The Klis fortress is located only 15 minutes from Split, so it is perfect for a day trip. It is interesting because of its history and beautiful views of the sea and Split.
On the steep cliffs of the gorge between Kozjak and Mosor stands the Klis fortress with one window facing the sea and the other facing Zagora. It was built on an extraordinary strategic location that enables military and commercial control over the entire Kliska field and the area of Salona and Split. Because of its importance, Klis was often called the key to Dalmatia and the heart of the medieval Croatian kingdom.
It is also known as one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones.
In this popular HBO series, Klis was the city of Mereen ruled by Daenerys on her way to King’s Landing (Dubrovnik).
The path to the fortress is steep, so we recommend that you wear comfortable shoes.
History:
The first population that we can accurately identify are the Dalmatians, one of the Illyrian tribes.
Klis experienced its significance for Croatian history from the 15th century onwards, when it was at the border of three empires – the Ottoman Empire, the Republic of Venice and the Habsburg Monarchy. In Klis, the uskos, military units that got their name because of their “jumping” into enemy territory, which they would ravage and return to the base, were operating in Klis. The leader of the Kliš invasions was Petar Kružić who, together with his men, defended the fort against the many times more powerful Ottoman army for more than twenty years. However, with very little help from the ruler, Klis could not resist forever and in 1537 it fell into Turkish hands.
For the next 111 years, Klis will be in the hands of the Ottomans. In that period, the Venetians or Uskoks tried to occupy it several times, and in 1596 they even succeeded in their plan. A hundred or so Croats under the leadership of Split noblemen stormed the fortress, after which more compatriots from the surrounding area rushed to their aid. However, in the same year, there was a counterattack by the Ottomans, who ultimately forced the defenders of the fortress to abandon their positions and leave the city with an army several times larger.
Klis Fortress played its last major military role during the Candian War between the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire. At that time, great battles were fought for the fortress, which ultimately fell into the hands of the Venetian army, under whose banners many Croats also fought. From that moment on, Klis will no longer see major military actions under its walls – it remains in Venetian hands until 1797, when it comes under French rule. With the fall of Napoleon, the fortress became part of the Habsburg Monarchy, and with its abolition, it shared the fate of Croatian territories until 1990, when the flag of the Republic of Croatia was unfurled on it.
Working hours:
Visits are possible from 08:30 to 20:30 every day, including weekdays, weekends and holidays.
The ticket includes:
– visit to the Interpretation Center on Mejdan Square
– visit to Klis fortress
Ticket price:
Adults – €10
Children (up to 15 years) – €3
