The Great Gate to the Old Town of Rethymno: A Historic Portal and Its Surroundings

The Great Gate, also known as the Guora Gate, serves as a notable attraction in the city of Rethymno, marking the entrance to the Venetian fortifications surrounding the city.

The gate, erected in 1566, still retains a section on Antistaseos Street, featuring an opening with a height of 2.60 metres crafted from intricately carved stones, forming a semi-circular arch. Above the architrave, there existed a cornice and pediment, adorned with the emblem of the Venetians—the relief of the lion of St Mark. Presently, the fragmented relief is conserved in two pieces within the courtyard of the Loggia.

The Great Gate opened at dawn and closed at night. It was constructed during the reign of Rector Jacopo Guoro (1566-1568), from whom it derived its name.

The Great Gate Mosque, erected in 1670 next to the Guora Gate, was dedicated to Valide Sultana, the mother of Sultan Ibrahim.