Trip Planner: Europe / Greece / Crete / Rethymnon Prefecture / Rethymnon / The Venetian Fortezza

The Venetian Fortezza, Rethymnon

4.0

#2 of 9 in Historic Sites in Rethymnon

Historic Site · Tourist Spot

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A relic of the Venetian occupation of Rethymon, The Venetian Fortezza stands in the center of town, offering 360-degree views of the coast below. In 1580, more than 107,00 Cretans were forced to help build the fort to protect the Venetians' last overseas colony. Unfortunately, several flaws, such as the lack of buttresses and a ditch, made the walls easy to scale without a ladder. In 1646, the Ottomans seized the fortress and settled the area inside. Many of the interior buildings have been destroyed, but the exterior fortifications remain intact. Using our online itinerary creator, Rethymnon attractions like The Venetian Fortezza can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.

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The Venetian Fortezza reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

3,339 reviews

Google

4.4

By Q2515HZjessicas

Interesting walk around, gorgeous views especially at sunset! Everything is fairly spaced out so takes a little bit of time to walk around! The map given at the entrance is great to understand what.... more

Interesting walk around, gorgeous views especially at sunset! Everything is fairly spaced out so takes a little bit of time to walk around! The map given at the entrance is great to understand what.... more »
By Elen F

Nice to visit, but not much shade available when its hot - so take some water. The old mosque in the centre was interesting, and pretty inside ( also cool!)

Nice to visit, but not much shade available when its hot - so take some water. The old mosque in the centre was interesting, and pretty inside ( also cool!) more »
By wunderlast

Overall not a lot to see, but the views are nice. Entrance fee is 4 euros and they give you a little map with some information. There is pretty much no shade at all, so if you can, avoid it during...

Overall not a lot to see, but the views are nice. Entrance fee is 4 euros and they give you a little map with some information. There is pretty much no shade at all, so if you can, avoid it during... more »

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By Valeria TheCurly

I am not a huge fan of fortresses but this one is really cool. Nice walk and a few great top views of the city / port. Worth visiting. In the summer better go early in the morning or in the afternoon closer to 6-7pm

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By Thierry van Delden

The fortress provides a beautiful view of the area and contains some historically significant and interesting (remains of) buildings. However, many buildings are closed and a lot of the area of the fortress is empty. The tickets were not expensive, €4 per person and there is a free guidebook to tell you about the fortress. It's nice to visit, but don't expect too much.

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By Phil & Suzie Family Adventures

Amazing Venetian fortress. Great view of the town. The sub level structure were very interesting and great photo shoots there. The mosque building inside the fort has been maintained and looks great. Seems like there are events going on inside the mosque. Make sure you go to the restroom before you go there. They charge a fee to use the restroom.

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By Ashley Fischer

Truly one of the most beautiful and amazing places I’ve ever visited. Absolutely top 3 as a history lover. The views over the sea and island are amazing. I was the only one there in off season. Totally worth the 4€ entrance.

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By Mika

Entrance is 3 euros. There are no discounts available. Don't go during mid day because it gets really hot there and there is very little shade. A lot of nice views and some buildings still left standing. However no information boards.

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