Rethymno City Crete Guide

• Fortezza fortress: Built by the Venetians (1573 - 1590) in order to protect the town population.
• The Loggia of Rethymno: The Loggia, situated in the center of the city, was a magnificent building, where the nobility met to discuss political and economic issues. It dates back to the 16th century.
• The Rimondi Fountain: Rimondi, the Rector of the city, built the famous Rimondi Fountain, which is situated at present day Platanos Square, formerly the center of Venetian city life, in 1626.
• Aghios Frankiskos: This church belonged to a monastery run by Franciscan monks. Apart from the temple, two chapels have been preserved which are situated east of the church.
• The Mosque Neratzes: During Venetian occupation the mosque Neratzes, which today is used as a music school, was the Augustinian church of the Holy Virgin. In 1657 the Turks transformed it into the mosque Gazi Housein or Neratze
• The buildings of the city of Rethymno: Private houses in the Venetian quarters of Rethymno, of both simple and luxurious style, still decorate the alleys and streets of the old town up to the present day.
• Archeological Museum: it is housed in the pentagonal bastion in front of the central, east gate of the Fortezza. This building represents one of the fortified construction works accomplished by the Turks, who chose this location in order to defend the central entrance to the fortress. The archaeological findings are exhibited in the Museum in archaeological order
• Museum of History and Folk art: it is housed in a listed urban Venetian building dating back to the 17th century and situated at 28-30 Vernardou Street. The collections in the Museum come from donations and purchases and include among others hand-woven textiles, tools for the art of weaving, embroideries, lacework, ceramics, baskets, items of metalwork, coins, costumes and historical relics. One of the rooms is dedicated to traditional farming and the traditional way of preparing bread in Rethymno, while in another room traditional professions are referred to.
• Museum of Sea-life: It is housed in the old abbey, which is situated in the old town and has been restored recently. The exhibition represents one of the most important collections in Rethymno including mollusks, sponges, fish and various fossils