Looming over Rethymno, this Venetian fortress cuts an impressive figure with its massive walls and imposing bastions. Built in the 1570s as a reaction to pirate raids and the threat of invasion, it was still unable to stave off the Turks in 1646. Views are fabulous from up here and it’s fun to poke around the ramparts, palm trees and remaining buildings, most notably the meticulously restored Sultan Bin Imbrahim Mosque.
The mosque was converted from a Venetian cathedral by the Turks and is now used occasionally for art exhibitions. Its architecture is stunning, especially the dome, held up by eight arches and the ornate mihrab (a niche that points in the direction of Mecca). The pint-sized church near the east gate is of more recent vintage (1899) and commemorates the eviction of the Turks. Also within the compound is the Erofili Theatre , a modern amphitheatre surrounded by pine trees, which gets busiest during the Renaissance Festival .
