Rocca a Mare Fortress

Two fortresses were built; in different times the current Koules, which dominates the edge of the harbor of Heraklion, and a smaller one just opposite of it, which was demolished in the early 20th century to improve the operation of the port. The small fortress built by the Venetians, for supplemental defense of Candia, was named “Rocca al Mare” (Sea Fortress). After the invention of gunpowder, the Venetians decided to create a larger building that could meet their needs. The building had two floors, with 26 rooms for various uses, including prisons. In 1462, the Venetian Senate approved a programme to improve the fortifications of Candia. Eventually, the Byzantine tower was demolished in 1523, and the Castello a Mare began to be built instead. Old ships were filled with stone, and were sunk to form a breakwater and increase the area of the platform on which the fortress was built. The fortress was completed in 1540. The Turks, who occupied the island in 1669 renamed it ‘Koules’ and decided to continue its construction.

In 1630, the fort was armed with 18 cannons on the ground floor, and 25 cannons on the pathway leading to the roof. It is now preserved in a very good condition and is used for cultural events.