The prefecture of Rethymno does have it’s own capital using the same exact title.
Rethymno is situated across the islands north coast in between Heraklion (eightykilometers to the eastern side) and Chania (sixtykilometres in the western side)
Rethymno features a 12km sandy beach front to the east (among the biggest in Crete), and just the west lies a extraordinary rugged coastline.
The city would be the heart of communications, business and administrative transations, for this prefecture and it’s 25,000 habitants.
The port at Rethymno is open throughout the year, with routine sailing to Piraeus in mainland Greece. In the summertime it’s possible to take a touring trip of the island of Santorini from here.
There’s no airport at Rethymno, however it is well supported through airports at Chania and Heraklion.
The public buses are a perfect way for you to see the major cities around the island, why don’t you relax and take a bus to get a little culture trip, as they service the lesser villages too!
HISTORY
There is certainly evidence that the city of Rethymno is sited over the ruins from the early Mycean metropolis of Rithymna, which is believed to have lost importance within the third century AD. And thus noted only to be a large village,
But Rithymna preserved it’s independence and autonomy, Rithymna even manufactured its own individual coinage being a free city.
The town sustained its habitation within the Byzantine period, mosaics out of this plus the Roman period have already been found.
During the Venetian occupation, most likely was when Rethymno attained city status, an intermediary port was required by the Venetians ?n between Heraklion and Chania, so Rethymno was picked for this purpose.
As a Venetian ethnical administrative centre, Rethymno had become the 3rd largest city around the island of Crete.
In 1567 Algerian pirates robbed and burnt Rethymno, nearly absolutely destroying the location.
and in 1646 the Turks procured control throughout Rethymno In those times of Ottoman rule, a lot of towns and cities around the island dropped into decline as well as Rethymno Because the whole of Crete fought for its own liberty.
The occupants of the Prefecture of Rethymno were actively engaged, with many of it’s freedom-fighters getting executed for their part.
From 1897 to 1909 the Russian military procured charge of Rethymno.
during1913 Rethymno had become an area of Greece as did all the island of Crete.
It was Throughout the German occupation in which occupants of Rethymno became active partners fighting while in the resistance, against all fascism.
Rethymno also has grown significantly in the last 25 yrs, it’s economic system flourishes thanks to the introduction of the tourism industry, and the culture is benefitted with the university located there.
The city provides a wonderful old aristocratic appearance, investigate its Hellenic-Roman and Byzantine ruins, stroll within the narrow streets, the arched doorways and up old stone staircases admiring the 16th century buildings and also the small Venetian harbour.
The sophisticated building, of the sixteenth century Venetian Loggia, that was initially a gentlemen?s club. At present its used for the information office of the ministry of culture. In addition , it sells tickets for the archaeological museum.
The Venetian Fortezza castle, sitting at the “Palaiokastro” rules across the town.
It had been built during the late sixteenth century and safeguarded the city against the Turks and pirate raids.
The name “Palaiokastro” translates to “old Castle” the name was used among the Venetian?s which lets us believe that clearly there was an older fort on the area belonging to the Venetian fortezza.
The old castle was most likely the acropolis for the ancient town of Rithymna.
Inside the Fortezza, would have been a principal square which included a wonderful structure overlooking, this is the dwelling of the Rector; there was also storerooms for artillery, housing canons and also other weapons. Also a dwelling, for one of the 2 Venetian councilors for the city of Rethymno. Some parts of these buildings can certainly still be visible presently. There’s incredible views from the fortezza, day or night.
The “Erofili”, municipal theater, is found within the Fortezza premises. The “Erofili”, is really an outside theatre and displays the majority of the performances over the Renaissance Festival.
The elegantly ornamented Rimondi fountain is to be found in the middle of the Venetian city, in Platanos square. The fountain was built by A. Rimondi (and so the name) in 1626, and delivered drinkable water for the city’s inhabitant’s the Holy Virgin church was transformed in to the Neratzes mosque by means of the Ottomans. It is now used for a music conservatory. One of the best highlights of this building would be the triple domes and the doorframe. The impressive minaret situated at the side of the Neratzes mosque was constructed in 1890.
A Venetian monastery was also changed into mosque by means of the Turks; its typically the Kara Mousa Pasa Mosque. Today its home of the board of restorations.
The sole remnant for the defensive wall to be viewed today is going to be “Porta Guora”, the entrance in to the historical Venetian town. There is a Folklore & heritage museum at Vernardou 28-30. It is Open Monday to Friday 09.30-14.30. (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.) Its housed in a very traditional Venetian structure which has an Internal courtyard.It includes selections of costumes, ceramics, textile and basket weaving, historical photos and maps, plus much more.
Believe it or not its the place to find More than five thousandobjects dating about the seventeenth into twentyth century The Archaeological museum is open 8am to 3pm daily, (shut on Monday) is found opposite the entry at the fortezza, it includes displays through the Neolithic to the Roman period found in the prefecture. Exhibits consist of statues, bronze vessels, glass vases, jewellery and funerary coffers.
For anyone who is in search of shade and tranquility, then consider the secluded municipal gardens.
A range of activities are organized and performed in the gardens during the entire year, in the beginning of July each year, you will find there’s a very well liked wine festival held in the gardens and also on 7-8th of November there’s a different festival in memoriam of the destruction of Arkadi Monastery
Rethymno caters for many types of visitor. Be it business or pleasure.
There are plenty of hotels, apartments and rent rooms, to fit all pockets
There’s a wide range of Night life in Rethymno old town and all around the harbor, it becomes quite intense, but if you simply want a drink and relax, try a bar at the beachfront.
You could find great tasting fresh fish in the tavernas along the harbour,
Or try the restaurants and tavernas a bit more further inland; up the backstreets one may usually go for a good dinner within a great price.
There is certainly plenty of shoppingyou can do
inside the old town. An opportunity to pick-up some souvenirs, for your family and friends at home.
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