A visit to Rethymno is not complete without spending some time strolling through the fortress ruins largely considered the town’s main attraction. A typical example of the Venetian military architecture (which is reflected in its name,“Fortezza”) it was subsequently filled with buildings from the ottoman era and inhabited till the mid 20th century! Those who are not really interested in archaeology, will enjoy a pleasant walk with great views to the town!
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The access to the Fortezza’s entrance [35.37168,24.47236] is through the narrow streets of the Old Town. Apparently it is out of the question to park nearby so the best option is to try the parking lot next to the west sea walls [35.37088,24.46908] indicated in the stopovers in Rethymno. Then you can either follow the coastal road or to wander through the Old Town. If you want to keep forces for the Fortezza, just go straight on Ioannis Melissinou street and then turn left on the cobbled Katehaki street. The Fortezza is currently closed to the public due restoration works; it is set to reopen in spring 2015. The admission will be 4 euro (3 euro for seniors over 65, free for children) and it will be open daily from 8.00 till 20.00 (or till sunset for the spring months).
It was in the early 16th that the Venetians planned for the first time to fortify the small port of Rethymnon against the threat of the Ottoman invasion. They were right though not so efficacious. These first fortifications were proved ineffective to protect the population; Rethymno was completely destroyed in 1571 after a raid by the Algerian admiral Uluc Ali Reis. In the aftermath of the disaster a new fortress was built with forced labor from thousands of locals.
The Fortezza was finished in 1580. The original plan was to build houses within the walls for the entire population but soon it was proved unrealistic. The area was barely enough for the public buildings, storerooms, artillery magazines, churches and of course for the houses of the administrators (the Rectors Residence, Councillors Residence etc) and for the Venetian garrison.
During the Ottoman occupation, the Fortezza continued to be the town’s administrative center. The catholic church of San Nicolo was transformed into a mosque while new buildings were constructed. In the early 20th century private houses occupied the entire area of the fortress. The demolitions were finished until the mid ’60s but unfortunately along with the hovels some important buildings were vanished too.
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