Temenos Fortress: A Byzantine Stronghold with a Bloody Past

Explore the ruins of Temenos Fortress near Profitis Ilias, Crete, a Byzantine stronghold with a rich and bloody history.

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Profitis Ilias

Perched atop Rocca hill near Profitis Ilias, Crete, the ruins of Temenos Fortress, also known as Kanli Kastelli, offer a glimpse into the island's turbulent history. Built in 961 AD by Nikephoros Phokas, this strategic stronghold witnessed Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman rule, and was the site of a 17th-century massacre.

A brief summary to Profitis Ilias

Profitis Ilias, GR

Local tips

Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the uneven terrain of the fortress ruins.
Bring water, especially during hot summer months, as there are no facilities on site.
Combine your visit with a stop in the village of Profitis Ilias for a traditional Cretan meal.

Getting There

Driving

From Heraklion, take the road towards Profitis Ilias village, approximately 18km south. Once in Profitis Ilias, follow the signs for Temenos Fortress. A dirt road from the SE side of the village leads 450m to a parking area near the entrance. From there, a short hike up a stone staircase is required to reach the central yard of the castle.
Public Transport

Buses run from Heraklion to Profitis Ilias. Check local schedules for the most up-to-date information. From the village center, follow the driving directions above, walking the final stretch along the dirt road and stone staircase to the fortress. Expect a 15-20 minute walk from the village bus stop to the fortress entrance.

Discover more about Profitis Ilias

Temenos Fortress, also called Rocca or Kanli Kastelli, stands as a testament to Crete's complex past. Situated on the strategically important Rocca hill, just south of Profitis Ilias village in Heraklion, this Byzantine-era fortification is considered the island's most significant. Built in 961 AD by Nikephoros Phokas, the fortress reflects the ambition of the Byzantine Empire to re-establish control over Crete and project power throughout the Mediterranean. Phokas intended Temenos to be more than just a military outpost; he envisioned it as the island's new capital, replacing Chandax (modern Heraklion). Although the capital never moved, the fortress remained a vital defensive structure, commanding panoramic views of the surrounding area. The location was ideal due to its natural spring, which fed the Fountana fountain within the fort, and its dominating position. The hill itself is believed to have been the acropolis of the ancient city of Lykastos, mentioned in Homer's Iliad. Throughout its history, Temenos Fortress has been modified and controlled by various powers. In 1204, the Genoese pirate Enrico Pescatore seized Crete and either built or repaired fifteen fortresses, including Temenos. When the Venetians took control in 1209, they further fortified Temenos with stronger walls and updated its defenses. The Venetians called it Castello Temene, recognizing it as a powerful fortress and granting it as a fief to prominent families. A settlement, which eventually became the village of Profitis Ilias, grew around the fortress. In 1669, the Ottomans conquered Crete and renamed the fortress Kanli Kastelli, meaning "Bloody Fortress" in Turkish, commemorating a humiliating defeat they suffered at the hands of the Venetian Cretans in 1647. Today, the 60-hectare archaeological site contains the ruins of walls, a pentagonal inner fortress, large water cisterns and several churches. Visitors can explore the remains of this once-imposing stronghold, imagining the battles and power struggles that played out within its walls.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Profitis Ilias

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Explore the ruins of Temenos Fortress near Profitis Ilias, Crete, a Byzantine stronghold with a rich and bloody history.

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Lions Square

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Lion Square

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Mount Juktas

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Temenos Fortress: A Byzantine Stronghold with a Bloody Past

A brief summary to Profitis Ilias

Local tips

Getting There

Driving

Public Transport

Unlock the Best of Profitis Ilias

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Profitis Ilias

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Profitis Ilias

Oldest Road of the World

Martinengo Bastion

Nikos Kazantzakis Grave

Church of Saint Matthew Sinaitón

Statue of Erotokritos

Pantokrator Venetian Portal

Monument to the Battle of Crete

Nikiforos Fokas Votive Column

Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos

Plato's bust

Αλευρόμυλος Καστρινάκη

Plaque of Major Michael Tzoulakis

Lions Square

Lion Square

Unmissable attractions to see

Monastery Palianis

Silva Daskalaki Winery

Mount Juktas

Monastery of Saint George Epanosifis

Titakis, N., S.A.

Kokkiadis Honey Farm

Digenakis winery

WINERY STILIANOU

Domaine Paterianakis- Κτήμα Πατεριανάκη

Diamantakis Winery

Lyrarakis Winery & Tasting Room

Aqueduct of Agia Irini

Scalarea Estate (Boutari Winery Crete)

Kouloures

Knossos Palace

Essential places to dine

Erganos

Thigaterra - The Art of Slow Food

Ta Kalitera

Xalali

Kanatelias Lunch

Ntoré Gastronomy

Apiri greek_eatery

Alla ki Alla

The Fifty

Minos Restaurant

Veranda

Antipodas

Restaurant

Koukouvagia

Olive Trees Restaurant

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Labyrinth Store kps

J&S

Block62

Nike Factory Store Crete

Kampos Cretan Products

Antonella Boutique

Soho Multibrand Boutique

Argantini pottery

Eleandra Gift Shop

KURKUTA

Origin Art Vitro

Vekrakis Imports S.A.

Moymoylidis, M. & S., O.E.

Showroom Fashion Boutique Ηράκλειο

Ducan Stores

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Manjar Wise Food, Coffee & Wine Bar

Blue N Blum

Senses Club

The Bitters Bar