Today was such a fun day! I took bus number 73 from Bus Terminal Sukoisan in Split, and went to a fort that used to be a castle. I accidentally missed the stop, don’t ask, so I had to back track down a highway with no shoulder. That was a little nerve-wracking, but I eventually made it. Klis Fortress is amazing!
Getting There
So yes, do take bus number 73 from Split, and try not to miss the stop to get off or you will end up further into and up the mountains. 😂 From the correct bus stop, is a 15 minute walk, mostly uphill.
On the return, I had to walk down into the town of Varos, a gorgeous ancient village of stone houses. I caught bus number 77 back into Split.
It was chock full and I stood most of the way home. The bus ride is only 20 minutes though, so super close and doable. Cost was €2 each way for the bus and €10 to enter the Fortress.
Brief History
The Illyrian tribe made the first settlement around 200AD. Shortly after, the Romans took over. It then became a castle for Croatian kings. During the ottoman wars in the 16th century, it became the large fortress. The Ottomans ruled here for 111 years and then the Venetians took possession. Since 1991 the Croatian flag has proudly flown over the fort.
First Defensive Fortification
Klis Fortress has three defensive fortifications. The first is where you will enter and purchase your ticket. This is the lowest part of the fort, when in times of battle, would have been attacked first. Each place I walked or went into had a small placard letting me know what I was seeing.
Second Defensive Fortification
This section would have been the next line of defence should the enemy have gotten past the first. There are many things to see such as the infantry barracks, secret entrance, Oprah tower and smithy.
Third Defensive Fortification
The oldest section and most heavily fortified is the third. Here sits a residence where the Croatian national leaders, kings, lords and generals ruled from. It is called the Proveditor’s Residence and is a huge building, mostly empty when I visited.
The third defensive area is quite large and there is a lot to see and explore. Going into doorways, you never really know what you are going to come across.
Another small museum is housed in one of the buildings. Here you can see muskets, swords and armour as well as a few period costumes.
Also in this section is the Church of St. Vitus, another unexpected building. Inside this dome shaped structure is an absolutely beautiful and humble space. It is the only building that has been preserved since the Ottoman rule of Klis.
The Views
Are magnificent! I am so glad I waited for a dry and sunny day to visit Klis. The views are nothing short of spectacular. Every direction you look, from any level, is breathtaking. The fortress is completely inaccessible from three sides. I could definitely feel the sense of safety being in such a place, at the highest point possible and able to see in every direction.
Game of Thrones
There are several locations within the fortress (5) where Games of Thrones was filmed! One such place is the stairs to the third entrance. This is where the escape of the Khaleesi under the protection of the Unsullied took place.
I had such a good day out here, high up in this ancient fortress. It has been incredibly well preserved and is fun to explore. There are a lot of steps so a good pair of walking shoes is paramount. Also, the wind! Girls with long hair, bring a hair tie and have a blast.
