The Fortezza (Greek: Φορτέτζα) is the citadel of the city of Rethymno in Crete, Greece. It worth your visit!

1. The most important monument in the city of Rethymno, is the Venetian castle of
Fortezza, which rises for centuries on the hill of Paleokastro, that dominates the
northwestern part of the old city.
The position that occupies the castle of Fortezza held the citadel of ancient Rithymna,
an independent city with its own currency, which was probably close to the port.
After the Turkish invasion of 1571 and the destruction of the city of Rethymno, that
demonstrate the failure of the defensive wall which had been started in 1540, the
construction of new fortifications was necessary.
Therefore, in 1573 was established the fortified complex of Fortezza on the rocky
ground of Paleokastro. The construction of new fortifications completed around 1580,
and was moved in the Fortezza the Venetian garrison of the city.
The polygonal precinct of Fortezza is preserved intact. It has four bastions in the south
and east side (St. Nicholas, St. Paul, St. Elias and St. Luke), and three spikes-
protrusions (Holy Spirit, St. Justina and St. Savior) on the west and north side.
From the Venetian buildings of Fortezza are survived the artillery depot, the building
of Directors, part of the building complex of the Rector (Governor), a building that
belonged to the complex of the episcopal palace, warehouses and guard spaces,
powder kegs and tanks wells.
Fortezza of Rethymno

2. The Cathedral of St. Nicholas, in 16th
century, was converted during the
Turkish occupation in a mosque
dedicated to the Sultan Ibrahim.
The oversized hemispherical dome
of the mosque is really impressive.
During the Turkish rule, after 1646,
no significant changes occurred in the
Venetian fortifications, excluding the
building that was constructed in front
of the main gate of the Fortezza and now
hosts the exhibits of the Archaeological
Museum of Rethymno.
At the bastion of St. Elias has been formed an outdoor theater "Erofili", which hosts
performances of famous Renaissance city Festival.