Rethymno City, Fortress and Archeological Museum

The strategic importance of Rethymno for the Venetians led them to build many fortifications for the city and points of military interest. The growing prosperity saw the construction of churches, palazzos and mansions, some of which can still be seen today in the city of Rethymno. Traces from the Ottoman Rule are also well preserved around the city, as the Turks occupied Rethymno for some 250 years and left their marks.

• THE FORTRESS
The focal point of the Old Town is the imposing Fortezza, a 16th-century fortress whose size is a testament to the city’s importance for the Venetians. Visit the Fortezza and see up close its massive fortifications as well as the splendid views from this strategic location.

• CITY TOUR
Later, see in passing other important buildings such as the Loggia, Porta Guora, the Rimondi Fountain, the Nerantze mosque, the Old Port with its lighthouse and the Church of St Francis. As you stroll along the alleyways, your guide will point out ornate doorways with their Venetian crests still in evidence. During the tour, taste local culinary delights, such as traditional olive oil, honey, cheese, olives and our local drink raki. You will also be able to see the oldest workshop in the city where they still make traditional phyllo dough, creating the favourite syrup sweets of the Greeks: baklava and kataifi.

• ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Visit the small, charming museum of Rethymno, which exhibits items from the Stone Age period until the post-Venetian period. Get the chance to witness and learn the island’s history, where the first civilisation of Europe, the so-called Minoan one, was born and flourished.