Winterfell

Winterfell is a fictional castle and the ancestral seat of House Stark in George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, and a central location in the HBO adaptation Game of Thrones. It lies in the North of Westeros and functions as the political and cultural center of Stark-held lands. The castle embodies Stark identity and the North's climate and traditions.

The fortress sits on a hill at the heart of the region, surrounded by walls and multiple towers. Within are the Keep, the Great Hall, kitchens, stables, and living quarters. The Godswood lies within the inner grounds and contains the heart tree, a sacred weirwood associated with the old gods. The crypt beneath the castle holds the tombs of Stark ancestors.

Winterfell has served as the Stark seat for many generations and is traditionally the seat from which the North is ruled. The ruling lord bears the title Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. The Stark sigil is the direwolf, and the house words “Winter is Coming” are commonly associated with the family and region.

In both the books and the TV series, Winterfell is a central setting for political alliances, military campaigns, and personal drama. It remains a symbol of Northern identity and resilience, and its defenses and halls have shaped many of the North's histories and fortunes.