Braavos

Braavos is one of the Free Cities. It lies east of Westeros, across the Narrow Sea. It is the northern-most, the richest and arguably the most powerful of the Free Cities.

Notable citizens

 * Syrio Forel, the former First Sword of Braavos, now resident in King's Landing.

In the books
In the Song of Ice and Fire novels, Braavos lies at the north-western-most end of the Essos continent, roughly due east of the Vale of Arryn.

The city sprawls across a hundred islands in a vast lagoon. The nearby mainland is mostly marshland, whilst the seaward sides of the city are protected by tall, mountainous islands which form a semi-circle around the city. There is only one channel large and deep enough to accomodate ocean-going ships. This channel is defended by a massive statue called the Titan of Braavos, which serves as landmark, lighthouse and defensive fortification. Just beyond the Titan lies a vast shipyard called the Arsenal, which is capable of assembling a war galley out of local materials in just a day. The city proper lies beyond.

The city itself consists a hundred unwalled islands linked by bridges and separated by water, either natural channels or canals. Several parts of the city have sunk over the years, although the tops of the buildings are still visible emerging about the waves. The city is served by two immense harbours, the Ragman's Harbour in the west were foreign ships are berthed and the Purple Harbour in the north, used by locals. All ships have to submit to inspection from officials at the Chequy Port before being directed to a berth.

The city is ruled by the Sealord, though various nobles have a say in the city's affairs. The city is religiously tolerant, with many temples to many deities (including the Westeros Faith of the Seven) located on the Isle of the Gods. A sect known as the Moonsingers are the most popular religion in Braavos, however. The city has a strong military force, consisting of the largest fleet of ships on the Narrow Sea and the resources necessary to hire large armies of mercenaries and freeriders very quickly. The city also has a powerful banking institution, the Iron Bank, which holds the debts of many other governments (including the Iron Throne of Westeros), furthering Braavosi influence and power.

Braavos is strongly allied to the Free City of Pentos, located further south along the coast. The Braavosi influence has seen Pentos outlaw slavery within the city.

Braavos was founded eight centuries ago by refugees fleeing the Valyrian incursion to the south. Led by the Moonsingers, they established the Secret City of Braavos in its current location and evaded detection for over four centuries. After the Doom of Valyria, Braavos emerged to help the other former colony-states establish independence.