A Walking Tour of Old Rethymnon, including Museum and Fortress

There is evidence that humans inhabited Rethymnon as early as 1600 BC (Late Minoan III) if not before. There are also many vestiges of Medieval, Renaissance, and Turkish occupation that mix elegantly with the modern town. These traces of history past combined with a vibrant present are soul food for the Cretans. This tour aims to expose the heart of Old Rethymnon, whose timeless ambience is infectious.

We will walk the narrow streets where quiet and beauty pervade. We will visit the Fortress of Rethymnon (the Fortezza), an elaborate citadel built on the hill of Palaiokastro in the late 16^th century. It was designed by Michele Sanmicheli, the ame military architect from Verona who designed the defensive walls of Heraklion during the time of Venetian occupation of the island. Across the street is the Museum of Archaeology, a building that once served as a Turkish prison. This museum displays exhibits that date from Neolithic to Roman times. There are many other things to see, including churches, Venetian and Turkish fountains, a street artist, and a phyllo-maker. You will fall in love with Old Rethymnon.

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