Description
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The construction of the Rethymno fortress (or Fortezza), by the Venetians, started about 1571 and continued until about 1600. It was built for the protection of the local inhabitants from the Turkish threat, i.e. the usual reason a castle is built on a Greek ... Read review
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Advantages: Brilliant View, Never Crowded Disadvantages: Can be Very Hot, Quite A Steep Walk
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The construction of the Rethymno fortress (or Fortezza), by the Venetians, started about 1571 and continued until about 1600. It was built for the protection of the local inhabitants from the Turkish threat, i.e. the usual reason a castle is built on a Greek island.
It is appears to be star shaped, with three gates and six bastions, and dominate the town below.
In the middle is the ... ...of the Sultan Ibrahim Han by the Turks during their occupation of the island of Crete.
There were the Commander' s house, the Counsellor' s house, barracks, stables, ammunition - storehouses, a cistern and houses which were later destroyed and are just ruins now.
There does not seem to have been any systematic excavation on the site. There is evidence of the odd excavation and some attempts to reconstruct some of the ... more
Description ----------------
The construction of the Rethymno fortress (or Fortezza), by the Venetians, started about 1571 and continued until about 1600. It was built for the protection of the local inhabitants from the Turkish threat, i.e. the usual reason a castle is built on a Greek island.
It is appears to be star shaped, with three gates and six bastions, and dominate the town below.
In the middle is the church of St Nicolas which was turned into the Mosque of the Sultan Ibrahim Han by the Turks during their occupation of the island of Crete.
There were the Commander' s house, the Counsellor' s house, barracks, stables, ammunition - storehouses, a cistern and houses which were later destroyed and are just ruins now.
There does not seem to have been any systematic excavation on the site. There is evidence of the odd excavation and some attempts to reconstruct some of the buildings.
The views from the top, of the town, the harbour and the surrounding area are fantastic and are worth the trip on there own.
If you like wandering around old ruins then this is for you, if you prefer your history with lots of signs and detailed information you will be disappointed.
Outside of the Fortezza is a small archaeological museum that is well worth a visit.
Getting There -------------------
Follow the brown signs from the Old Town below and walk up the hill, be warned it is a bit of a climb up the hill
Advice ---------
Pick a cool time of day to visit, it gets very hot on the top of the hill and there is very little shade. Take a bottle of water with you, see above. Visit the small taverna just at the top of the road leading from the Fortezza for a refreshing cold drink and a Greek salad at a remarkable reasonable price, sorry can't remember it's name.
Advantages: Amazing views of Rethymnon and the surrounding area, fantastic historical site. Disadvantages: Can become very hot so dont recommend a midday trip!
The Venetian Fortezza sits high up in Rethymnon and can be seen from all over the town. Its height means once you are there you have the most amazing views of the town and surrounding area.
It also stands tall over the harbour and you can watch the many boats coming and going and admire the famous lighthouse.
One in the Fortezza you can wander around the baron landscape and really get a feel for what it would have been like all those years ago. ... ...it can become unbearable in the midday heat.
In the centre of the Fortezza there is the smallest chapel i have ever seen and you can go in but only 2 at a time!!! It is amazing to see!
There is a good gift shop and plenty of information if you want to delve into the fantastic history that comes with the ruin.
Well worth a trip if you can, the views are spectacular, its cheap to get in and its a good cultural experience. A must see! ...
helen22022 05.08.2005
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