Fortezza of Rethymno

Very impressive old fortress that was formerly built to protect the Turks.

The Fortezza of Rethymno (Greek Φορτέτζα του Ρεθύμνου) is a fortress ruin within the urban area of Rethymno on the north coast of the Greek Mediterranean island of Crete. It is one of the landmarks of the capital of the Rethymno regional district. The name Fortezza comes from the time of the rule of the Republic of Venice over Crete and means 'fortress' in Italian, the Greek equivalent for fortress is Frourio (φρούριο) or Kastro (κάστρο).

Rethymnon's most striking building is the fortress, called "Fortezza". With mighty walls, it sits enthroned on the hill to the north of the city. The Venetians had once built them as protection from the Turks.