrones" set high expectations for its prequel, "House of the Dragon." Fortunately, the majestic filming locations of "House of Dragon" captivated viewers, making the show more exciting and true to life.

"Game of Thrones" became a worldwide phenomenon, reaching millions across the globe. The hit television show rose to prominence for its interesting storyline, set in a medieval time-like era and filmed in gorgeous places.

Since its release, fans have also gained interest in the different unique filming locations where their favorite scenes took place, most of which were in European countries.

Because of the features and publicity, filming locations such as Croatia, Northern Ireland, Iceland, and Spain have boosted tourism. Avid fans and travelers alike flocked to the spots that appeared in their favorite show to take photos and marvel at the beauty.

The "Game of Thrones" prequel, "House of the Dragon," is getting similar attention for its scenic filming sights. "House of the Dragon" follows the Targaryen dynasty and the succession war within its house. It takes place 172 years before Daenerys Targaryen was born.

Monsanto, Portugal

Nestled in the heart of Portugal, Monsanto, meaning "Holy Mountain," is a remote and picturesque village that runs deep in the country's history. Monsanto's history dates back over five centuries and is one of Portugal's 12 historical villages. It earned its title, most Portuguese town in Portugal, in 1938.

Monsanto earned its reputation as one of Portugal's unique destination spots, filled with greenery, granite cottages, rock formations, and rugged boulders. "House of the Dragon" fans recognize this location as the House Targaryen's ancestral home, Dragonstone.

St. Michael's Mount in Mount's Bay, Cornwall, England

Located in Mount's Bay, Cornwall, England, St. Michael's Mount is a remarkable tidal island of great historical significance. It is home to a 12th-century medieval church, castle, and an intimate community connected to the Marazion island.

Many visitors visit the island to marvel at its ethereal beauty and fairytale allure. It comes as no surprise that the location was selected as the "House of the Dragon's" House Velaryon, known as Driftmark, in Blackwater Bay. It was also featured in "Game of Thrones" Battle of the Blackwater scenes.

Interestingly, St. Michael's Mount has an equally stunning neighbor with white sand beaches and beautifully formed caves. Known as Kynance Cove, the island was the filming location for Velaryon Camp in "House of the Dragon."

Castleton, Derbyshire, England

Another breathtaking and historic-looking sight in England is Castleton, Derbyshire, a high-peaked village that houses one of the oldest lead mines. Castleton features a national park where Cave Dale sits.

Although picturesque, "Game of Thrones" fans are haunted by the location, known as the home of House Aryn ad Eyrie, where people were pushed through a moon door to die. Meanwhile, Castleton is known as The Cale of Arryn in "House of the Dragon."

La Calahorra, Granada, Spain

La Calahorra, Granada, Spain, houses one of the most remarkable landmarks in the area, a medieval castle called Castillo de La Calahorra. The structure's Gothic exterior was built in the early 1500s, marking it as among the first structures inspired by the Renaissance era.

The gorgeous castle boasts four corner towers, marble exteriors, and a courtyard in the middle. The location was used as the seat of House Targaryen in "House of the Dragon." In the "Game of Thrones" universe, La Calahorra is known as Pentos, a city near the seas of Westeros.

Plasencia, Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain

Plasencia, Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain, is a walled city with ancient cobbled streets. It is a remarkable landmark most recognized for Kings Landing in "Game of Thrones" and "House of the Dragon."

Like the other filming locations, Plasencia, Cáceres, Extremadura has Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish architecture fit for the show's setting and storyline.

"House of the Dragon" is already producing its second season, which will occur in London and Wales, England, among other areas. HBO's vice president of programming, Francesca Orsi, said:

"Our phenomenal cast and crew undertook a massive challenge and exceeded all expectations, delivering a show that has already established itself as must-see-TV."

Its cast members include Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D'Arcy, Eve Best, Steve Toussaint, Fabien Frankel, and Ewan Mitchell, among many other talents.