Fortress Klis — Attraction in Općina Klis

Stunning Views, But the Fortress Itself Underwhelms. If you decide to visit Klis Fortress, go for the incredible panoramic views of Split and the surrounding area. They are truly worth it. However, I highly recommend tempering your expectations for the fortress itself. It feels more like a viewpoint with historical ruins than a fully-realized attraction, largely due to the ongoing construction and the underwhelming state of the exhibitions. The combination ticket with the Olive Museum is the best way to do it, as the museum provides a genuinely complete and enjoyable experience.

We visited Klis Fortress using a combination ticket that also included entry to the Olive Museum in Klis. Let me start by saying the Olive Museum was a delightful surprise and highly enjoyable. Because of this combo deal, it initially felt like we were getting two attractions for the price of one. However, after visiting both, I'd say it's the other way around: you pay for the excellent Olive Museum and get a free, fantastic viewpoint at Klis Fortress.

The best part of the Klis Fortress experience is undoubtedly the view. It's absolutely fantastic and one of the main reasons to make the trip. Getting there is also a breeze; it's easily accessible by public transport from Split. For only €1.50, you can take a local bus that drops you off right near the fortress, making it a very affordable excursion.

A fun and modern touch inside were the photo opportunities provided by @lookat.sculptures. These interactive installations were a creative way to engage with the location and made for some great pictures!

Unfortunately, once you're inside the fortress, the experience is a bit of a letdown. There isn't a great deal to see. A significant portion of the fortress, including the entire rear section, was under construction during our visit. This meant we couldn't access that area or enjoy the views from that perspective.

The parts that have already been renovated lack a sense of authenticity. The roof tiles are brand new and don't fit the old, historic style you would expect. Meanwhile, other parts of the fortress are simply in a state of disrepair. The exhibitions were also disappointing. There was one small but interesting display of old weapons, maintained by a historical group, which was nice to see. However, it was a very small collection in a tiny building.

The main building, the "Prince's Residence," also fell short of expectations. The residence was underwhelming. The toilets were outdated and they can't even be locked. The view from the main tower, which should have been a highlight, was spoiled by a large construction crane, fences, and pallets...

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...

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...