Koules Fortress
Koules Fortress
Guarding the entrance of Heraklion’s old port, the Koules Fortress – known in Venetian times as Castello a Mare – is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Built by the Republic of Venice in the early 16th century, it replaced an earlier Byzantine tower and was designed to protect the harbor and the city of Candia (as Heraklion was then called).To create the foundation for the fort, Venetian engineers sank old ships filled with stone, forming a solid platform on which the impressive structure was raised. Completed around 1540, the fortress was heavily armed with dozens of cannons and stood as a powerful maritime stronghold for more than a century.
During the long Siege of Candia, the Ottomans captured the fort in 1669 and later made minor additions, including new battlements. In modern times, the restored fortress has become a cultural venue, hosting art exhibitions and events, while offering visitors panoramic views of the sea and the city’s historic harbor.
A visit to Koules connects you with Heraklion’s maritime past and its enduring spirit.
Ancient Crete
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