Fortezza of Rethumno

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Fortezza of Rethymno The most important monument in the city of Rethymno, is the Venetian castle of Fortezza, which rises for centuries on the hill of Paleokastro, that dominates the northwestern part of the old city. The position that occupies the castle of Fortezza held the citadel of ancient Rithymna, an independent city with its own currency, which was probably close to the port.

After the Turkish invasion of 1571 and the destruction of the city of Rethymno, that demonstrate the failure of the defensive wall which had been started in 1540, the construction of new fortifications was necessary. Therefore, in 1573 was established the fortified complex of Fortezza on the rocky ground of Paleokastro. The construction of new fortifications completed around 1580, and was moved in the Fortezza the Venetian garrison of the city. The polygonal precinct of Fortezza is preserved intact. It has four bastions in the south and east side (St. Nicholas, St. Paul, St. Elias and St. Luke), and three spikesprotrusions (Holy Spirit, St. Justina and St. Savior) on the west and north side. From the Venetian buildings of Fortezza are survived the artillery depot, the building of Directors, part of the building complex of the Rector (Governor), a building that belonged to the complex of the episcopal palace, warehouses and guard spaces, powder kegs and tanks wells.


The Cathedral of St. Nicholas, in 16th century, was converted during the Turkish occupation in a mosque dedicated to the Sultan Ibrahim. The oversized hemispherical dome of the mosque is really impressive. During the Turkish rule, after 1646, no significant changes occurred in the Venetian fortifications, excluding the building that was constructed in front of the main gate of the Fortezza and now hosts the exhibits of the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. At the bastion of St. Elias has been formed an outdoor theater "Erofili", which hosts performances of famous Renaissance city Festival.


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