Fortezza of Rethymno
Φορτέτζα
A headland fortress built by the Venetians between 1573 and 1580. Its walls encircle the entire hill, and inside is a mosque with a large dome. It overlooks the old town and the sea.
The Fortezza is one of the largest Venetian fortresses on Crete. It was built to defend against pirates and the Ottomans, yet it still fell to Ottoman forces in 1646. The walls are about 1.3 kilometers in circumference. Inside, you'll find the Sultan Ibrahim Mosque (with its large dome, often used for exhibitions), the Church of St. Theodore, and the ruins of a gunpowder magazine and cistern. The western walls are good for watching the sunset, and the eastern side offers views over the old town's rooftops and harbor. Admission is about 4 euros. In summer, it's typically open from 8:00 to 20:00, with shorter hours in winter. It is often closed on Tuesdays. There is almost no shade inside, so bring water and a hat in summer. It's about a 10-minute uphill walk from the Mondi Fountain in the old town.
Opening hours
Roughly 08:00–20:00 (shorter in winter; check on site)
Nearby sights
- Archaeological Museum of Rethymno
- Rimondi Fountain
- Rethymno Old Town
- Neratze Mosque
- Venetian Harbour & Lighthouse of Rethymno
- Rethymno Beach
- Late Minoan Cemetery of Armeni
- Argyroupoli