Kazarma Fortress, Medieval fortress in Sitia, Greece

Kazarma Fortress sits on a hilltop overlooking Sitia's port, built with two floors connected by internal staircases that lead up to defensive battlements. From the top, you can see across the harbor and the town below.

Kazarma was built in the 13th century, during the Venetian rule of Crete, as the fortress of Sitia. The Venetians abandoned the town in 1651 and destroyed parts of the fortress to prevent its use by the Turks.

The name Kazarma derives from the Italian Casa di arma, meaning guard barracks, a trace of the Venetian builders. The fortress stands on the hill above Sitia, and its walls are a landmark seen from the town and port below.

You can visit the fortress on most days, though opening hours vary by season. Wear comfortable shoes since the path to the top involves climbing steep slopes.

The name comes from the Italian phrase 'Casa di arma,' meaning guard barracks, revealing the fortress's original military purpose. This linguistic connection shows the strong link between the structure and its Italian builders.