Firka Fortress

The Firka fortress is situated on the northwest side of the port of Chania city. Originally built by the Venetians, it served as a fortification project designed to thwart any potential threats to the port.

Internally, the space was configured into barracks and warehouses for war materials. In the centre of the courtyard, a sizable vaulted tank was constructed to collect rainwater from the roofs.

The northern side of the fortress is occupied by a complex of six consecutive domes, each housing large cannons. The design was such that the gunfire from these cannons covered the entrance of the harbour.

Throughout the Turkish occupation, the fortress served primarily as a barracks, retaining the name Firka until today. On 1^st December 1913, the flag of the Union of Crete with Greece was symbolically raised on the corner turret of the fortress.

Information: Ministry of Culture

Photo: Wikipedia