The Fortezza (from Italian for fortress, pronounced “Fortedza” rather than “Fortetsa”) is the Venetian fortress of Rethymno and one of its most famous attractions.
It was built by the Venetians in the 16th century and later captured by the Ottomans. By the early 20th century, many houses were built within the citadel. These were demolished after World War II, leaving only a few historic buildings within its walls. Today is open to the public throught out the year.
From the top of the hill (called Paleokastro, meaning Old Castle), where it is located, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the town and its coast. This place used to be the acropolis of ancient Rhithymna.
Its history
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 by Enrico Pescatore in the beginning of the 13th century. After Crete fell to the Republic of Venice, the settlement became known as the Castel Vecchio or Antico Castello, which both mean old castle.
Under Venetian rule, a small harbour was built in Rethymno, which became the third most important city on Crete after Heraklion and Chania. On 8 April 1540, a line of fortifications began to be built around the city. The walls were designed by the architect Michele Sanmicheli, and were completed in around 1570. These fortifications were not strong enough to withstand a large assault, and when Uluç Ali Reis attacked in 1571, the Ottomans captured and sacked the city.
It is shaped like a star, it has three gates and six ramparts. The temple of Saint Nicolo has been turned into the mosque of Sultan Ibraim Han. There was the building of the Commander, the building of the Counselor, army camps, stables, ammunition depots, a water supply reservoir and some houses that were later destroyed.
Today it is open to everybody who want to visit it (prepare yourself for some walking).
Opening hours and tickets information soon to be availiable. There is a special offer with every ticket you buy you receive a coupon offering 50% discount for the tickets of Museum of Modern Art.
After seeing the fortress don’t forget to take a walk around (avoid the coffee shops and restaurants close to the attraction which are more expensive) and enjoy the view to the sea and the serenity of the scenery. Otherwise you can wander in the neighborhood close to the Fortezza which is rich in colors and pleasant smells.
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