The fortezza castle
Fortezza castle is open to public at 25.05.20.
Opening hours: 09:00 - 16:15
Ticket: 4€ , There is also Family ticket 10€. For people over 65 years old the price is 3€
The Fortezza fortress towers over the city of Rethymno.It was built in the 16th century by the Venetians who occupied Crete(1204-1669) in order to protect its citizens from Ottoman invasions.
History
The fortification of the hill Paleokastro and the construction of the fortezza were considered necessary after the destruction of Rethymno by the Ottoman pirate Uluc Ali in 1571.The Fortezza was founded on 13th September 1573.The original plan of the venetian authorities was to move the entire city permanently into the new fortress.Finally though, only the Venetian Guard and the administration settled there as neither did the inhabitants wanted to move, nor was the space adequate.
After its surrender to the Ottomans in 1646, the organization and the form of the Fortezza didn't change significantly.Minor extensions and addictions were made to the landfills and the precinct of the fortress. Major addition was the construction of a big pentagonal citadel outside of the fortress exactly opposite its main gate, for better protection.In that period the number of the residents in the castle increased.Until the beginning of the 20th century the inner part of the fortress was almost completely built.
During the German occupation,the German garrison settled in the Fortezza and some of the buildings were turned into prisons and dormitories.Gradually, after the German occupation the inhabitants started to moving outside the fortress. The ruined construstions were demolished and the fortress was expropriated by the municipality of Rethymno. Since then a great effort for the restoration and the salience of the fortress has been initiated, which constitutes the landmark of the city of Rethymno.
Description of the fortress
The total length of the Fortezza fortress is 1307m.It consists of 4 main semibastions on the southern and the eastern side( St.Nicholas, St. Paul, St.Elias and St.Lucas) and three main ledges on the western and northern part (Holy Spirit,St Justine,St Sozon).
The main gate was on the eastern side, though the secondary ancillary gates were on the western and the northern sides.In the center of the fortress the ordinary square was established, which was surrounded by the cathedral of St Nicholas and the Rector's residence of the city.
Rent a car in Rethymno and visit all those great and historical places.
