Stunning Views, But the Fortress Itself Underwhelms. If you decide to visit Klis Fortress, go for the incredible panoramic views of Split and the surrounding area. They are truly worth it. However, I highly recommend tempering your expectations for the fortress itself. It feels more like a viewpoint with historical ruins than a fully-realized attraction, largely due to the ongoing construction and the underwhelming state of the exhibitions. The combination ticket with the Olive Museum is the best way to do it, as the museum provides a genuinely complete and enjoyable experience.
We visited Klis Fortress using a combination ticket that also included entry to the Olive Museum in Klis. Let me start by saying the Olive Museum was a delightful surprise and highly enjoyable. Because of this combo deal, it initially felt like we were getting two attractions for the price of one. However, after visiting both, I'd say it's the other way around: you pay for the excellent Olive Museum and get a free, fantastic viewpoint at Klis Fortress.
The best part of the Klis Fortress experience is undoubtedly the view. It's absolutely fantastic and one of the main reasons to make the trip. Getting there is also a breeze; it's easily accessible by public transport from Split. For only €1.50, you can take a local bus that drops you off right near the fortress, making it a very affordable excursion.
A fun and modern touch inside were the photo opportunities provided by @lookat.sculptures. These interactive installations were a creative way to engage with the location and made for some great pictures!
Unfortunately, once you're inside the fortress, the experience is a bit of a letdown. There isn't a great deal to see. A significant portion of the fortress, including the entire rear section, was under construction during our visit. This meant we couldn't access that area or enjoy the views from that perspective.
The parts that have already been renovated lack a sense of authenticity. The roof tiles are brand new and don't fit the old, historic style you would expect. Meanwhile, other parts of the fortress are simply in a state of disrepair. The exhibitions were also disappointing. There was one small but interesting display of old weapons, maintained by a historical group, which was nice to see. However, it was a very small collection in a tiny building.
The main building, the "Prince's Residence," also fell short of expectations. The residence was underwhelming. The toilets were outdated and they can't even be locked. The view from the main tower, which should have been a highlight, was spoiled by a large construction crane, fences, and pallets scattered below.