City Go

The Old town of Rethymnon combines the Oriental features of the Turkish Period with the Renaissance-style Venetian architecture. In 1571, during the Turkish siege- after which the Fortezza was built- most buildings of Gothic features were destroyed and most of the city had to be rebuilt in the fourth quarter of the 16th century. Building styles then changed during the Turkish occupation, when the dressed stone of the Venetians was replaced by the wooden frames of the Turkish. How to go: By bus from Heraklion ( KTEL ). What to see: Fortezza Harbour Lake Kournas Rimondi Fountain

The Old Harbour started operating during the Byzantine Period, sometime in the 10th century. However, it only truly flourished in the Venetian Period, particularly from the 14th century on, after the siltation problem was solved, a solution that still holds today. Following the 1571 siege by the Ottomans, in 1572 the Venetians started to expand and reinforce the existing harbour. The lighthouse was built during the Ottoman occupation, in the late 17th century. Today it's mainly fishing boats and yachts that dock here. Back to Rethymnon

The Rimondi fountain started being built in 1626, by order of Venetian governor Rimondi, on site of a much older one, believed to have existed since at least 1588. The fountain was built to address the severe water shortages, common to all Cretan towns at the time. The additions made during Turkish times either fell into decay or were destroyed by the local inhabitants. The fountain includes four Corinthian columns and spouts in the shape of lion's heads. Back to Rethymnon

The fortress that towers over Rethymnon was built in 1571 by the Venetian occupants, in order to protect the town's inhabitants from Ottoman attacks. It is thought to have been built on top of the acropolis of the ancient town of Rethymna but evidence of this town has never been found. Right after the siege of Rethymnon by the Ottomans, in 1646, the new occupants built a mosque on top of the remains of the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, which was destroyed, and named it after Sultan Ibrahim Khan. Within the walls, there are also warehouses, residences and a small church, built in the 19th century, dedicated to Saint Catherine. Opening hours: 1st of Apr. to 14th Nov., 8 am to 8 pm. Entrance fee: €4 (2017) Back to Rethymnon

Lake Kournas is Crete's only freshwater lake. It has a perimeter of 3.5 km and a maximum depth of 22.5 m. It got its present name during the Ottoman period. While at the lake it's possible to swim, ride a pedalo, watch the ducks. There are several tavernas close to the lake. As everything in Crete, the lake has its own legends. One of these legends states that God created the lake as a punishment for the ungodly behaviour of the villagers. The only person to survive the punishment was the priest's daughter, who became a water nymph. How to go: There are KTEL buses from Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion to Georgioupolis, the closest town to the lake (about 4 km). From there you can take a touristic train, walk or take a taxi. There are also several excursions that go to Lake Kournas. Back to Rethymnon Back to Chania