Klis Fortress
The name Klis comes from the Greek word “Kleis” which means “key”, and indeed, this stone structure has been known as the Key to Dalmatia for a long time. Klis was first mentioned in the history books way back in the 2nd century BC when it was a fortress for an Illyrian tribe. Since then, it has withstood many invasions and changed hands a few times, each new owner adding their own touches.
Strategically placed between two mountains Mosor and Kozjak, Klis was a defensive fortress for centuries. There is a parking lot at the base of the summit (the bus from Split dropped us off a little ways from there). Then, we climbed up from there.
The first entrance (and the newest out of three) was built by Venetians in the 17th century and is now where the main entrance and ticket office is.
Wandering Klis is mostly an outside experience. Only a handful of the actual buildings are open to the public, although renovations are underway. This doorway is not labeled on the official map, but is one of the first places we encountered.
And wherever we saw an open door, we couldn’t resist a peek to see where it leads.
One of the highlights of Kliss are the unobstructed views which go all the way out to the Adriatic Sea.
While the south facing wall has the ocean views, looking along the outer north wall currently overlooks a very well manicured soccer field with Tower Oprah in the background. This is the less steep side of the fortress.
Staircases switch back and forth at this site and lead into little offshoots, courtyards, and open areas to rest and wander.
The fortress had its own smithy for forging weapons and other metal military needs in a sheltered area away from the main stairs. This one is reconstructed, but gives a little hint of what fortress life could’ve been like (also, whoever was the blacksmith had an amazing view to work with).
The secret entrance to the fort. This part of the wall was built without mortar so that it could easily be broken through and people could escape down a goat trail.
Speaking of escapes from the fortress. And well, there’s no delicate way to say what this hole in the wall was for. There were several of these medieval toilets placed in the corners of the fort (maybe for strategic reasons…who knows).
Once past all of the entrances, we reached the upper levels of the fortress which holds less military focused buildings.
The Church of Saint Vitus changed owners and appearances a few times and flipped from church, to mosque, and back to church (keeping some of the Islamic architecture intact).
Our exploration of Klis ends at the highest and most eastern point of the fort called Sperun.