Places to Visit
The town still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with its
buildings dating from the 16th century, arched doorways, stone
staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, small Venetian harbour
and narrow streets.
The Venetian Loggia, an elegant building of the 16th century,
that used to be a Venetian gentlemen’s club and today houses the
information office of the ministry of culture and a sales point of the
archaeological museum.
The Fortezza castle, at the top of a low hill named
"Palaiokastro" dominates the town. It was built in 1590 to protect the
city from the pirate’s raids and the Turks.
The name "Palaiokastro which means 'The old Castle" was in use even by
the Venetians which demonstrates the existence of an even older castle
at this place. - Probably the acropolis of the ancient town of
Rethymno.
The interior of Fortezza accommodated the following basic buildings: the
storeroom of the artillery, where canons and weapons were kept, the
residence of the Councillors, where one of the city's two Venetian
councillors lived, the residence of the Rector, which represented a
luxurious, magnificent building in the central square of the fortress.
Today parts of those buildings, as well as of some others built later,
can be seen. The view from up there is magnificent, especially at night.
The municipal theatre "Erofili" stands also at Fortezza's premises. It
is an outdoor theatre that hosts almost all the performances during the
Renaissance Festival.
Rimondi fountain with rich decoration is situated at Platanos
square, the centre of the Venetian town. It was built in 1626, by
A.Rimondi, in order to provide the citizens with drinkable water.
Neratzes mosque formerly the Holy Virgin church was converted
into a mosque by the Ottomans. Today it is used as a music conservatory.
Outstanding elements of this building are the doorframe and the three
domes. Next to the mosque there is the impressive minaret, built in
1890.
Kara Mousa Pasa Mosque also a Venetian monastery that was turned
into mosque by the Turks. Today it is the house of the Restoration
Board.
Porta Guora the entrance to the Venetian town is the only remnant
of the defensive wall.
Folklore & history museum Housed in a restored Venetian building
with an interior courtyard. Eight halls with collections that include
textile and basket weaving, embroidery & lace, costumes, ceramics,
historic photographs and maps, weapons and coins. Over 5.000 items
dating from the 17th to the 20th century are displayed.
Source: http://www.interkriti.org/rethymnon/