Rethymno Fortress, Rethymno, Greece

The Fortezza (fortress) is the citadel of the city of Rethymno in Crete. It is built on a hill which was the site of ancient Rhithymna's acropolis. Between the 10th and 13th centuries, the Byzantines established a fortified settlement to the east of the hill. It was called Castrum Rethemi, and it had square towers and two gates. The fortifications were repaired in the beginning of the 13th century.

Venetian era

Following the fall of Cyprus to the Ottomans in 1571, Crete became the largest remaining Venetian overseas possession. Since Rethymno had been sacked, it was decided that new fortifications needed to be built to protect the city and its harbour. The new fortress, which was built on the Paleokastro hill, was designed by the military engineer Sforza Pallavicini according to the Italian bastioned system.

Construction began on 13 September 1573, and it was complete by 1580. Although the original plan had been to demolish the old fortifications of Rethymno and move the inhabitants into the Fortezza, it was too small to house the entire city. The walls along the landward approach to the city were left intact, and the Fortezza became a citadel housing the Venetian administration of the city. It was only to be used by the inhabitants of the city in the case of an Ottoman invasion.

Ottoman era

On 29 September 1646, during the Fifth Ottoman–Venetian War, an Ottoman force besieged Rethymno, and the city's population took refuge in the Fortezza. Conditions within the citadel deteriorated, due to disease and a lack of food and ammunition. The Venetians surrendered under favourable terms on 13 November.

The Ottomans did not make any major changes to the Fortezza, except the construction of a ravelin outside the main gate. They also built some houses for the garrison and the city's administration, and they converted the cathedral into a mosque. The fort remained in use until the early 20th century.

Today

Large-scale restoration work has been under way since the early 1990s. The Fortezza is managed by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, and it is open to the public. The Ottoman ravelin now houses the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Jeff Sofroniou (7 months ago)
Only 5€ entrance fee. Huge site and very good photo opportunities. Take a free map from the ticket office because there are indications as to what the buildings were.

Matt Hayward (8 months ago)
Beautiful place to walk around, see the old architecture and also amazing views of Rethymno and surrounding areas. Just after you arrive and buy tickets there is a small trailer selling drinks and snacks; everything was reasonably priced which was very welcome, especially when many other places nearby overcharge for basics such as a bottle of water or Fanta lemon.

Louise (9 months ago)
Beautiful views of Rethymno and the coast. Interesting place to visit. Not much shade about so take care in the heat. €5 entrance fee per person. Kiosk selling drinks and ice creams. Long walk up hill to get there but definitely worth a visit. The ceiling and fireplace in the castle are beautiful. Gift shop at the entrance.

Romeo Gabriel Blendea (9 months ago)
The Venetian Fortezza Castle in Rethymno is a must-visit historical site in Crete! The castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s past, with its impressive architecture and well-preserved structures. Walking through the grounds, you can explore the ancient walls, bastions, and stunning viewpoints overlooking the sea and the city. The panoramic views from the top are absolutely breathtaking and worth the climb. The site is well-maintained, with informative displays that provide rich historical context. A visit to the Fortezza Castle is a captivating experience for history enthusiasts and anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of Rethymno from a unique vantage point. Highly recommended!

Julie Pound (11 months ago)
Quite a climb up to the main entrance, but there is quite a wide path, so you won't be slowing anyone down. Once you go through the main entrance, you go to the ticket desk. A €5 entrance fee per adult ticket with a free map! A self-guiding tour around the fortress, with some quite uneven ground. To be honest, there's not much to see, there's no further description or visitor information at each of the stop on the map, just the odd line of information on the map, so that's a bit disappointing. But the views out to sea, along the beach and looking back at the town are spectacular. A few of the buildings aren't open, however the mosque and the church both are. There are an abundance of small flowers, which are in bloom and very colourful, despite the dry conditions. There is a stand selling drinks and ice-creams, which are good value and not overpriced. There are toilets too, behind the entrance kiosk, however these are a 50cent fee, paid into machine to unlock the door as you go through the turnstile. You have to be amazed at the architecture and the vastness of this fortress, and marvel in the fact it only took 17 years to build.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright R. Van Wallendael

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Rethymno Fortress

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Ottoman era

Today

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