Frangokastello, Medieval castle in southern Crete, Greece.
Frangokastello is a rectangular fortress on the southern coast of Crete, with four corner towers and thick stone walls overlooking the Libyan Sea. The complex sits directly above a broad sandy beach surrounded by water on three sides.
Venetian authorities built the fortress between 1371 and 1374 to control the Sfakia region and defend against pirates. This structure was part of the larger defensive network that Venice established along the Cretan coast.
Locals call it Frangokastello, which means Castle of the Franks, after rejecting the original Venetian name of Castle of St. Nikitas. This shows how the community made the fortress their own through naming.
The fortress is open to visitors year-round, with direct access to a sandy beach along the coast. The area is most comfortable to explore during cooler months, as the exposed stone offers little shade during summer.
On May mornings, atmospheric conditions create shadow formations called Drosoulites that resemble marching soldiers. This phenomenon is locally famous and draws visitors particularly during that season who come to witness the spectacle.
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