Spinalonga Fort, Venetian fortress on Spinalonga island, Greece
The fortress stands on a rocky islet at the northern entrance of Elounda Gulf, featuring high stone walls and military architecture from the 16th century.
The Venetians constructed this defensive structure in the late 1500s, later used by Ottoman forces before becoming Greece's last active leper colony until 1957.
The fortress contains multiple architectural elements including military structures, orthodox chapels, and a cemetery where former inhabitants of the leper colony rest.
Visitors can reach the island through regular boat services from three locations: Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka, with journey times ranging from 10 to 60 minutes.
The fortress receives up to 4000 daily visitors in summer, making it the second most visited archaeological site in Crete after the Palace of Knossos.
Location: Agios Nikolaos Municipality
GPS coordinates: 35.29760,25.73800
Latest update: April 19, 2025 18:32
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