Koule Fortress

All visitors to Heraklion love to take pictures of the beautiful and imposing Koule fortress (Rocca a Mare / Castello a Mare).

The Municipality of Heraklion Archaeologist, Kallia Nikolidaki, reports:

Koule is a Venetian sea fortress built at the entrance to the harbour to protect and control it. During the summer months, the fortress plays host to a variety of cultural events and exhibitions.

It was built by the Venetians before the construction of the new Venetian fortification of the city, in order to protect the pier and the port.(...)

The external walls of the fortress boast Venetian relief plaques with the lion of St Mark, the symbol of Venice. During the Turkish rule, Cretan rebels were tortured and imprisoned in its dark and damp chambers.

Today the castle is open to the public and during the summer season it is used for various cultural events (exhibitions, music, theatre).

More information here.

Main photo by Clovis Wood Photography on Unsplash

Photos 9-14 : incrediblecrete.gr