The word ‘Koules’ means fortress in Turkish and if you travel to the harbour of Heraklion you will find the amazing Koules Fortress and the ancient ramparts that surround the harbour.
The fortress dates back to times long past, it was built by the Venetians during the 13th century. It is an impressive structure that was built to protect this busy and vital port on the island. But not only was it constructed as a guardian of the port, the Venetians stored many foodstuffs and other important supplies that its’ army needed. It was also a prison and living quarters for officers of their armies.
Koule fortress was completely destroyed during an earthquake in 1303 but it was rebuilt again, but this time by the Genoese. Over the following centuries it was restored many times over to become how we see it today. It was turned into a prison during the time the Ottomans ruled the island and it was in the dungeons of this notorious prison that many Cretans met their deaths because they had stood against the Ottomans, they
had revolted against these invaders and they paid a heavy price for their loyalty to their people and their beloved island.
As with so much ancient architecture in Crete, the styles and the impressive structures that were built during different periods. They are proof of the various powerful civilisations that inhabited the island. The fortress of Koules is a typical example of Venetian architecture on a very grand scale and the breakwater that protected the harbour can still be seen today.
There are three beautiful carvings of the Lion of St. Mark and visitors can see these, along with a minaret which was constructed by the , when they visit the fortress. Thousands of visitors flock here every year to admire the sheer size of the structure and to learn about the history that surrounds it.
Standing under the ramparts and looking up at the fortress visitors are reminded of the glory of the Venetians and the Ottomans who inhabited the island so very long ago. They can see how time has made this fortress such an important part of the Crete we all know today, it always shows us how important the port was to the island in ancient times.
Everyone who visits Heraklion cannot fail to admire the sheer size of the Koules fortress which has been restored to become one of the most important tourist attractions on the island. As with everything in Crete there is great pride in the history behind these incredible structures that have weathered the course of time so well. The island of Crete has many ruins from ancient times, every year visitors come to see, admire at marvel at them. The Koules fortress in Heraklion is just one of these amazing structures to be found on this amazing beautiful and historical island of Crete.