Sightseeing

Rethymnon is a wonderful place to visit in the summer for an unforgettable vacation

Explore Ρετηυμνο

Small City. Big Attraction.

rethymno2
rethymno1
01.

Venetian Harbor of Rethymnon

The Venetian Harbor of Rethymnon, next to the modern harbor of the city, with the Egyptian lighthouse is one of the most picturesque areas of the old town. It operated in the Byzantine period (after 961), but flourished during the Venetian period. The Venetians in the 14th century started major projects to facing the problem of siltation, which holds till today. It is one of the most striking sceneries you can see in the town of Rethymnon and you cna combine it with eating at one of the several seaside taverns.
02.

Fortress Fortezza in Rethymnon

Fortezza fort dominates the hill Palekastro beside the old town of Rethymnon and is one of the biggest fortresses of the Venetian Era. It has been built on the site of the citadel of ancient Rithimna and the Temple of Artemis Rokkea. The grand pentagonal fort was built in the 1573 and has perimeter 1300m long. Along the walls you will find four bastions (St. Luke, St. Elijah, St. Paul, St. Nicholas).

Fortress Fortezza in Rethymnon

The fort is so large that it could host and protect the entire population of the town. Inside the fort there are several barracks, a church, a hospital and some storage rooms.

The Main Gate is located between the bastions of St. Nicholas and St. Nicholas, because access to the city from there was easier. The main gate is a large gallery, which allows the easy passage of wagons and weaponry. By the entrance you meet the armory, which is a large two-storey building with arches in the interior, which now hosts cultural events and exhibitions.

Walking towards the bastion of St. Elias, you will see one of the many tanks of the castle, used for collecting water from the roofs. There is also the theater “Erofili”, hosting events every summer.

Moreover, near the central square of the fort, stands the beautiful mosque of Sultan Ibrahim, which was originally Christian. Close to it, you see the modern church of St. Catherine.

Additionally, there are few remains of the governor’s house and many smaller houses. You can even see the house of one of two consultants and the warehouses near the north walls, which are located on a very high altitute.

Read more
arkadi2
arkadi1
03.

Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi Monastery is located near the village Amnatos, 23km east of Rethymno. It is built at an altitude of 500m, on a fertile plateau with olive groves, vineyards, pine, cypress and oak trees. Around the monastery there are several picturesque chapels and from there starts the beautiful Arkadi gorge.
04.

Archaeological Museum of Eleftherna

The Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is the first museum inside an archaeological site in Crete, as it is located next to the ancient city of Eleftherna. The three halls of the museum host the whole history of Eleftherna from 3000 BC to 1300 AD with everyday objects and artworks.

Archaeological Museum of Eleftherna

The largest Hall A includes exhibits selected for a short presentation of the public, political, religious, social and private life of Eleftherna, but also objects imported from other Cretan cities and regions such as Attica, the Peloponnese, the Cyclades, the islands of the eastern Aegean, Asia Minor, Cyprus, Phoenicia and generally Syropalestinian coast, Egypt. It hosts a bronze shield that was found in the grave of the "warriors" and is dated between 830-820 BC and 730-720 BC. Next, copies of the shield are used for educational purposes, allowing visually impaired people to "read" through palpation.

Hall B houses the religious and devotional life in Eleftherna, from the Early Iron Age to the Byzantine period. It also presents the Monument 4A-memorial-shrine, which is interpreted as a cenotaph, becoming one of the first monuments dedicated to the "unknown" soldier in world history. The room houses one of the most important findings of the Necropolis of Orthi Petra, the "Lady of Eleftherna", which is related to the dedalic statue "Lady of Oser" in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Hall C is dedicated to the necropolis of Eleftherna. Here are exhibited only finds from excavations in the necropolis of Orthi Petra, as in this are illustrated descriptions of the Homeric world, such as the ritual of burial fire (burning), such that the funerary pyre of Patroclus described in the Iliad (rhapsody y). Here is exposed the unique funerary pyre with the dead. In the same room visitors meet the aristocrat priestesses of Eleftherna with all their brilliant and exquisite jewelry and glass, earthenware, clay and bronze vases, figurines etc.

Read more
eleftherna2
eleftherna1
Κύλιση στην κορυφή