Klis Fortress

Klis sits on a rock straddling the only easy pass between the coast at Split and the Dalmatian interior, which is why it has been fortified since Illyrian times and fought over ever since - a Croatian royal stronghold, then held by Petar Kruzic and his garrison against repeated Ottoman assaults until it fell in 1537, then Ottoman for over a century, then Venetian, with each rebuilding on the last. The result is a long narrow fortress stepped up the ridge in three enclosures. It was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, which is what brought much of the current traffic, and the view down over Split and the islands is the other reason.

What you actually see

• A fortress on the only pass - the route between Split and the interior.
• Kruzic's defence and its fall - held against the Ottomans until 1537.
• Three enclosures up the ridge - rebuilt by each occupier in turn.
• A filming location - used in Game of Thrones.

When to go

April to October; it is exposed and hot in midsummer. Half a day.

Honest expectations

The ground inside is uneven stone with steep drops and few railings - poor for anyone unsteady. There is almost no shade. Parking below is limited and the village road is narrow. Interpretation is modest for a site this important.

Nearby

Split and Salona are below; Sinj is further inland.