Jesuit Stairs Dubrovnik - Visit Cersei’s Walk Of Shame From Game Of Thrones!

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If you’re a Game of Thrones fan travelling to Dubrovnik, then you must visit the Jesuit Stairs.

This historic staircase was used for Cersei Lannister’s ‘Walk of Shame’ in series 5 of the show.

Every fan will remember it. It was the sweetest revenge seeing her humiliating punishment of walking naked through King’s Landing!

It’s now one of the most popular attractions in Dubrovnik, with thousands of tourists taking photos of it every day.

Here is a comprehensive guide to visiting the Jesuit Stairs, including their history, how to find them, and tips to avoid the crowds.

Game of Thrones Walk of Shame Location Dubrovnik Jesuit Stairs

Table of Contents

History of the Jesuit Stairs in Dubrovnik

Long before the first words of Game of Thrones were written, a Catholic order called the Jesuits landed in Dubrovnik.

Their organisation focused on education and architecture, and so they wanted to build a college and church here.

In 1699, the Baroque architect and painter Andrea Pozzo started work on the Church of St. Ignatius.

The temple was completed in 1725, and the Jesuit Stairs were then completed in 1738.

This stone staircase was largely Italianate and inspired by the Spanish Steps in Rome.

For centuries, these stairs were used by pilgrims to attend church or by tourists as a way to get around the city.

It was just a typical set of stairs that was largely underappreciated.

However, this was all about to change with Game of Thrones season 5 in 2015.

I don’t think anyone could have predicted just how popular this staircase would get!

Cersei’s walk of shame location in Game of Thrones

The filming of Game of Thrones season five took place in 2014, with the series airing in April 2015.

In episode 10, “Mother’s Mercy”, we see Cersei Lannister perform a humiliation ritual of having to walk naked through King’s Landing.

This comes after she confessed to adultery and incest to Ser Lancel and the Faith of the Seven.

Cersei’s hair is then shorn, and she is made to walk naked from the Sept of Baelor to the Red Keep.

All the while, Septa Unella is chanting “shame” and ringing a bell behind her. The peasants are shouting insults, and rotten fruit is being flung her way.

It was an unforgettable moment from the show, and, ever since, the Jesuit Stairs have been coined the Walk of Shame Stairs.

Even now, over a decade later, these ‘shame steps’ are incredibly popular with fans and thousands of photos are taken here each day.

Behind-the-scenes secrets

Every house and restaurant in this area of the Old Town was paid a small sum for filming.

Shops and restaurants had to be closed down, and residents had to remain in their houses with windows shut despite the summer heat.

Lena Headey, who played Cersei, used a body double of Rebecca Van Cleave for the nude parts of the walk of shame.

This was because she was pregnant at the time. So, her head was superimposed on Cleave’s body.

To respect the actress and not offend the town, the production crew went to great lengths to cover up as much of the filming as possible.

Where are the Jesuit Stairs in Dubrovnik?

You can find the Walk of Shame stairs tucked away in a corner of Dubrovnik Old Town in Croatia.

The staircase leads from Bošković Square/Church of Ignatius (top) to Gundulić Square (bottom), which holds a popular morning market.

The stairs are located at the southern end of the Stradun, the main thoroughfare, near Dubrovnik Cathedral.

The Old Town is pedestrianised, so the only way you can visit is on foot by entering one of the fortification gates.

The closest is Ponte Gate. But most public buses stop outside Pile Gate, and it’s a 10-minute walk from there.

The Walk of Shame Stairs are free to visit in Dubrovnik and are open 24 hours a day.

The address is Ulica Josipa Jurja Strossmayera 2, Dubrovnik, Croatia. Click here for a Google Pin!

The best time to visit the Walk of Shame Steps

The Jesuit Stairs are one of the most popular attractions in Dubrovnik and see crowds of tourists all day and evening.

The best time to visit would be as early as you can in the morning.

I was there around 30 minutes before sunrise at 6 am, and there were already a few people visiting to take photos.

I managed to get a few empty photos before too many people showed up with a little patience.

This was on a weekday in the offseason in October with no cruise ships planned in port, so I dread to think what summer will be like.

Alternatively, you could visit at night as some lamps light this area. It would still be pretty dark in the early hours, but at least it would be empty.

My best advice would be to manage expectations and work around it.

Top tip: you can use Cruisemapper to try and avoid cruise ship crowds. This will tell you how many ships are planned, when they will pull into port and (more importantly) sail away.

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Experience Cersei’s Walk of Shame

The Game of Thrones series had me in a chokehold when it first aired on television. I used to watch it without fail every week.

I loved how it was so unpredictable and merciless. You really didn’t know what could happen and which character would meet their end.

I’ve had the Jesuit Stairs on my bucket list for years, and so I was over the moon to finally visit.

Recreating Cersei’s Walk of Shame on these steps in King’s Landing was a dream come true, and I can’t wait for you to do the same.

Good to know: Due to some silly tourists visiting this staircase naked like Cersei, Dubrovnik have now introduced strict rules on clothing in the Old Town. You cannot wear only bathing suits or trunks. Everyone needs to wear appropriate attire.

Are the Jesuit Stairs worth it?

Yes, the Jesuit Stairs are worth visiting, especially if you’re a Game of Thrones fan.

However, I would say it’s better to visit this place without the crowds for the best experience.

You can avoid them by getting up as early as possible in the morning.

Although I lost a little sleep, it was well worth it to experience this place in peace before the world woke up.

You really can’t leave Dubrovnik without experiencing Cersei’s Walk of Shame.

Things to do near the Jesuit Staircase

After you visit the Shame Steps, there are plenty of things that I recommend visiting nearby.

The first has to be the Church of Ignatius. It is seriously impressive on the outside, but the inside is breathtaking with gorgeous Baroque portraits.

You can then head down towards Gundulić Square and visit the morning market around the bronze statue of poet Ivan Gundulić.

The Stradun is the beating heart of Dubrovnik Old Town, and from here you can visit Dubrovnik Cathedral, Rector’s Palace, and Church of St. Blaise.