Ever wondered how Heraklion’s harbor has been defended for centuries? That’s the Koules Fortress before us. It stands as a testament to the city’s resilience.
The Koules, also known as Castello a Mare, has guarded this harbor since the early 16th century. The Republic of Venice built it to protect Heraklion from pirates. They also wanted to defend against other conquerors. Imagine ships sailing into this harbor long ago seeking safe harbor under the watchful eye of the Koules.
Arabs first fortified this site in the 9th and 10th centuries. They erected a Byzantine tower named Castellum Comunis. An earthquake damaged it in 1303. The Venetian Senate then decided to strengthen Candia’s defenses in 1462. In 1523, they demolished the Byzantine tower to construct the Castello a Mare. The Koules Fortress was completed in 1540.
Look closely at the walls of the Koules. You can almost see the old ships. They were deliberately sunk here filled with stones to create a breakwater. This extended the platform on which the fortress stands. Originally, the Koules was armed with 43 cannons. In 1630, 25 cannons were on the roof and 18 on the ground floor.
The Ottomans captured Candia in 1669 after a long siege. They maintained the Koules with minor modifications. They even constructed a Little Koules on the landward side. Sadly, it was dismantled in 1936 during city modernization.
Notice the thick walls of the Koules. In places, they are 8.7 meters thick. The Koules has three entrances. Inside are 26 rooms spread over two floors. These served as barracks, a prison, storage areas, a water reservoir, a church, a mill and a bakery. See the northern section? That’s where the lighthouse tower stands.
Three marble reliefs once adorned the exterior walls. They depicted the winged lion of St. Mark, a symbol of Venice. Sadly, repeated exposure to sea air damaged them. But two have survived.
The Koules Fortress has undergone numerous restorations. It now welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Educational exhibits inside reveal its fascinating history. You can even venture into the eerie dungeons. They once held captives. Climbing to the top offers sweeping views of the harbor and city.
Today, the Koules serves as a venue for cultural events. Though it is currently closed for safety reasons, it normally operates every day except Monday. During the summer, it is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Take a moment to appreciate the Koules. It is more than just a fortress. It represents Heraklion’s enduring spirit. It has witnessed centuries of history. It is a landmark that connects us to the past. As you explore Heraklion, remember the Koules. Remember its story of resilience, defense and cultural significance.