Fortezza of Rethymno
Kríti
The Fortezza of Rethymno is a historic citadel located on Paleokastro hill, the site of ancient Rhithymna's acropolis. Constructed by the Venetians between 1573 and 1580 under master builder Giannis Skordilis, it was designed as a bastioned fortress to protect the city and its harbor. Although originally intended to house the entire population, its limited size made it a refuge during sieges, notably during the 1646 Ottoman siege when the citizens sought shelter within its walls. The fortress features irregular walls stretching over 1,300 meters with several demi-bastions named after saints, including St Nicolas, St Paul, St Elias, and St Lucas. While the Ottomans captured the fortress and made minor alterations, including converting the cathedral into a mosque and constructing a ravelin, the Fortezza remained a key defensive and administrative center until the early 20th century. Post World War II, many residential buildings inside the fortress were demolished, leaving only a few historic structures. Today, it is well-preserved, open to the public, and hosts cultural events such as performances at the Erofyli open-air theatre located on the St Elias Bastion. The Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is housed in the Ottoman ravelin outside the main gate, making the Fortezza a significant cultural and historical attraction in Crete.
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Astuce: Visit the Fortezza during spring or early autumn to enjoy pleasant weather and avoid summer crowds. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but booking guided tours in advance is recommended for a richer historical experience. Look for combined tickets or discounts available for students and seniors. Wear comfortable shoes as the fortress covers a large area with uneven terrain. Evening visits may offer cultural events such as open-air theatre performances, enhancing the visit.
Faits intéressants
- •The construction of the Fortezza involved over 107,000 Cretans and more than 40,000 animals, highlighting the massive scale of the project.
- •The fortress walls stretch approximately 1,307 meters and include four demi-bastions named after saints: St Nicolas, St Paul, St Elias, and St Lucas.
- •The Erofyli open-air theatre, located on the St Elias Bastion, was inaugurated in 1993 and hosts cultural performances within the fortress.
- •During Ottoman rule, the cathedral inside the Fortezza was converted into a mosque, reflecting the change in administration.
- •The fortress was built on Paleokastro hill, previously the site of the ancient acropolis and Byzantine fortified settlement called Castrum Rethemi.
Histoire
The Fortezza was built between 1573 and 1580 by the Venetians on the site of the ancient acropolis of Rhithymna to strengthen the city's defenses after previous Ottoman attacks.
Designed by military engineer Sforza Pallavicini, it replaced earlier fortifications that proved inadequate.
In 1646, the fortress withstood an Ottoman siege during the Fifth Ottoman–Venetian War but eventually surrendered.
The Ottomans made minor modifications but retained the fortress's structure.
By the early 20th century, it housed many residences and even a prison.
After World War II, many buildings inside were demolished, and restoration efforts began in the 1990s to preserve the site as a cultural monument.
Guide du lieu
St Nicolas Bastion16th century
Located at the east end of the fortress, this demi-bastion contains a Venetian-era building that possibly served as a storehouse or laboratory during Venetian rule.
St Paul Bastion (Santa Maria Bastion)16th century
Situated at the southeast end, this bastion was part of the fortress’s fortifications guarding the city’s approach from the southeast.
St Elias Bastion16th century (fortress), 1993 (theatre)
At the south end of the fortress, it hosts the Erofyli open-air theatre, a modern cultural venue opened in 1993 for performances within the historic walls.
St Lucas Bastion16th century
Located at the southwest end, this bastion forms part of the fortress’s defensive structure, reinforcing the southwestern perimeter.
Archaeological Museum of RethymnoOttoman period (ravelin), modern use as museum
Housed in the Ottoman ravelin outside the main gate, the museum displays artifacts from the region’s rich history, connecting visitors with Crete’s archaeological heritage.
Contact
Téléphone: 2831 028101