Klis Fortress: A Sentinel of Dalmatia

Perched high on a rocky cliff, Klis Fortress commands a breathtaking view of Split, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding landscape. This imposing structure, located in the village of Klis, has been a strategic defensive point for over two thousand years. Originally a small stronghold built by the Illyrian tribe of Dalmatae in the 2nd century BC, it has evolved through Roman, Byzantine, Croatian, Ottoman, Venetian, and Austrian rule, each leaving their mark on its architecture and history.Known as the 'Key to Dalmatia,' Klis Fortress controlled passage between the mountains of Kozjak and Mosor, guarding the approach to Split. Its history is filled with battles, sieges, and shifts in power, most notably its defense against Ottoman incursions in the Middle Ages. The fortress was held by the Ottomans for over a century, becoming a sanjak (administrative division), before being reclaimed by the Venetians. The fortress's architecture reflects its varied past, with Venetian-era buildings prominent today.More recently, Klis Fortress gained international recognition as a filming location for the city of Meereen in the popular TV series Game of Thrones. This has boosted tourism, drawing fans eager to walk the grounds where Daenerys Targaryen freed the slaves. Visitors can explore the fortress's ramparts, towers, and museum, taking in the panoramic views and imagining the battles and intrigues that have unfolded within its walls. The fortress includes the Interpretation Centre at Mejdan Square, and the repurposed Ottoman mosque, now the Church of St. Vitus.