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Neratze Mosque: A Testament to Rethymno's Diverse History

Explore Rethymno's Neratze Mosque: a captivating blend of Venetian & Ottoman history, now a vibrant cultural hub in Crete's Old Town.

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The Neratze Mosque in Rethymno, Crete, stands as a symbol of the island's layered past. Originally built as an Augustinian monastery by the Venetians in the late 16th century, it was converted into a mosque in 1657 after the Ottoman conquest. Today, it serves as a municipal Odeon, hosting concerts and cultural events.

A brief summary to Neratze Mosque

  • Emmanoil Vernardoy, Rethimno, 741 31, GR

Local tips

  • Check the Odeon's schedule for concerts or performances to experience the building's acoustics.
  • Visit the nearby Church of St. Francis, now the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, to explore more of the area's history.
  • Take a stroll through Rethymno's Old Town to appreciate the Venetian and Ottoman architecture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Neratze Mosque is located in the Old Town of Rethymno, easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Rimondi Fountain, walk approximately 200 meters east along Arkadiou Street. The mosque will be on your left, marked by its distinctive minaret.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by KTEL bus at Rethymno's main bus station, you can take a local bus towards the city center. Get off at the stop closest to the Four Martyrs Square (Plateia Tessaron Martyron) and walk approximately 5 minutes east to reach the Neratze Mosque. A single bus fare within Rethymno is around €1-€2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Rethymno. A short taxi ride from the bus station or the Fortezza to the Neratze Mosque in the Old Town will typically cost between €5-€7. Ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare beforehand. Taxi start fee is €3.4 and €0.6 per km.

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Discover more about Neratze Mosque

The Neratze Mosque, located in the heart of Rethymno's Old Town, is a fascinating architectural monument that reflects the city's rich and varied history. Initially constructed as the Catholic Monastery of Santa Maria of the Augustinians in the late 16th century during Venetian rule, the church featured a basilica design with a tall belfry. A chapel dedicated to the Body of the Lord was added in 1617. Following the Ottoman conquest of Rethymno in 1646, the church was transformed into a mosque in 1657 by Gazi Hussein Pasha. The conversion involved architectural modifications, including the replacement of the tiled roof with three semi-circular domes. In 1890, a minaret with two stone balconies was added, becoming the tallest in the city. The minaret was built using stones from the village of Alfa. After the departure of Muslims from Crete in 1924, the building was repurposed and since 1957 has served as the Municipal Odeon (conservatory), a vibrant cultural center that hosts art shows and exhibitions. Today, the Neratze Mosque stands as a testament to Rethymno's diverse cultural heritage, blending Venetian and Ottoman architectural elements.

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