'Game Of Thrones - 10 Things You Didn't Know About Hit Saga, As Season 4 Debuts This Week

10 Things You Didn't Know About 'Game Of Thrones'
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So 'Game of Thrones' burst back onto our screens with Season 4, last night in the US and at 9pm tonight if you're one of the UK viewers who didn't stay up until 2am this morning. And you call yourself a fan?!

In the meantime, here are 10 things you may, or may not, know about your favourite medieval-jousting-whoring-battling-spellmaking saga...

Game of Thrones film locations
Azure Window, Malta(01 of13)
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The natural limestone arch that sits on the Maltese island of Gozo formed the backdrop to the wedding of Daenerys Targaryen to Khal Drogo. The rocky beach was covered with artificial sand for the scene then removed after shooting wrapped up. The turquoise waters surrounding the picturesque arch are ripe for swimming, scuba diving and boating along the sunny Mediterranean coast.
Fort Ricasoli, Malta(02 of13)
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The first season of GoT used Malta’s historic fort to represent the Red Keep and form a backdrop to the execution of Ned Stark. The fort sits near Il-Kalkar, a small picturesque village on the Mediterranean sea. The massive fortress has now become a unique open soundstage, a popular location for film sets including Troy, Gladiator, Helen of Troy and Julius Caesar.
Doune Castle, Scotland(03 of13)
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This 13-century stronghold appeared in the Game of Thrones pilot episode, as King Robert Baratheon and his party arrived and feasted in Winterfell. The castle offers incredible views of the central Scottish countryside, along with a splendid Lord's Hall featuring a musicians' gallery, double fireplace and carved oak screen. Discover the new nature trail in the castle grounds or take an audio tour of the castle narrated by Monty Python's Terry Jones. Comedy fans may recognize Doune Castle from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Svinafellajokull Glacier, Iceland(04 of13)
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Winter is coming! This sunning glacier tongue forms the real-life setting of the haunting world beyond the Wall. The Svinafellajokull glacier located in in southeast Iceland extends from the massive Vatnajökull glacier, the largest in Iceland. Don some sturdy crampons and explore this wonderland of glacial ice sculptures by foot.
Hverfell Crater, Iceland(05 of13)
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You'll feel like you're at the end of the earth as you stare down into this 1000-meter-wide crater in Northern Iceland. Likely created during a volcanic explosion around 2800 years ago, the rocky Hverfell Crater formed the otherworldly backdrop to several scenes set north of the Wall.
Ouzarate, Morocco (06 of13)
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The kasbah (citadel) of Aït Benhaddou, just west of the city of Ouzarate, was transformed into the fictional city of Yunkai in season three. Set amid miles of Saharan desert, the magical town is one of the best preserved in Morocco's scenic Atlas Mountain region. Now under UNESCO protection, the traditional mud brick city offers breathtaking views to those who ascend the hill upon which it rests. Marvel at the high, sheer walls made of dark red pisé, ride a donkey across the reed-strewn river and catch a glimpse of fading ksar life.
Essaouira, Morocco(07 of13)
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You may recognize the walled center of this picturesque coastal town as the site where Daenerys got her unsullied soldiers from the city of Astapor. Essaouria's relaxed bohemian vibe, prime kitesurfing conditions, colorful medina and excellent seafood restaurants attract visitors throughout the year. The Moroccan town is accessible by car just two hours from bustling Marrakech.
Dubrovnik, Croatia(08 of13)
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Croatia's enchanting medieval capital is filled with marble streets and stunning baroque architecture next to the shimmering Adriatic Sea. The Pearl of the Adriatic, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was chosen as the striking landscape of King's Landing, the fictional capital of the Thrones' Seven Kingdoms. Visitors can explore Dubrovnik's stunning ancient ruins, relax in chic street-side cafés and take a water-taxi to nearby islands for swimming and sunbathing.
County Antrim Coastline, Northern Ireland(09 of13)
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Better known to GoT fans as the place where Ned, Tyrion, Catelyn and King Robert began their epic journeys, the rugged, sweeping coastline of Northern Ireland comes in a shade of green you've never seen anywhere else. Spectacular scenery, medieval castles, windswept beaches and rugged walking routes attract more and more tourists looking to experience the mythical land of Westeros for themselves.
Tollymore Forest, Northern Ireland(10 of13)
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This-1600 acre state forest park in Northern Ireland's County Down is crawling with exotic monkey puzzle, eucalyptus, giant redwoods. The snow-covered woods became the setting for the woodland action scenes in the wild lands north of the Wall, known locally as the Dark Hedges.
Belfast, Northern Ireland(11 of13)
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Though GoT's medieval war and wizardry is filmed mostly in studio in Belfast, the streets of the second largest city in Ireland now have plenty to offer modern-day visitors. With narrow lanes, historical pubs and Michelin-starred restaurants it couldn't have dreamed of 25 years ago, Belfast is fast emerging tourist destination. Take in some traditional music, marvel at the elegant Victorian buildings and stroll along the River Lagan.
Lake of Myvatn, Iceland (12 of13)
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Formed after a massive volcanic eruption 2300 years ago, this beautiful and mysterious lake area became the fictional home to the GoT Wildlings or Free Folk. Explore the jaw-dropping geothermal setting of Jon Snow's epic journey beyond the wall in season two. The Lake of Myvatn is surrounded by weird and inspiring volcanic features, with relaxing nature baths nearby.
Godafoss Waterfall, Iceland(13 of13)
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Barely 100 km south of the Arctic Circle, Godafoss Waterfall formed a perfect location to film season three's scenes set in the freezing wastes north of the Wall. Nicknamed the waterfall of the gods, majestic Godafoss waterfall runs through an 8000-year-old lava river valley just off Iceland's encircling Ring Road. Many Icelanders consider this striking waterfall to be a symbol of Icelandic Christianity.