The best cycling routes in Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ρεθύμνης

The Vier Zeugen Church, better known as the Vier Märtyrer Church (Greek "Tesseris Martyres"), is one of the beautiful sights of the historic city of Rethymno. The name "Vier Märtyrer" commemorates four brave Cretan men who refused to convert to Islam when Crete came under Turkish rule and sacrificed their lives for their faith. Their names were Aggelis, Emmanouil, Georgios and Nikolaos. The church is located near the Guora Gate, one of the main entrances to the old town of Rethymno, where the Vier Märtyrer were executed in 1824. The current appearance of the church is from 1975, and it has not only a very nice exterior, but also a very fine interior with murals and exceptional furniture, including nice chandeliers. Regular services are held in the church.

The old town of Rethymno is partly Venetian, partly Ottoman, but always unmistakably Cretan. A walk through the original settlement of the city, halfway between Chania and Heraklion, on the north coast of Crete, brings the past to life through striking buildings, street markets, atmospheric alleys and historical monuments. You will recognize how the old town became Crete's third-largest settlement, spreading from the port around 1300, but you will also appreciate how intimate and colorful the old town appears with small bars, cafes and concept stores that have opened in renovated buildings. Of course, there are still taverns where you can enjoy traditional Cretan food and Cretan music. Decorated doors adorned with Venetian coats of arms, Ottoman mosques with minarets and wooden facades of mansions attract attention - before you land on the shore of the famous harbor.

Beautiful old town near the Metropolitan Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary (Megali Panagia) in Rethymnon.

Fortezza Fortress dominates the Palekastro hill next to the old town of Rethymnon and is one of the largest fortresses of the Venetian era. It was built on the site of the citadel of ancient Rithimna and the Temple of Artemis Rokkea. The large pentagonal fortress was built in the year 1573 and has a perimeter of 1300m. On the walls, you will find four bastions (St. Luke, St. Elias, St. Paul, St. Nicholas). The fort is so large that it could host and protect the entire population of the city. Inside the fortress, there are several barracks, a church, a hospital, and some storage rooms. The main gate is located between the bastions of St. Nicholas, because access to the city was easier from there. The main gate is a large gallery that allows the easy passage of wagons and weapons. At the entrance, you encounter the armory, which is a large two-story building with arches in the interior, which today 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 "Erofili" theater, which has events every summer. Furthermore, near the central square of the fortress, stands the beautiful mosque of Sultan Ibrahim, which was originally Christian. In the immediate vicinity, you will see the modern church of St. Catherine. In addition, there are only a few remains of the governor's house and many smaller houses. You can even see the house of one of two advisors and the warehouses near the north walls, which are located at a very impressive height. Source: https://www.cretanbeaches.com/de/geschichte/festungen/festung-fortezza-in-rethymnon

Dominates the old town, mind the opening hours

The Fortezza of Rethymno (Φορτέτζα) 🏰🌊 is the largest and best-preserved Venetian fortress in Crete and a symbol of the city's historical significance. Built in the 16th century as protection against pirates and Ottoman attacks, it now sits enthroned on a hill above the old town, offering not only insights into the past but also a spectacular view over Rethymno, the coast, and the Mediterranean Sea.

The Porta Guora (also called Porta Gazi or Porta Grande) 🏰🚪 is the most magnificent and striking gate of the Fortezza of Rethymno and a symbol of Venetian power and architecture in Crete. Built in the 16th century as the main access to the fortress, it impresses to this day with its monumental design, reliefs, and historical significance.

The old town of Rethymno (Παλιά Πόλη) 🏛️🌿 is one of the best-preserved historical centers in Crete and a must for any visitor to the island. Here, Venetian palaces, Ottoman mosques, Cretan stone houses, and modern boutiques merge into a unique architectural and cultural ensemble. The alleys smell of fresh bread, olive oil, and herbs, while the laughter of locals and tourists enlivens the atmosphere.