Rethymno Fortezza

The Fortezza Fortress is by far the largest and most striking building in the city of Rethymno on Crete. The castle stands on a small hill just a few metres from the sea on one side and the old town on the other.

A castle already stood here in ancient times. Today's huge Fortezza dates from the late 16th century. The castle is by far the largest fortress in Crete. The fortress is almost 350 metres long and 230 metres wide. The thick wall around the Fortezza is about 1.3 kilometres long. A truly gigantic building.

Today the fortress of Rethymno is partly a ruin. However, the major parts, such as the thick wall around the fortress, are still largely preserved. The castle can be visited inside. Due to the size of the castle you should take your time. The entrance fee to the Fortezza in the centre of the third largest city on Crete is only a few Euros.

Opening hours fortress Rethymno: The castle is the most visited attraction in Rethimno and has correspondingly long opening hours. During the season it is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last admission 19:15 p.m.). During one of our winter visits a few years ago the Fortezza was open during the day (no entrance fee).

Admission to Rethymno Fortress: The entrance fee for our visit 2016 is 4 Euro for adults. Students, pensioners and children etc. pay 3 Euro.  The entrance fee for our visit 2016 is 4 Euro for adults. Students, pensioners and children etc. pay 3 Euro.

Route to Rethyimo Fortress and general information: At the back of the old town of Retyhmno you can find some signposts with the inscription "Fortezza". After a few minutes you will reach the entrance. Between the castle and the sea there is a road that connects the area around the bus station with the old town. At this road you will find a turnoff to the castle and a small parking lot. In the summer, all parking spaces are often occupied. It is better to walk from the city centre.

Map Rethymno Crete

Near the fortress towards the old town there are some good restaurants like the Castelvecchio. In the fortress there is a small kiosk (drinks and snacks). The toilets in the Fortezza are for a fee (50 cents).

Description of the castle: Some of the buildings in the Fortezza have been rebuilt, others are ruins. In the last few years many buildings have been renovated, others will follow in the next few years. Anyone who has been to Rethymno fortress a few years ago will be able to see what has changed.

First, at the entrance of the cash desk, one sees the impressive main gate of the castle complex with many meters thick walls. The mosque, which the Turks built in the fortress after the conquest of Crete in the middle of the 17th century, is one of the largest dome buildings in Greece.

Interesting are also the warehouses, armouries, the house of the rector (ruler of the fortress of Rethymno) and the former prison.