The Fortezza of Rethymno, Crete

Fortezza is Rethymno’s landmark and its most important monument, built in the late 16th century in order to reinforce the city’s defense

The Venetian Fortrezza of Rethymno is almost at the center of the picturesque old town, offering panoramic views of the Cretan harbour-city.

One theory suggests that the hill on which it is built was once, possibly millennia ago, an island linked to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. The hill of Paleokastro (Old Castle) was probably the site of the acropolis of ancient Rithymna with its Temple of Apollo and a sanctuary of Artemis, though this hasn’t been proven.

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