Rethymno Crete

The characteristic Rethymno or also called Rethymno is the third largest city of the splendid Crete Island and we find it towards the northwest 65 kilometers from Chania and about 150 from Heraklion.

Its historic center is fabulous where the various Venetian Turkish dominations have left important traces, thus giving the town that cosmopolitan flavor. With its labyrinthine mazes where when you least expect it you can find an immortal glimpse in a photo, where scents and colors are a distinctive sign, where cascades of flowers with a thousand colors frame doors and windows and where to find cafes, shops and taverns for being able to savor traditional dishes and let yourself be carried away by that typically Greek atmosphere that we all have in our imagination when we think of this surprising land.

Archaeological excavations have determined that the city of Rethymno was already inhabited in the Hellenistic period thanks to the findings of independently minted coins, synonymous with prosperous trade and, to a temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. In 1212 the Venetian domination began which in 1540 gave life to the walls to counter the attacks of the pirates who nevertheless managed to sack Rethymno. In the meantime, a central square was built, a loggia giving a typically Renaissance imprint, as well as a new fortress to accommodate all the inhabitants during the sieges. In 1646 the Turks took over the city after having previously usurped Chania and although the Ottomans did not change the town planning, they turned all the churches into flies with high minarets. For about 250 years Rethymno remained under the Turkish empire which did not try hard to make it grow on the contrary, it brought it more and more into decline starting from the port which lost all its commercial importance. In the meantime, the population was fed up with the invader and in 1866 one of the most 'ferocious episodes of revolt broke out, ending' with a carnage of Cretans in the Arkadi monastery. In 1913, finally Rethymno, like the whole island of Crete, was re-annexed to Greece with the consequent removal of the Ottomans. The city also suffered severe devastation in the Second World War as indeed all the settlements on the north coast, however, everything was rebuilt and after the 70s Rethymno returned to its splendor and to be the cultural capital of the island.

The Venetian fortress, symbol of Rethymno, which dominates the whole town above the Paleokastro hill towards the west where there was the Acropolis of the ancient town with the sanctuary in honor of the Goddess Artemis. Built between 1553 and 1582 from the polygonal plan, it had six bastions with mighty sloping walls and had the purpose of protecting the people from the invasions of the invaders. A real well-organized citadel with public buildings, warehouses and a square in the center. The rector's domicile was located west of the square just in front of the cathedral and consisted of 49 doors with two stairways and galleries. To this day of all this magnificence remain the well-preserved walls, a part of the prison inside the rector's residence and the cathedral of San Nicola which during the Ottoman occupation was transformed into a mosque. During the summer, wonderful events and concerts are organized under the stars. The view from the fortress is enchanting.

Info tel .: 28310 28101

Visiting hours: daily June-September: 08: 30-20: 30, October-May: 10: 00-17: 00

Ticket: € 4, € 3 for over 65s and free admission for students, soldiers and the disabled.

The Tis Nerantzes Mosque which during the Venetian domination was the Church of Santa Maria with the west chapel dedicated to the Body of Christ. It became a mosque in 1657 taking the name of Gazi Housein or Neratzes with functions of a seminary.In 1890 it was enlarged with a large minaret and two stone balconies. Nowadays it is the Conservatory.

Kara Musa Pasha Mosque. It is located between Arkadiou and Hugo Street in the immediate vicinity of Platia Heroon literally Piazza degli heroi where there is the statue dedicated to the Unknown Soldier. It was originally the Monastery of Santa Barbara, which later became a mosque. The Renaissance style facade shows decorated doors and balconies typical of the Venetian style, enriched by domes and a minaret later. A perfect mix of architecture that make it very charming. It is dedicated to the admiral of the same name who contributed to the capture of Rethymno. Today it is closed to the public but sometimes cultural events are organized so if you are lucky you can also admire its interior.

The Rimondi Fountain found in Perichaki pizza. Built in 1626 by the rector, it managed to give water to all the inhabitants of the city. Together with the Loggia and the Clock Tower unfortunately no longer present, they were part of the old Venetian-style square and exactly resembled the model of Piazza San Marco in Venice. It is equipped with three basins of water in the shape of a lion's head where fresh water still flows today with three columns and Corinthian capitals.

The loggia instead we find it in Paleologu plaza. It dates back to the 16th century from a project by the architect Michael Snamicheli and was the place where nobles gathered to discuss trade and politics. A prestigious building in the center with a square shape with arches on three sides and finely decorated cornices. It was transformed into a mosque and a minaret was added but demolished in 1930.

Could an Archaeological Museum be missing in Rethymno? Obviously not in fact it is located at the entrance to the Fortress. It houses various finds from the area from the Neolithic to the Roman period. You can admire jewels, small statues and tools found in the caves of Gerani and Ellenes Amariou, as well as Hellenistic ceramics and a collection of coins.

Info tel + 30 2831054668

Visiting hours: Tuesday to Sunday 8.30-15.00

Ticket: full 2 € reduced 1 €

The Metropolitan Cathedral also called The Great Church of Panagia (Panagia in Greek means Virgin Mary). It was founded in 1844 at the behest of the bishop of Rethymno. A basilica with three naves, the central one dedicated to the Entrances of the Virgin, the north one to the Three Hierarchs and the south one to the Apostles. It was destroyed in 1956 but later rebuilt and consecrated to the Assumption of the Virgin. Today we can find a bell tower in the south-west part, its interior identical as in the first building with a beautiful carved wooden icon as well as other smaller ones.

Most of the nightlife is concentrated in the historic center on the waterfront practically from the lighthouse to the pedestrian area. Clubs with live music, bars where to drink in company such as the LivingRoom Lounge Cafe or Ali Vfi or the Metroplis Society Bar and some discos in the inner streets such as the Fortezza Lighthouse Bar or the Ice Club, the Baja Beach Bar facing the beach, or the Nfpigo an electro house near the port. In short, you can satisfy all tastes just decide where to throw yourself!

Long long and long sandy beaches that go even over ten kilometers, that's what awaits you in Rethymno. Let's say however that on the coast, despite so much goodness, it is not that there are the most beautiful beaches of Crea, this area is mainly for organized tourism. If you want real pearls, it is better to move towards the Akrotiri peninsula or if you have your own vehicle go south on the Libyan Sea which hides real jewels still unspoiled such as Preveli beach an exotic lagoon embraced by oleanders and palm trees where the delta of the Kourtaliotis river flows into the sea. A coast of soft sand with a transparent and emerald sea. It is not organized as a protected area but there is a kiosk for something to drink and nibble on. From the 1960s until recently it was a very popular area for hippies.

Agios Pavlos beach is located about sixty kilometers from Rethymno but is perfect for those who love nature and tranquility. A beach of fine gray sand and small coves hidden among the rocks with a blue and crystalline sea. It is not served at all but in the homonymous village there are taverns still as in the past where you eat with ancient and traditional Cretan dishes.

And again Rodakino beach a few kilometers from Plakias about fifty from Rethymno. Quiet, wild, remote and perfect for those who love swimming and snorkeling. A sandy coast with a blue and transparent sea and where the bursting and intact nature gives the best of itself. It is not equipped so remember everything or opt to go to the village to eat. If you want some more comfort, head to Korakas beach made of sand and gravel with a clear and fresh sea.

Here this is a broad overview of what to see in Rethymno as always the discovery is up to you!