Fortress Klis
Fortress Klis things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
The Klis Fortress is a medieval fortress situated above a village bearing the same name, near Split, Croatia.
attractions: , restaurants: Caffe - pizzeria bar Kambia
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Description
The Klis Fortress is a medieval fortress situated above a village bearing the same name, near Split, Croatia.
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A bit of background - Klis is a large fortress, originally Illyrian, then Roman, then the seat of the Croatian royal house. There was an epic siege in the 16th century which saw the Ottomans take the castle and then a hundred years later the Venetians captured it. As the frontier with the Turks moved further east the castle declined in importance and eventually became a national monument with a history museum and armoury. It is probably more famous for being the setting of Mereen in Game of Thrones though! The castle was spread along a ridgeline and divided into three areas, each higher up the hill than the last, the oldest part being the furthest away as the castle slowly expanded over the centuries. Like my waistline. Klis fortress was never actually stormed and each time it was captured it was was taken by negotiated surrender rather than assault. We spent around 90 minutes in the castle, mostly being impressed by the views and the location where it was built. There were lots of information boards which gave little snapshots, such as the secret door and the converted mosque. There was an interesting armoury showing the weapons the Croatians used against the Turks and the history of the castle in the period from the thirteenth to eighteenth centuries. During this period the castle was occupied at various times by Croatians, Turks, Venetians and Austrians. There were also shots from GoT showing scenes using the castle, particularly to crucify the slave masters along the entrance to the third level. It was particularly nice as there were very few other people there so we could take our time looking at things and getting photos.
Marcus HurleyMarcus Hurley
20
You ever wanted to feel like a medieval knight defending your castle, Klis Fortress is the place to be. Perched high above Split, this fortress offers not just a slice of history, but also some of the most spectacular views you’ll ever see. Seriously, the views are so good, they might just make you forget you’re standing in a centuries-old fortress. First off, let’s talk about the climb. Yes, it’s a bit of a workout, but think of it as your medieval fitness regime. By the time you reach the top, you’ll feel like you’ve earned the right to defend the fortress from invaders. Once you’re up there, the panoramic views of Split and the Adriatic Sea are nothing short of breathtaking. It’s like the fortress was strategically placed to give you the best Instagram shots. And if you’re a fan of “Game of Thrones,” you’ll be thrilled to know that Klis Fortress doubled as the city of Meereen. The fortress itself is a fascinating blend of history and architecture. From ancient Illyrian origins to its role in defending against the Ottomans, Klis has seen it all. You can explore the various towers, gates, and walls, each with its own story to tell. In summary, Klis Fortress is a must-visit for history buffs, “Game of Thrones” fans, and anyone who appreciates a good view. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera – you’ll want to capture every moment of this epic adventure.
Paul GriffithsPaul Griffiths
00
If you're a fan of fortresses and you're near Split, the Klis Fortress is something you must see! Besides the fortress itself, you will be amazed by the beautiful view of Split and its surroundings. The Klis Fortress is one of the best examples of a medieval fortress in Dalmatia, excellently preserved and renovated in recent years. It consists of three parts, each separated by gates, and within the fortress, there are armories, barracks, towers, the duke's residence, and a church. Throughout history, it guarded the strategic passage between the coast and the hinterland, with its most glorious period being the era of wars with the Turks. The fortress was also a filming location for Game of Thrones series. Beneath the fortress, there is free parking and café bars, and it takes about an hour to explore the fortress. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, priced at 10 euros for adults and 3 euros for children. With the ticket, you can also visit the Stella Croatica ethno-agricultural park, located a few minutes' drive from the fortress. Our advice is to adjust your arrival time according to weather conditions, and during the summer months, try to come earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon since there is very little shade at the fortress, and it can get very hot.
Route DalmatiaRoute Dalmatia
00
Klis Fortress is truly a fantastic place! As a witness to such ancient history, dating back to the 3rd century BC, it is truly impressive. The destruction and restorations it has undergone over the centuries give it a unique character, represented by architecture from different periods. Ascending the tiers of the fortress to its highest point offers magnificent views of Split and the Adriatic Sea, forests, mountains, and the characteristic terracotta roofs of Croatian houses! The fortress can be visited by car or public transport. From Split, buses go to the fortress - the most convenient is bus number 22 (1.5 euros for a ticket). Parking is free. The ticket price for the fortress is 10 euros for adults. The ticket also includes a visit to the Olive Museum in Klis. Despite the absence of a souvenir shop, pleasant memories and photographs will undoubtedly stay with you for a long time. Additionally, for fans of the "Game of Thrones" series, this place will be especially significant, considering that many scenes were filmed here. If you try hard enough, you can even find a room with a dragon and photographs from the filming of the series.
AliceAlice
10
Really beautiful place to visit. We just organised an UBER to take us up there, which was about 19 euro up there from the Riva and 15 euro back. Entry to the castle was 10 euro each. The walk from the carpark is pretty easy. Walking all over the castle is on rocky ground, so it could be a challenge for some. The story of the castle is amazing, and a lot of information is written in English on the plaques on the walls. I wouldn't recommend getting tied up in a tour, as you can seek out most of the information yourself. You can see the photos I've posted, which shows just how beautiful it is up there. The higher you go into the castle, the better it gets. If you're not a history, castle, medievil ruins, or military tactics person, this may not be for you. But for everyone else, it's a great story and worth a look. Not far from the carpark is a small supermarket, grill, and a bar. There are plenty of refreshments and toilets. It wasn't busy when we went (late September) and the weather was perfect!
W QuinnW Quinn
00
Fortress that was never taken has the most spectacular view on Split and the back country ever. It is also huge and you can see it from the road when you're coming down from the highway (from Dugopolje exit towards Split). I've been planning to visit it for many years now and I'm really happy to finally do it. I have to say that I hugely underestimated the time to explore all of it - it took us three hours and we still rushed in order to get to all places. It is beautiful and my advice is to plan staying there for four hours (including breaks and drink plenty of water). And of course - Game of thrones part- this is the famous Mereen City site. GoT is just mentioned here and there and I can imagine that with a tour guide you can get a lot more information and stories. Hopefully, we'll go back next year. This is a truly unique site to explore.
Petra DraškovićPetra Drašković
00
Nearby Restaurants Of Fortress Klis
Caffe - pizzeria bar Kambia

Caffe - pizzeria bar Kambia
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