The Citadel

The Citadel is the seat of the order of maesters, the learned men who advise the lords of Westeros on matters scientific, medical and historical. It is located in the city of Oldtown in the far south-west of the continent.

The Citadel was founded by House Hightower many centuries ago to promote and increase learning and knowledge in Westeros. It is administered by the Conclave, the ruling council of archmaesters.

In the books
In the Song of Ice and Fire novels, the Citadel is described as a university-like complex of buildings extending along both banks of the River Honeywine in Oldtown, linked by graceful bridges. The Isle of Ravens is the oldest part of the Citadel and the site of the ravenry, from where the maesters send messenger ravens out to all parts of the Seven Kingdoms. Other locations of note in the Citadel include the Seneschal's Court, Weeping Dock and Scribe's Hearth.