Fortezza of Rethymno, Stone fortress overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Rethymno, Greece.
The Fortezza of Rethymno is a stone fortress built on a hill with thick limestone walls and multiple bastions. The structure has several gateways and encloses areas containing buildings and a theater inside.
The fortress was built between 1573 and 1580 by engineers serving Venice to protect the harbor town. Ottoman forces captured it in 1646 and later modified its structure.
The theater inside hosts performances today, continuing its role as a gathering place for the community. Visitors can sense how this space still brings people together for cultural events.
Access has time limits and arriving early is recommended to explore the site fully. The walk up to the entrance is manageable and the views from the top make the effort worthwhile.
A mosque with a striking dome sits within the walls where a church once stood. This building shows plainly how different rulers and cultures took turns shaping this place.
Location: Rethymno Municipality
Inception: 1573
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Operator: Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Ρεθύμνου
GPS coordinates: 35.37215,24.47082
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03
Crete combines remnants of ancient civilizations with natural landscapes along its 1,050 km coastline. The island offers photographers a mix of archaeological sites like the Minoan palace at Knossos and historic settlements such as the Venetian harbor districts of Chania and Rethymno. Coastal...
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