Background

Rocca a Mare Fortress: Guardian of Heraklion

Explore the Venetian-era Rocca a Mare Fortress in Heraklion, a historic landmark with stunning views and fascinating exhibits.

4.6
A question is required

Dominating Heraklion's harbor entrance, the Rocca a Mare Fortress, also known as Koules, is a Venetian-built landmark with a rich history. Explore its well-preserved walls, discover exhibits on shipwrecks, and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Aegean Sea.

A brief summary to Rocca a Mare Fortress

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Visit during the cooler morning or late afternoon hours, especially in the summer, to avoid the heat.
  • Check for cultural events or exhibitions happening at the fortress during your visit.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as there is limited shade.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Lion Square (Plateia Liontaria) in the center of Heraklion, walk towards the waterfront. Continue along the promenade for about 10-15 minutes. The Rocca a Mare Fortress (Koules) will be directly ahead, at the entrance to the old port.

  • Public Transport

    From Kornarou Square near the Venetian Walls, take bus number 1 or 2 towards 'Koules'. Alight at the 'Koules' stop. Follow the signs to the harbor; the fortress is a short walk away. The bus fare is approximately €1.50.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Rocca a Mare Fortress takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost is around €25-€30. From the city center, a taxi ride is shorter and should cost no more than €10.

Unlock the Best of Rocca a Mare Fortress

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Rocca a Mare Fortress

The Rocca a Mare Fortress, or Koules, stands as a proud sentinel at the entrance to Heraklion's Venetian harbor, a testament to centuries of maritime history and strategic importance. Originally built by the Venetians in the early 16th century, the fortress was designed to protect the city from naval threats and served as a crucial part of the city's defenses. Constructed on the site of an earlier Byzantine tower, the fortress we see today took shape between 1523 and 1540. The Venetians ingeniously used old ships filled with stones to create embankments, expanding the fort's footprint. The fortress has massive, two-story structure that covers an area of 3,600 square meters, with outer walls reaching up to 8.7 meters thick. Inside, visitors can explore 26 rooms on the ground floor, which once served as storerooms for food and munitions, meeting halls, and even prison cells. The upper floor houses a large courtyard, surrounded by crenellations, and once contained barracks, officers' quarters, a bakery, a mill, and a small church. Over the centuries, the fortress has undergone repairs and modifications, including additions by the Ottomans, who added battlements, gun ports, and a small mosque. Today, the Rocca a Mare Fortress is a restored landmark that welcomes thousands of visitors each year. It hosts cultural events and exhibitions, including findings from Jacques-Yves Cousteau's underwater expedition to Dia Island. Visitors can also see three Minoan shipwrecks and learn about the history of the fort and Heraklion. A visit offers a glimpse into the island's past and provides stunning views of the city and the sea.

Popular Experiences near Rocca a Mare Fortress

Popular Hotels near Rocca a Mare Fortress

Select Currency