Place Palaiokastro Fortress
Venetian defensive fortress of Heraklion
The triangular fortress of Paliokastro rises on a massive rock by the sea, 8 km west of Heraklion, on the western side of the Heraklion Gulf.
Today, only part of the walls have been preserved, but it is still worth a visit, because the genius loci is undoubtedly here. Just be careful when climbing and moving around the fortress, because there are no railings anywhere.
The castle was built by the Genoese in 1206, but it only acquired its final form after being rebuilt by the Venetians at the end of the 16th century. Therefore, it is classified as „Venetian“.
In 1204, when the Genoese pirate Pescatore conquered Crete, he built 14 forts, including this one, to protect it. When the Venetians sent their fleet in 1209 and took control of the island by 1211, Paliokastro was Pescatore's last stronghold. He was eventually forced to abandon both the castle and Crete.
