Klis Fortress (Day Trip)

Klis Fortress dominates a mountain pass 12 kilometres north of Split — a medieval stronghold on a narrow ridge that controlled the only practical route between the coast and the Dalmatian hinterland and was the scene of some of the bloodiest sieges in Croatian history. The fortress was built on prehistoric foundations, expanded by the Romans, and reached its present form under the Croatian nobility before falling to the Ottomans in 1537 after resisting for decades under Captain Petar Kružić.

For 111 years Klis was the western outpost of the Ottoman Empire in Europe, marked on every map of 'Christendom vs. the Turk' — until Venice finally recaptured it in 1648. The fortress was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones (representing the city of Meereen), and its dramatic position on the rock, with the Dinaric Alps behind and the Adriatic below, provides views and atmosphere that make it one of the best day trips from Split. Reached by bus #22 from Split in about 35 minutes.