Make sure not to miss Rethymno!
Crete’s delightful third city, Rethymnon (ΡΕΘΥΜΝΟ), ‘weds the wave-washed sand’.The Venetians created a cute round harbor, but it kept sitting up. This proved to be a blessing as it supported the local economy and spared Rethymnon from the bombing of the Luftwaffe in the Second World War. Fortunately, Rethymnon’s Venetian and Turkish architecture earned it landmark status and it escaped the attention of the Luftwaffe. The fortress overlooks the town and its minarets add an exotic touch. Additionally, wooden narrow balconies cover the darkening piquant built by the Turks that project overhead.
Rethymnon has a rich history. Its relative isolatio attrected Scholars who fled Constantinople in 1453. In the following century, they founded the first Renaissance academy in Greece here. This made Rethymnon the “brain of Crete”. Nowadays, Rethymnon is an increasingly popular base for exploring the rest of Crete. Its long beaches provide a comfortable starting point. The Minoan sites to the east and Chania and the beaches to the west are all within easy striking distance with Elan’s Cars.
Rent a car in Rethymno, and drive less than 35 minutes to go to Plakias, Agios Pavlos, Preveli Monastery or Preveli Palmbeach.
Rethmnon: Some history lessons!
Exploring Rethymnon can be an exceedingly pleasant experience, especially once you get past the outer sprawl and into the historic center. The site of Rethymnon has been inhabited since late Minoan times, but the oldest monuments in town are Venetian. These monuments begin with Guora Gate, located just north of the Plateia Tessaron Martyron (Square of the Four Martyrs). Jacopo Guόra, the Venetian governor, built the gate in 1566. It is the sole surviving part of the city walls that were erected after successive sackings by Barbarossa in 1538 and Uluch Ali in 1562. However, they were not enough to prevent another Turkish attack, which was led by Uluch Ali in 1571.
Before entering the gate, take note of one of Rethymnon’s finest mosques. The 17th-century Posta Grande or Valide Sultana is just beside the square. The mosque was originally dedicated to the Sultan’s mother.r. The mosque is now used by the archaeological museum to store its excess amphorae. Valide Sultana’s old cemetery was converted after the 1923 population exchange into the Municipal Gardens, which are located across busy Kountouriotou street.
You can start your exploration of Rethymno from the Guora Gate. Then, head towards the church of San Francesco, located on Ethnikis Antistaseos street. It was once part of a friary where Petros Philagris began his religious career.
A must-see attraction in Rethymno is the Rimondi Fountain. This ornate fountain, built in 1629 by a Venetian governor, is located at the junction of several streets in Petychaki Square. It features a lion’s head and has been the heart of the town since its creation.
When you visit the Rimondi Fountain, take a stroll to see all the finest buildings of Rethymno. For example, you can visit the Nerantzes Mosque, which is located nearby.
Are you planning to explore Crete? Renting a car in Rethymno can be a smart option for you. It is a cost-effective way to travel around the island. You can enjoy elegant and cheap transfers with Elan Car Rental.