Just outside of Split you will find the medieval fortress of Klis. It originated as a small stronghold built by the ancient Illyrian and Dalmatae but became an important structure over the years serving as a royal seat for many Croatian kings and a strong fortress during the Ottoman wars in Europe. The fortress is situated high up in a mountain pass with a beautiful view over Split, the vineyards and olive groves around and the Adriatic Sea.

Klis has a rich history dating back 2000 years to the 2nd century BC when it was founded by the Illyrians. The fortress is built in an extraordinary strategic location which would allow military and commercial control over the whole Klis valley and the area of Salona and Split. The importance of the fortress has given it the nickname of the key to Dalmatia and the heart of the medieval Croatian Kingdom.

As in most of Europe, the Romans eventually came to Klis and gained control over the Illyrian uprising in the 9th century AD. And the Romans established fort of Kleis as a protection of Salona in the late Roman period.

Throughout the next thousand years the fortress changed ownership multiple times but is maybe most known for the role it played during the Ottoman wars, where Klis became a crossroads of three empires, the Ottoman Empire, the Venetian Republic and the Habsburg Monarchy.

Looks familiar? Game of Thrones fans will recognize Klis as the filming location for the City of Meereen in seasons four to six. Klis makes the perfect backdrop for an ancient city on Slaver’s Bay in Essos.

Daenerys Targaryan arrives in Meereen with the intention to abolish slavery. You might recognize the site where Daenerys crucified 163 slave masters along the streets of Meeren.

Despite the Game of Thrones references and beautiful location, Klis Fortress is one of the more undercrowded destinations in Split with only 15 000 visitors a year. As we visited Split during the busiest time of the year it was amazing to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Even though we visited Klis Fortress during the peak season there were only about a handful of people there, meaning you could visit Klis Fortress at any time.

Remember to check out the opening hours and entry fees. 

You can get to Klis Fortress either by joining a tour from Split or taking the local bus #22 from the Bus stop just east of the National Theater. The bus took about 30 minutes and the stop for Klis Fortress was the last stop so it was easy to navigate.

TIP: Public bathrooms are located at the foot of the fortress, not inside. And remember to bring water as there are no shops inside!