Ever wondered how Heraklion stood strong against invaders for so long? The secret lies in its impressive fortifications, and right here we are in front of a key piece of that defense, the Bethlehem Bastion.
The Bethlehem Bastion, an integral part of Heraklion’s Venetian walls, whispers tales of sieges and resilience. Built in the 16th century, this bastion played a crucial role in protecting the city. These walls, some of the best-preserved Venetian fortifications in Europe, stand as a testament to the city’s strategic importance and the ingenuity of its defenders.
Let’s step back in time. Heraklion’s earliest walls were built by the Byzantine Empire. Then, in 824, Arab forces captured the city and constructed their own walls. They used unbaked bricks and surrounded the city with a defensive trench. The city became known as Rabdh al-Khandaq, meaning Trench Castle.
The Byzantines, recognizing Crete’s strategic value, tried to win it back. Finally, in 961, Nikephoros II Phokas recaptured Heraklion. The Byzantines then destroyed the Arab fortifications and built a new fort named Rokka. As the settlement expanded, they constructed new walls on the site of the old Arab defenses.
In the early 13th century, the Republic of Venice took control of Crete. Initially, they used the existing Byzantine walls, making modifications as needed. But after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the Ottoman Empire’s rise became a major threat. The Venetians decided to build new, stronger fortifications around Candia, now known as Heraklion.
Construction of these new walls started in 1462. Prominent military architects Michele Sanmicheli and Giulio Savorgnan designed them. It took over a century to complete the walls.
Now, focus your gaze on the Bethlehem Bastion. It is strategically positioned on the western side of the Heraklion Walls, nestled between the Martinengo and Pantokrator Bastions. Its name comes from a small church dedicated to the Nativity of Christ. This church once stood just outside the walls. The bastion’s primary purpose was to shield the city from attacks coming from the west.
During the lengthy Siege of Candia, from 1645 to 1669, the Bethlehem Bastion and the western fortifications faced relentless attacks from the Ottomans. The Venetians, led by General Morosini, worked hard to improve the bastion’s defenses. They strengthened the walls and added a ravelin to reinforce the area.
Beneath the Bethlehem Bastion lies the Bethlehem Gate, a military gate that led to the bastion’s northern low square. Cannons were strategically placed here to protect the Pantokrator Bastion. Today, the gate serves as a venue for cultural events and even houses a summer municipal cinema.
Imagine watching a film here, surrounded by these ancient walls. The Municipal Summer Cinema, established in 2007, provides a unique experience. The historic walls create a dramatic backdrop for film screenings.
In recent years, the Bethlehem Gate has also hosted the exhibition “El Greco Return to the Homeland.” This exhibition showcases costumes and props from the film “El Greco” by Yannis Smaragdis. The film is dedicated to the famous Cretan painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos, better known as El Greco.
Interestingly, in the 20th century, a section of the walls near the Bethlehem Gate was cut. This created a passage connecting the new city with the old town. This area became known as “Kommeno Benteni,” meaning “cut wall.”
The Bethlehem Bastion stands as a reminder of Heraklion’s rich history and enduring spirit. It is a place where the past meets the present, where ancient stones echo with stories of courage and resilience. As you explore this remarkable site, remember the generations who defended this city.