CROATIA - Klis Fortress

Klis Fortress is situated on a hill near the town of Split, between the mountains of Mosor and Kozjak, Klis Fortress is also one of the filming locations of the popular HBO series “Games of Thrones”. Many outdoor scenes of Meereen were shot here. If you’re visiting Split, then I definitely recommend you to take a day trip to Klis Fortress where you can get the best view of Split, even if you are not a GOT fan.



Klis Fortress from afar.



Dating back to 17th century, Klis Fortress has been seats to many Croatian’s rulers.
 
 

Walking up the stairs to the fortress.
 
 


The fortress is inaccesible from three sides.
 
 

It overlooks Split, the ancient Roman settlement of Salona and Solin (which I would visit later), Kastela and Trogir and most of the central Dalmatian islands.
 
 

The fortress actually consist of 3 parts, each has a separate entrance. This is the main (first) gate.
 
 

The fortress is also directly above a village bearing the same name.
 
 

In the distance, Mount Kozjak can be seen from the fortress.





Throughout its long history, it was conquered several times. It was conquered by Ottomans for more than a century, then the Venetian came and finally it was taken over by the Austrian. Of course, now it belongs to Croatia.
 
 

View from the top of fortress.
 
 

 

 

 

 

Entrance to the third defensive line, through the third gate in a medieval tower.
 
 




Nice view of the fortress through the window.
 
 

A museum in which visitors can see a series of armour, arms, and traditional uniforms.
 
 

 

 

 

The history of Klis Fortress.
 
 

Old gunpowder storage.
 
 

Klis Fortress was subjected to many changes and renovations. So today its original appearance is unknown. But it is still hauntingly beautiful.
 
 

A Roman Catholic church dedicated to St. Vitus.
 
 

 

Interior of the simple church.
 
 

 

 

 

Canon in the castle.
 
 

West of the church is the bastion of Bembo, the largest artillery position in third line of defense. It has wide holes for guns.
 
 

A room dedicated to GOT fans who come to visit the fortress. There’s even a fake dragon inside.



Grrr… I’m the Mother of Dragon.
 
 

 

One of the scenes of GOT flimed at Klis Fortress.
 
 

Klis Fortress as depicted in GOT.
 
 

And in reality, this is how it looks. In the TV series, CGI has been added to enhance the scene.
 
 

Time to bid goodbye to Klis Fortress.
 
 

The re-enactment of Croatians battling with the Ottoman is held during the summer. Seems fun to participate. Too bad I’m leaving Split on the next day.