Fortress sights in Iraklio
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Koules Venetian Fortress
The 16th-century Koules Venetian fortress stands at the end of the Old Harbour jetty (though it was sinking and underwent significant restoration recently). Built by the Venetians who called it Rocca al Mare, it stopped the Turks for 22 years and then became a Turkish prison for Cretan rebels. The impressive exterior has reliefs of the Lion of St Mark. The interior has 26 overly restored rooms and good views from the top.
The rooms on the ground level are used for art exhibitions, while music and theatrical events are held in the upper level. The vaulted arcades of the Venetian Arsenal are located on the harbour front, opposite the fortress.
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City Walls
Iraklio burst out of its city walls long ago, but these massive Venetian fortifications, with seven bastions and four gates, are still very conspicuous, dwarfing the concrete structures of the 20th century.
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