| Rethymno, with a population of 29,000, was Crete�s third largest town and the perfect place to use as a base while exploring Crete. Its large 16th century Venetian fortress of Fortezza still dominated the town and harbor. For 400 years, from 1204 to 1669, the Venetians ruled Crete before being ousted by the Ottoman Turks. As Crete�s northern harbors were of critical importance to the Venetian trade route, fortresses, such as in Rethymno, were built to defend the island against pirates and the threatening Ottoman Turks. Today, Rethymno retained much of its old Venetian charm. From our boat in the marina, we had a lovely view of both the Venetian fortress and, below at the waterfront�s edge, the picturesque inner Venetian harbor. At the entrance to this small harbor still stood the 13th century lighthouse. In addition, we enjoyed walking the quaint, narrow streets of the old Venetian quarter adjoining the harbor, now lined with shops and cafes. One of the most notable Venetian landmarks still remaining was the 17th century Rimondi fountain with its lion-headed spout. |
