The imposing Fortezza Fortress dominates the town of Rethymno and stands as one of the largest and most impressive Venetian castles ever built in Crete. Constructed in 1573, the castle was a direct response to the threat of frequent Turkish pirate raids during the Venetian occupation.
The fortress walls stretch for about 1,300 meters and include four bastions: three on the southern side and one on the eastern side. The main entrance lies to the east, with two additional gates – one at the west and one at the north, which could only be accessed by sea. The design of the castle follows the star-shaped Venetian fortification system adapted to the local terrain.
During the fifth Venetian-Turkish war in 1646, the castle withstood a siege by Hussein Pasha’s troops for 22 days. The residents and Venetian defenders took refuge within the Fortezza but eventually surrendered on November 13th after severe bombardment.
Inside the Fortezza, the Venetians built a new cathedral dedicated to Saint Nicholas. However, during the Turkish occupation, the cathedral was destroyed and replaced by a mosque, which remains within the grounds to this day. The mosque has undergone extensive restoration, and visitors can now admire its elegant dome – a striking symbol of Crete’s mixed Christian and Ottoman past.
The Fortezza is more than just stone walls. It houses several well-preserved structures from the Venetian period, including:
The panoramic views of Rethymno and the Cretan Sea from the fortress are breathtaking, making it a top destination for history lovers, photographers, and anyone exploring the Old Town of Rethymno.
With your rental car from AutoClubRent, you can easily explore the city of Rethymno and park close to the castle. Don’t miss this iconic monument that blends Venetian grandeur with Cretan resilience and Ottoman heritage.
Rethymnon CityAgia GaliniAnogiaArgyroupolisArkadi MonasteryBali monasteryMelidoni cavePlakiasPreveliPreveli monasteryPsiloritisSpiliFortezzaVenetian HarborHeraklionAgia PelagiaAgiofaraggoAmoudaraArhanesCretaquariumAncient GortysFodeleHersonissosKalamakiKnossosLentasMaliaMatalaMinoan Palace of MaliaMinoan Palace of PhaistosThe Fortress of KoulesZaros
