Spinalonga Fort, Venetian fortress on Spinalonga island, Greece
Spinalonga Fort is a Venetian fortress on a rocky island at the northern entrance of Elounda Gulf. It features thick stone walls, narrow streets, and several small chapels that show how people lived within its defensive walls.
The Venetians built this fortress in the late 1500s to defend their coastal interests. It later came under Ottoman control, then served as a leper colony until closing in 1957.
The fortress shows the marks of multiple peoples who lived there, from Venetian builders to Ottoman rulers and later inhabitants. Walking through reveals how different groups shaped this place over time.
You can reach the island by boat from three nearby towns, with journeys taking 10 to 60 minutes depending on your starting point. The ground is flat and walkable throughout, but shade is limited, so bring water and sun protection.
The island once served as a hospital for people with leprosy during the 20th century, cutting it off from the rest of the world. This hidden history gives the place a deeper story beyond its military walls.
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