This post is also available in: Croatian
By Paul Bradbury
Klis – Now a Game of Thrones filming location, the historical importance of Klis Fortress is relived, as Dalmatia returns to 1532.
As most tourists in Dalmatia continued to enjoy the standard sun and sea combination on July 26, 2014, a spectacular historical reenactment of the 1532 Battle of Klis reminded visitors of the historical importance of the region for all Europe, as well as highlighting the diverse potential of Croatia’s southern region as a fascinating tourism market.
Kliški Uskoci – more than 250 actors, many from abroad, made up the spectacular cast.
These are good times for the fortress of Klis, which sits majestically overlooking Split and the Dalmatian island of Hvar, Brac, Solta and Vis. Known as the Gateway to Split and the Key to Dalmatia, Klis Fortress is best known in recent times as a Game of Thrones filming location, and the popular HBO series will be back in 2015 for series 5.
The battle took place in various parts of the fortress, with a drone camera feeding live images onto large screens for the audience.
The ensuing Game of Thrones tourism is a welcome boost for the inland community, but it is not the only intervention taking place at the historic fortress. Digital Journal, accompanied by Central Dalmatia Tourist Board director Josko Stella visited the fortress earlier in the week to inspect infrastructural improvements to the fortress by the EU-funded Medpaths project, a worthy initiative to improve inland tourism in Croatia and Italy.
Josko Stella, right, director of the Central Dalmatia Tourist Board, with this Digital Journalist and popular Dalmatian politician Visko Halidic at the EU-funded Medpaths presentation in Trilj. Klis Fortress is also a project beneficiary.
Stella was once more present at the Battle of Klis reenactment, once again demonstrating his strong commitment to the development of tourism in the Central Dalmatian hinterland.
Povijesna postrojba Kliški Uskoci
The epic battle lasted over 90 minutes and was surprisingly authentic.
The reenactment of the 1532 Battle of Klis is now in its fourth year, and it is considered to be the highlight of the tourism calendar for the small community which towers over Split. This year’s event was attended by more than 250 actors in traditional authentic costumes, who reenacted the Ottoman attempts to take the strategic fortress after a 25-year siege.
Spectators were treated to an authentic view of the battle of 1532.
Klis, which is also known as the most fortified fortress in Europe, is not a natural setting for a large show, with few open spaces (part of its success against invaders, perhaps), and this year’s event included a drone camera feeding live action into assembled large screens for the considerable number of tourists.
Historical reenactment tourism is becoming more popular in Dalmatia.
Among the guests were members of the Game of Thrones crew. The popular HBO series filmed at Klis last year, and the very strong rumours are that they will be back for season 5 in 2015. Game of Thrones tourism is in its infancy in Split, but it is expanding rapidly, especially as the show has confirmed it will be increasing its locations in Dalmatia next year.
Maja Zlokic, editor of the successful Croatian Hot Spots, with Game of Thrones representatives after the battle.
The most popular after party was held in the home of Toni and Tracey Glavina, who moved from America to his native Klis a few years ago with his American wife, and whose generous hospitality in the Glavina ‘Man Cave’ was appreciated by Game of Thrones staff, tourist board directors and Digital Journalists alike.
Tracey Allison Glavina, an American resident of Klis, in the family konoba where an after party was held, with guests including Game of Thrones representatives.
This post is also available in: Croatian
