Iraklio, Greece
N/A
+30 2810243559
Good for kids
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
perfect spot if you're a history lover. I love the history and the view of the city and sea, however I found a lot of basic info to be lacking. There were plenty of text blurbs all over inside detailing historical battles and found shipwrecks, but I couldn't find any info on how the fortress was used in the past. I wanted to know what each of the rooms were, how they've been used over time, in what year was the fortress last used, etc. Maybe a guided tour would have been more informative, I just wish that info had been on the plaques. but all. in all , was good.
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It’s a historic fortress right at the marina, an ideal place to spend a few hours and watch the sunset while taking a stroll by the sea.
Two fortresses were built; in different times the current Koules, which dominates the edge of the harbor of Heraklion, and a smaller one just opposite of it, which was demolished in the early 20th century to improve the operation of the port. The small fortress built by the Venetians, for supplemental defense of Candia, was named “Rocca al Mare” (Sea Fortress). After the invention of gunpowder, the Venetians decided to create a larger building that could meet their needs. The building had two floors, with 26 rooms for various uses, including prisons. In 1462, the Venetian Senate approved a programme to improve the fortifications of Candia. Eventually, the Byzantine tower was demolished in 1523, and the Castello a Mare began to be built instead. Old ships were filled with stone, and were sunk to form a breakwater and increase the area of the platform on which the fortress was built. The fortress was completed in 1540. The Turks, who occupied the island in 1669 renamed it ‘Koules’ and decided to continue its construction. In 1630, the fort was armed with 18 cannons on the ground floor, and 25 cannons on the pathway leading to the roof. It is now preserved in a very good condition and is used for cultural events.
Very cool insight into the history of Heraklion. It's free for students if you have a university card. The views from the battlements are awesome, very interesting to imagine what it was like defending the area back in time. When the sun is shining and the wind is blowing, it's a good time all round.
Beautiful place, although on the day we visited we only walked around the outside, late in the day, we did not have the chance to go inside, will do that on our next visit. Still you could sense the history and historical information, a must do walk , along with the harbour and old town.
Nicely organized, clean, well preserved fortress. Staff professional, taking great care for all Covid measures. Overall not the best value for money.
Venetian fort with a lot of interesting views and details. Entry is only 2, so if you're in Heraklion and visiting stuff it's worth a visit. There is also a venetian ship workshop nearby and very close to the center of town.
I love the history and the view of the city sea, however I found a lot of basic info to be lacking. There were plenty of text blurbs all over inside detailing historical battles and found shipwrecks, but I couldn't find any info on how the fortress was used in the past. I wanted to know what each of the rooms were, how they've been used over time, in what year was the fortress last used, etc. Maybe a guided tour would have been more informative, I just wish that info had been on the plaques.
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