Rethtmno City

Prefecture Capital: Rethymno : A historic important city, situated in between the two other main cities on the island (Hania and Iraklio). Reputed to be the academic centre on Crete , it has departments of the Crete University situated in the city. Rethymno is a popular tourist destination, with a good beach and the old town that has many restored and beautiful buildings from the Venetian period.

Along the beach boulevard, there are all categories of hotels and tourist facilities. Other popular tourist areas around Rethymno town are Perivolia, Missiria, Platanes and Adele. Archaeological discoveries show that area has been since the late Minoan times been a place of habitation. Rethymno developed into an important city-state during the 3 rd and 4 th centuries.

Throughout the Ventian occupation 1210-1645, Rethymno became a major trading port with the export of olive oil and wine. The Venetians built a new harbour and fortified the city against threats from the Turks. Despite these fortifications, the infamous pirate Barbarossa managed to raid the city in 1538. Learning from this, the Venetians built a new fortress on the hill, nevertheless it could not defend the city from the Turks and after a 22-day siege in 1646, the city fell.

The Turks were not popular and many of the citizens joined the resistance movement against them, resulting in massive reprisals in 1821. In 1897, the Turks were defeated, and the city liberated. Since that time, through wars and peace, Rethymno has developed into a thriving tourist resort and a commercial centre for the region.

Places of Interest in the City:

The Old Town : Take a walk around the old town early in the morning, and explore the many small lanes and courtyards richly adorned with flowers, it makes modern day life seem a million years away.

One should take care when exploring the town, as it easy to lose ones way in the network of lanes and narrow alleyways, but don’t panic, there is always a taverna or cafe nearby where you can ask for directions, or stay and take refreshments before venturing out into the streets again. In the old town are numerous tavernas, restaurants and small hotels also an array of shops catering for the tourist.

The small harbour where the local fishermen tie up their boats us surrounded by restaurants and cafes.Ferries from the Greek mainland arrive on the other side of the harbour wall on which stands an impressive restored 13th century lighthouse.

The Ventian Fortress: This impressive Fortress, built by the Venetians to defend the city from pirates and invaders, stands on the hill overlooking the harbour and the surrounding coastline. Entry is through the main entrance on the eastern side of the fort, inside, are the ruins of the troop’s quarters, storerooms and ammunition arsenal also the ruins of a church. Today, the fort hosts open-air concerts during the summer months. Below the fort, on the harbour wall stands an impressive restored 13th century lighthouse. Around the small harbour are tavernas and cafes where one can sit and watch the local fishermen in their small boats unload the days catch.

The Archaeological Museum : housed it what was once a prison is opposite the main entrance to the Fortress, its exhibits include artefacts from the Stone Age and the Minoan period. In addition, there are items of jewellery from the Bronze Age plus many fine examples of pottery and glassware. Main attractions are burial caskets (Larnakes) from the Minoan period and an old coin collection.

The Historical and Folk Art Museum : housed in a restored 17 th century Venetian building has on display items from the regions rural lifestyle, costumes, farm implements and textiles.

Rimondi Fountain: built in 1588 and later remodelled in 1626, the fountain comprises of lion heads and Corinthian capitals, spouting water into a basin. Around the fountain cafes line the street, and are meeting place for tourists and residents alike.

The Venetian Loggia: built in the 16 th century the house was a meeting place for the rich Venetians of the city.

Nerantzes Mosque: the building with its three domes was originally a Franciscan church, today used as a music school and concert theatre.

Kara Musa Pasha Mosque: this restored mosque with its gardens and Turkish cemetery is now offices for the preservation of Byzantines buildings council.

Porta Guora: the ”Great Gate”is the remains of the great defensive wall that surrounded the city, the symbol of Venice “the Lion of St. Mark” that once stood on top of the gate is now on display in the Archaeological Museum.

Platia 4 Mártiron: (Place of the Four Martyrs), across from the city park commemorates the tragedy at Arkadiou Monastery in November 1866.