Koules Fortress

The Venetians ruled Crete for centuries and left their mark in the ramparts which encircle the city center and the Rocca al Mare fortress. Koules, as it is called nowadays, guards Heraklion’s inner harbor. There is no better spot to begin the first of two days of experiencing Heraklion’s highlights. You can inspect the fortress itself and enjoy the view of the city from the battlements. Or you can simply stroll by the harbor with its colorful fishing boats. Right opposite the port, you’ll see a series of might stone arches used as an arsenal for guns and gunpowder. The Republic of Venice invested a lot of time and treasure in defending Heraklion, which finally fell to the Turks in 1669.