'Sad Day' Arrives for Azure Window

A landmark familiar to Game of Thrones fans vanished in suitably dramatic style Wednesday when it crashed into the sea during a storm. The Azure Window rock arch in Malta was the backdrop to the wedding of Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo in the first episode of Game of Thrones and also appeared in movies including Clash of the Titans, NPR reports. Geologist Peter Gatt says the limestone pillar supporting the arch on the island of Gozo gave way following many years of erosion by rough seas, the AP reports.

"Reports commissioned over the years indicated that this landmark would be hard hit by unavoidable natural corrosion. That sad day arrived," tweeted Malta Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Gizmodo notes that authorities recently introduced a $1,500 fine to try to stop people walking across the landmark. The loss is expected to be a major blow to Maltese tourism authorities, though the BBC reports that there is another, lesser-known arch at nearby Wied il-Mielah that may now attract more visitors. (More Game of Thrones stories.)