History

Although there is clear evidence that this area has been inhabited from the prehistoric times specifically Neolithic, as have shown the finds in the cave of Ideo Andreo. Real development however took place during the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. when the city state of Rithimna minted its own coins. By 1573 the formidable Venetian castle of Fortezza was built on the top of Paleokastro hill, a structure that did not prove to be much of an obstacle later when the conquering Ottomans shouldered the Venetians out in 1646 after a short siege. The landscape is studded with archaeological monuments, historical sites, and wonderful old buildings much like the rest of Greece. You will see Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish architecture that bear witness the long history of this area dating back to the aforementioned Prehistoric Age and the later highly developed Minoan Period. The area continued to play an important role throughout the Geometric, Classical, and Hellenistic Times.

During the period of the Venetian domination culture flourished, however the Ottoman occupation that followed brought a period of steep cultural decline. Later during the War of independence in 1821 the inhabitants fought long and tenaciously successfully overthrowing the Turks. A notable incident reflecting the uncompromising will for freedom the people craved was the episode at the monastery of Arkadi in 1866. The abbot, leaders of the revolution, women and children who had found shelter in the monastery, refused to give up to the Ottomans in a siege and upon seeing their battle would end in death or slavery, blew themselves up opting to at least free themselves symbolically. Even the Russians had a stake in Rethymnon when they occupied it in 1897 only to leave it in 1909.


Rethymnon, the capital of the prefecture with the same name, has a population of some 28,000 residents. It is a combination of old and new where the old is encompassed by the new which now stretches out along the waterfront in both directions. Outer or new Rethymnon is a decidedly modern city ensuring a wide variety of comfortable accommodation choices. It is quite well laid out with several parks and many open spaces. However in its old quarter, just a stone's throw from the picturesque Venetian port dominated by the old lighthouse, it has commendably managed to keep its unique identity. The old part of the city is characterized by narrow alleys that lead to delightful neighbourhoods of old well preserved buildings with heavy wooden doors and windows that date back hundreds of years in many cases, wonderful sunny squares, ornate Venetian fountains, old Turkish public taps for water and charming mansions. Remarkable and elegant old style Byzantine churches, mosques and minarets arrest the visitors gaze with their charming presence.

The impressive for its size 16th century Venetian fortress which proudly stands on the hill of Paleokastro in the centre of the old town is a symbol of the city and is named Fortezza and offers an indescribably majestic view from its ramparts. Another well known gathering place is the splendid, well organized sandy beach that stretches along the length of the harbour, lined with café, bars and taverns a favourite among patrons looking to drink a bleary eyed morning coffee in the sun or satiate their hunger and have a good time.