Klis Castle and Marjan Park

The name of the fortress is derived from the Greek word key. This fortress played an important role in the history of Croatia. It is a medieval fortress above the village of the same name, 15 minutes by car from Split, Croatia.

During its history, the fortress has gone through several twists and turns. It was built as a small fortress built by the old Illyrian tribe Dalmatae, but over the course of history it has turned into a royal castle, which was the seat of many Croatian kings. However, it gained its fame as a large fortress during the Ottoman wars in Europe, when the Klis fortress guarded the borders of the territory. During their more than two thousand years of history, the Croats lost and conquered the state above the fortress several times.

The fortress has a truly strategic location, thanks to which it has historically had a good overview of trade routes between the Mediterranean and the Balkans or when attacked by enemy troops. Today, it provides visitors with views of the fertile orchards and fields in the castle grounds leading to the port of Split on one side and the massive rock massif of the Mosor and Kozjak mountains on the other.

Here, too, it was filmed during the filming of the series Game of Thrones in 2014. This staircase, together with a slightly digitally modified background, served the filmmakers in the role of the city of Meereen, which Daenerys conquered. Fans will certainly appreciate the entrance fee, which is only 70Kn per adult. Compared to the 200Kn entrance fee to the walls in Dubrovnik, I think this is a reasonable price.

The vastness and massiveness of this fortress impressed us, as well as its interesting location. It has only been available to visitors since 2005 and repairs are still being worked on. Nevertheless, the quality of the building is evidenced by the fact that it has survived to this day and the two-and-a-half-year siege of the Ottomans in the 16th century.

From the castle we move closer to Split. At the very end of the peninsula, where the city of Split is located, you will find a piece of wild nature where locals go to relax, play sports and enjoy the views. It's Marjan Park.

For beautiful views it is necessary to walk up the hill and because Marjan is a hill, there is no shortage of beautiful views even on the way up. The area is covered with a dense Mediterranean pine forest and is completely surrounded by the city and the sea, which makes it a unique place for walks with impressive views. Originally, citizens used it as a park in the 3rd century and it is still a popular weekend excursion destination for locals and recreation centers in the city.

There are several paths to the top. They are used by both cyclists who choose slower asphalt paths. Pedestrians have the opportunity to go straight the shortest but also the steepest way up the stairs, and that there are not a few of them. The top is a platform with a view of Velika vidilica with a giant Croatian flag, benches and a drinking fountain.

The climbed meters are visible at the feet, but the view is worth it. The top point is called Telegrin and is at 178 meters really honest from the sea.

The top cross must not be missing either. Locals come here to kill and train a physicist on long stairs. In about 2/3 of the hill you will also find a destination to persuade children to climb more willingly. They have a mini ZOO corner where the animals can feed and pet.

We chose the way down more slowly, you can walk along the forest path of the ridge of the hill through several preserved bunkers to the second top of the park, where there is a fire watch tower. Unfortunately, it is not possible to climb up, but even from its base there is a beautiful view of the surrounding Adriatic Sea and the Gulf of Kastela. You can also see a part of the island of Ciovo, where you can reach the bridge in about half an hour by car. You will find beautiful beaches, but also pay attention to the very narrow streets, two-way.

After a walk in the countryside, where you can walk a really surprising number of kilometers, the beaches under the park directly encourage swimming. The beaches at Ježinac and Zvončac bays have fine white pebbles that make it almost look like somewhere in the Caribbean.

From here it is a short way back to the city port, which despite the number of sailing masts is almost invisible. It is a pleasant walk along the sea shore.