The arranged fortress with an unforgettable view, numerous events and a rich historical heritage, and, at the same time, peace and quiet have made Klis an exceptionally attractive location which needs to be visited.
It is at a fifteen-minute driving distance from Split and from there one can see the entire world. That is what the locals, whose ancestors had lived there for centuries, say about their Klis, and is confirmed by the increasing number of tourists in the municipality at arm’s reach from Split.
It is no wonder that the locals call their locality Klis– key of Dalmatia for it is from there that the view opens towards the Dalmatian horizon. Jakov Vetma, head of Klis municipality, is satisfied with this tourist flourishment not hiding his pride of all the locals who have contributed in the recent two years in making the Klis star shine brighter in the Dalmatian tourist sky.
– We must all be satisfied for our Klis rightfully bears the name of key of Dalmatia for the superb view from here expands over the entire Split waters, and on the other side it settles on Dalmatian Zagora and slowly reveals its centuries old heritage and pristine nature offering tourists pleasure in real peace. Tourism is here developing moderately and continually thanks to the cooperation with everyone and we are an example that only together can we proceed and in no way divided– says Vetma.
A symbol of resistance
Klis municipality, for those who do not know, is only at 15 minutes from the coast and the city of Split, and at a 5-minute distance from the highway which makes it an ideal place for a vacation with access to all the known attractions, cultural and historical monuments, national parks and resorts. It is difficult to list all the offers of the vast Klis area, but we can start from the highest and best known peak, the Klis Fortress and with good reason: the Klis Fortress is the most famous symbol of Croatian resistance at the time of the Turkish breakthrough.
– In the 9th century Klis was the seat of Croatian princes and the Trpimirović kings, and was thus the capital Croatian city.Medieval Klis was the centre of the “uskoks”, Croatian fighters against the Turkish and Venetian invasion, and, due to its exceptional position, it resisted enemy invasions for a long time. The fortress enthrals visitors with its ramparts, prince’s palace, church of St. Vid (a mosque during the Ottoman era), bastions, towers and an impressive museum collection of medieval arms. Klis Fortress visitors have the opportunity to try out medieval games such as archery, fencing and spear throwing – Vetmalists all that can be experienced on Klis Fortress and well reminds of Croatian history.
Modern times have connected Klis Fortress with modern technology and this memorable monument has become famous as the stage scene of the mega popular series “Game of Thrones”, which just confirms the historical importance and beauty of the fortress.
– There are many who ask if they can get to where “Game of Thrones” was shot so let them come and see the beauty and have a souvenir photograph of the Fortress –says Vetma.
History lesson
After the “Croatian history lesson” time can always be found for relaxation and recreation, and every chance guest can choose at his own choice; from a walk to trekking throughintact nature where historical tumuli and small churches that exalt the landscape can be seen at every corner. The Klis municipality region abounds with cycling trails that are systematically complemented and connected into a network of cycling trails of the entire Zagora.
There is also always place for various cycling and trekking races which are increasing constantly for it has been acknowledged as a desirable form of active tourism. Where there is tourism there is adventure tourism and Klis is just the place.
– Markezina grda offers the right experience for those who are fans of free-climbing for it has almost 90 directions of which 10 are long and the rest are sports directions whilst the longest ones are about 40 metres high.
It is not so bad up there for there is plenty of air, a nice view, and when the north wind blows it is much better than in the city, the Split locals tell us about Klis and it is no surprise that after Split many choose Klis to live in.
Klis summer and the “uskoks”
Klis municipality organizes various manifestations throughout the year among which is the Klis Cultural Summer with concerts, exhibitions, performances but also the Uskok Battle – a special attraction organized by the Klis uskoks (irregular soldiers in Habsburg Croatia) gathering thousands of visitors every year.
An aspect that is not well-known to the public and which abounds in this region refers to the centuries-old church architecture, about ten small churches of rich history which are proof that this region was the pre-wall of Christianity. It is just this part of the municipality that makes up one part of the Dalmatian Zagora and it is a naturally vast area acknowledged as aregion for building private villas with swimming pools for tourist in search of intact nature and peace. Tradition and modern times have joined in Klis for ojkavica is cherished there – traditional songs that are under the protection of INESCO since 2010 and Prugovo was last year the location of the 5thOjkavica Assembly.
To talk about Klis and not mention roasting-spit lamb would be unthinkable. The inhabitants of Klis will always gladly offer you traditional Klis dishes – lentils and uljenak (a type of cake). And just wait until Saint Rocco comes, the Patron saint of Klis celebrated on August 16 when there will be food and drinks for all and this year for the first time– kliški arambaši (sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat).
