Proud and robust, the Koules Fortress is an icon of the city. Explore this ancient fort on a harbour that has needed defending since the 10th century. Imagine taking part in the guarding of Heraklion, a city greatly coveted throughout its long and dramatic history. Inspect the soldiers’ barracks and prison, peruse Venetian marble reliefs and look out across the harbour as the city’s defenders would have done 500 hundred years before.
The fascinating history of Crete is written into Koules Fortress itself. The current name comes from the word for fortress in Turkish, but when the structure was built in the 16th century, the Venetians named it Rocca a Mare or "rock of the sea". Historians believe that Heraklion’s harbour has been fortified in some way or other for over 1,000 years.
Approach Koules Fortress from the city’s main port to properly appreciate the boldness of its design and its positioning on the western breakwater of Heraklion’s harbour. The fortress is notable for its robust square shape and its imposing vantage point over the water and it is considered to be a symbol for the strength and the longevity of Heraklion itself.
Look up at the stonework and admire the large marble reliefs of St. Mark’s lion, emblem of the city of Venice. Once you have entered the fortress, you are free to walk through the soldiers’ accommodation, the weapons stores and the rooms used as prison cells for local outlaws. The distinctive interior architecture is characterised by low, curving archways between rooms.
At the top of the fort, position yourself at the ramparts and gaze out to sea. This is where Venetian guards would watch the horizon, looking for Turkish invaders, tasked with the defence of this vital city’s harbour.
Koules Fortress is about 15 minutes’ walk from Heraklion’s town centre, on the western side of the harbour. It is open every day except Monday and admission requires a small fee.
