Koules fortress

Koules Fortress: Crete’s Venetian Sea Fort at Heraklion

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Koules Fortress: Crete's Venetian Sea Fort at Heraklion

The Koules fortress is a squat stone sea fort guarding the entrance to the old Venetian harbour of Heraklion, the capital of Crete. The Venetians knew it as Rocca a Mare and Greeks call it Koules. It stands beside the old Venetian arsenali shipyards, a low block of thick walls that has become the emblem … Read more

Heraklion: Crete’s Capital City Guide

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Heraklion: Crete's Capital City Guide

Heraklion, sometimes written Iraklion, is the capital and largest city of Crete, spread along the island’s north-central coast around a working harbour. It pairs a Venetian old town with a busy modern port, so a sea fort, a lion fountain, and pedestrian shopping streets sit within a short walk of ferries and cafes. The city … Read more