Rethymno Crete
 RETHYMNO CRETE The prefecture of Rethymno has its own capital of the same name.
Rethymno is situated on the islands northern coast between Heraklion (80km to the east) and Chania (60km to the west) Rethymno has a 12km sandy beach to the east (one of the largest in Crete), and to the west lies a dramatic rocky shoreline. The city is the centre of communications, commercial and administrative dealings, for the prefecture and its 25,000 inhabitants. The port at Rethymno is open all year round, with regular sailing to Piraeus in mainland Greece. In the summer season it is possible to take a touring trip to the island of Santorini from here. There is no airport at Rethymno, but it is easily served by the airports at Chania and Heraklion. The public buses are an ideal way to visit the major cities on the island, Why not take a bus for a little culture trip, as they service the smaller villages too!
History of Rethymnon There is evidence that the city of Rethymno is sited on the remains of the ancient Mycean city of Rithymna, which is said to have lost importance in the 3rd century AD, and therefore noted only as a large village but still Rithymna kept its independence and autonomy, Rithymna still produced its own coinage as a free city. The town continued it's habitation during the Byzantine period, mosaics from this and the Roman period have been found. During the Venetian occupation, was when Rethymno gained city status? An intermediary port was needed by the Venetians between Heraklion and Chania, so Rethymno was chosen for this purpose. As a Venetian cultural administrative centre, Rethymno became the third biggest city on the island of Crete. In 1567 Algerian pirates robbed and burned Rethymno, almost completely destroying the city and in 1646 the Turks took rule over Rethymno. During this period of Ottoman rule, many towns and cities on the island fell into decline along with Rethymno. As the whole of Crete struggled for its own independence, the inhabitants of the Prefecture of Rethymno were actively involved, with many of its freedom-fighters being executed for their part. From 1897 to 1909 the Russian army took control of Rethymno. In 1913 Rethymno became part of Greece as did the rest of the island of Crete. It was During the German occupation that the inhabitants of Rethymno became active partners fighting in the resistance, against all fascism. Rethymno has grown significantly in the past 25 years, its economy flourishes thanks to the development of the tourism industry, and the culture is benefitted by the university based there. The town has a wonderful old aristocratic appearance, seek out its Hellenic-Roman and Byzantine remains, wander through the narrow streets, the arched doorways and up old stone staircases admiring the 16th century buildings and the small Venetian harbor. The elegant building of the 16th century Venetian Loggia, which was originally a gentlemen’s club, today it is used as the information office for the ministry of culture, it also sells tickets for the archaeological museum. The Venetian Fortezza castle, set on the "Palaiokastro" dominates over the town. It was constructed in the late 16th century and protected the city from the Turks and pirate raids. The name "Palaiokastro" translates to "old Castle" the name was adopted by the Venetian’s which lets us believe there was an older castle on the site of the Venetian fortezza. The old castle was Probably the acropolis of the ancient town of Rithymna.
Inside the Fortezza, was a central square with a magnificent building overlooking, this was the residence of the Rector; there were also storerooms for artillery, housing canons and other weapons and also a house for one of the two Venetian councilors of the city of Rethymno. Some parts of these buildings can still be seen today.
There are fabulous views from the fortezza, day or night. The "Erofili", municipal theatre, can be found on the Fortezza's premises. The "Erofili", is an outdoor theatre and shows many of the performances for the Renaissance Festival. The richly decorated Rimondi fountain can be found at the centre of the Venetian town, in Platanos square. The fountain was built by A.Rimondi (hence the name) in 1626, and provided drinkable water to the city's inhabitant's. The Holy Virgin church was converted into the Neratzes mosque by the Ottomans. It is now used as a music conservatory. The best features of this building are the triple domes and the doorframe. The impressive minaret situated next to the Neratzes mosque was built in 1890. A Venetian monastery was also turned into mosque by the Turks, it's the Kara Mousa Pasa Mosque, and today it is the home of the board of restorations. The only remnant of the defensive wall to be seen today, is the "Porta Guora",the gateway to the old Venetian town. There is a Folklore & history museum at Vernardou 28-30. It is Open Monday to Friday 09.30-14.30. (Closed Saturday and Sunday.) It is housed in a traditional Venetian building with an interior courtyard and has collections of costumes, ceramics, textile and basket weaving, historic photographs and maps, plus much more, in fact it's home to Over 5.000 items dating from the 17th to the 20th century The Archaeological museum is open 8am to 3pm daily, (closed on Monday) can be found opposite the entrance to the fortezza, it has exhibits from the Neolithic to the Roman period found in the prefecture and exhibits include statues, bronze vessels, glass vases, jewellery and funerary coffers.
If you are in search of shade and tranquility, then try the peaceful municipal gardens, various activities are organized and held at the gardens throughout the year. At the beginning of July every year, there is a very popular wine festival held at the gardens, on 7-8th of November there is another festival in memory of the destruction of Arkadi Monastery.
Rethimno caters for all types of visitor, be it business or pleasure.
There are plenty of hotels, apartments and rent rooms, to suit all pockets, there is a wide range of Night life in Rethymno old town and around the harbour these gets quite intense, but if you just want a drink and relax, try a bar on the beachfront.
You can always find delicious fresh fish in the tavernas around the harbour, or try the restaurants and tavernas a little further inland. The backstreets are usually a good place to get a tasty meal at a good price. There is plenty of shopping to do in the old town, for souvenirs for your friends and family at home.
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