Venetian influences: Crete

Rethymno, in Crete, grew when the Venetiain conquerors of the island wanted to have a middle ground between Haraklion and Chania, and the old town was almost entirely Venetian built.

Visitors holidaying to the town will be wowed by the 16th century aristocratic appearance, the arched doorways, stone staircases, and Byzantine remains.

The large municipal gardens are perfect to spend a lazy afternoon, strolling through and enjoying the shade.

The town is also home to one of the largest castles in Crete, the Fortetza, and St. Katherine's Catholic Church, the Grate Gate, the Rimmondi square, and the Venetian Loggia.

Holidaymakers will not get bored with many things to do to pass the time in between relaxing by the villa pool, or soaking up the sun by the harbour and enjoying the Venetian influences.

The Venetian influences in Crete continue into Chania a little bit further down the coast, where the Venetian harbour still has the remains of the Venetian shipyards built in the late 16th century.

Wherever you take a holiday, Crete, offers its visitors history, culture and beautiful landscape and architecture, a perfect distraction from the relaxing villa lifestyle.

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