Rethymno - Culture
The prefecture of Rethymno and culture are two concepts completely intertwined. The elements of the local culture are present not only in the best preserved Renaissance town in Greece, Rethymno, but also in the whole region, from Psiloritis to the north and south coasts. Each conquest of the island had great architectural influence adding multicultural style, which make Rethymno the most attractive destination in whole Greece.
Through the city buildings, such as the Lotzia, and the archaeological sites of the prefecture, with the Fortezza Fortress and Ancient Eleftherna as most significant of them, we can see the culmination of the Minoan culture. The Venetian architecture is mixed with Ottoman opulence and magnificence and both of them unite harmonically with rich Cretan tradition. This combination can be found displayed in many important museums of the prefecture, such as Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and many more. When talking about modern development and structures, it is important to mention the Observatory of Skinakas, one of the world’s best modern buildings, that adorns the homonymous top. The Observatory studies the stars on the sacred mountain, named Psiloritis, where Zeus was raised.
In the important cultural figures, we should include also the churches and monasteries which are scattered from the highest peaks, such as the Timios Stauros (Holy Cross), to the seaside resorts. The churches and monasteries were used as fortresses at the time of the Revolution and supported the Cretans, who were thirsty for freedom and effortlessly shed their blood in her name.
Fountains and squares are also notable cultural attractions of Rethymno, the city of education and great minds that "gave birth" to Erotokritos.
Modern tradition had played a certain part in great, thousands of years old, culture, by honoring it through today’s celebrations, such as the Renaissance Festival of Rethymno, the Yakinthia the Rethymno Carnival or the Treasure Hunt. Through these festivities the guests of Rethymno have the opportunity to learn more about the past of the city.
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Ancient Eleftherna
Ancient Eleftherna in the prefecture of Rethymno is an archaeological site located about 25 km to the southeast of Rethymno, between Arkadi and Margarites. Read more
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Collection of Eleni Frantzeskaki
The Collection of Eleni Frantzeskaki in Rethymno prefecture is housed in a building on the Chimara Street in the city of Rethymno. Read more
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Poliou House
The Poliou House is a folklore museum located in the village Asteri in Rethymno prefecture , 13 km approximately west of Rethymno . Read more
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Paleontological Museum of Rethymno
The Paleontological Museum of Rethymno is located in Rethymno prefecture in the city of Rethymno,operating since 2009 inside the restored Veli Pasha Mosque. Read more
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Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete
The Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete in Rethymno is located in the center of Old Town, near the Venetian wall and the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. Read more
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Wax Figures Museum in Zoniana
The Wax Figures Museum in Zoniana is located in the central square of Zoniana in Rethymno prefecture, just 50 kilometers east of the city of Rethymno. Read more
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Marine Life Museum
The Marine Life Museum of Rethymno prefecture is located in the center of the Old Town of Rethymno, housed in a beautiful two-storey house. Read more
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Olive Museum in Kapsaliana
The Olive Museum in Kapsaliana is located in the homonymous village of Rethymno prefecture, about 18 kilometers southeast of the city of Rethymno. Read more
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Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno
As the Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno we now call the 17th century Venetian manor in the Old Town of Rethymno on the Vernardou Street. Read more
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Ecclesiastical Museum of Rethymno
The Ecclesiastical Museum of Rethymno, founded in 1994, is located in the city of Rethymno at Metropolis Square opposite the Cathedral Read more
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Ecclesiastical Museum of Preveli Monastery.
The Ecclesiastical Museum of Preveli Monastery is located inside the homonymous monastery in Rethymno prefecture and, particularly, in the Rear monastery. Read more
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Archaeological museum of Rethymno
The Archaeological museum of Rethymno in the homonymous city is near the entrance to Fortezza Fortress in a building dating to the Ottoman rule period. Read more
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Archaeological museum of Ancient Eleftherna
The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Eleftherna in Rethymno prefecture lies at the archaeological site of Ancient Eleftherna, 25 km southeast of Rethymno Read more
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Ibrahim Khan Mosque
The Ibrahim Khan Mosque is a site in the city of Rethymno, inside the Fortezza fortress, among other important buildings and next to the Episcopal Palace. Read more
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The Megali Porta Mosque (Mosque of the Great Door)
The Megali Porta Mosque in Rethymno is located next to the Megali porta (or Great Gate) on the Tompazis street. Read more
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Neratze Mosque
The Neratze Mosque is a building in the Old Town of Rethymno on Titos Petychakis square and is one of the most important monuments of the city. Read more
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Mosque of Kara Mousa Pasha
The Mosque of Kara Mousa Pasha in Rethymno prefecture is a building in the Old Town of Rethymno at the junction of Arkadi and Hugo Streets. Read more
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Λότζια
Η Λότζια είναι ένα μεγαλοπρεπές τετράγωνο κτίριο στην παλιά πόλη του Ρεθύμνου, στη συμβολή των οδών Αρκαδίου και Κ. Παλαιολόγου. Η Λότζια οικοδομήθηκε τον 16o αιώνα με σχέδια του διάσημου βενετού αρχιτέκτονα Michel Sanmicheli και αποτελούσε ενετική λέσχη, χώρο συγκέντρωσης και συσκέψεων των ευγενών για να συζητήσουν ζητήματα σχετικά με το εμπόριο, πολιτικά και οικονομικά θέματα. Λειτουργούσε ταυτόχρονα και ως χώρος αναψυχής και χώρος που επιτρέπονταν τα τυχερά παιχνίδια. Το αρχικό σχέδιο της Λότζιας παραμένει ανέπαφο με μόνη αλλαγή την προσθήκη ενός ακόμα ορόφου το 1625. Αν και δημιουργήθηκε στα πρότυπα της Βενετίας και του Ηρακλείου, η Λότζια του Ρεθύμνου θεωρείται ότι υστερεί σε μεγαλοπρέπεια. Σήμερα, το κτίριο διατηρείται σε πάρα πολύ καλή κατάσταση, είναι τετραγωνικής κάτοψης με αψίδες στις τρεις προσόψεις του (εκτός της δυτικής). Read more
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House of the Councils
The House of the Councils is located inside the Fortezza Fortress in the city of Rethymno and, particularly, on the Agias Ioustinis Street Read more
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Observatory of Skinakas
The Observatory of Skinakas in Rethymno prefecture is located upon the homonymous peak of the Mt Psiloritis , built at an altitude of 1.750 meters. Read more
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Warehouse of the Artillery
The Warehouse of the Artillery is located inside the Fortezza Fortress in Rethymno prefecture and is the first building after the eastern entrance to the Fortress. Read more
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Chalepa monastery
The Chalepa monastery in Rethymno prefecture is located near the villages Tsachiana and Veni, 46 km east of Rethymno, built on a hill with magnificent view Read more
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Chalevi (Halevi) monastery
The Chalevi (Halevi) monastery in Rethymno prefecture is located about 12 south of Rethymno, on the way to Chromonastiri and Poussospiti . Read more
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Monastery of Timiou Stavrou Vosakou (Monastery of Holy Cross in Vosakos)
The monastery of Timiou Stavrou Vosakou in Rethymno prefecture is located near Doxaros and 50 kilometers east of the town of Rethymno Read more
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Sotiros and Agiou Gedeon monastery (Christ Savior and Saint Gedeon Monastery)
Sotiros and Agiou Gedeon monastery in Rethymno prefecture is located in Margarites, 30 km approximately south of Rethymno Read more
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Preveli Monastery
The Preveli monastery is located about 40 km south of Rethymno and is one of the most famous monasteries of Rethymno prefecture Read more
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Attali monastery
The Attali Monastery in Rethymno prefecture is located in Bali, close to Rethymno-Heraklion highway, on the hill Agia Ipakoi and opposite the hill Pachoumi. Read more
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Asomaton Monastery
The Asomaton monastery in Rethymno prefecture is located near Amari, 37 kilometers southeast of Rethymno Read more
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Arsaniou monastery
The Arsaniou monastery in Rethymno prefecture is located near Pangalochori, 11 kilometers east of Rethymno and was founded in 16th century Read more
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Arkadi Monastery
The Arkadi Monastery in Rethymno prefecture is located 23 kilometers east of Rethymno and is the most sacred Cretan symbol for freedom. Read more
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Μονή Αγίου Ονουφρίου
Η μονή Αγίου Ονουφρίου στο νομό Ρεθύμνου βρίσκεται στο νότιο μέρος του χωριού Ακούμια , στην περιοχή Γιαλιάς του όρους Ασιδέρωτας. Read more
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Monastery of Agios Antonios in Veni (Saint Anthony monastery in Veni)
The monastery of Agios Antonios in Veni in Rethymno prefecture is located on the top of the hill Veni, near the village Voliones . Read more
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Agia Marina monastery
The Agia Marina monastery in Rethymno prefecture was very close to the Chalepa monastery 46km east of Rethymno . Read more
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Monastery of Agia Irini
The Monastery of Agia Irini in Rethymno prefecture, one of the oldest monasteries on Crete, is located near the homonymous village, 5 km south of Rethymno. Read more
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Μεγάλη Παναγία
Η Μεγάλη Παναγία στο νομό Ρεθύμνου είναι μια εκκλησία μέσα στην παλιά πόλη του Ρεθύμνου, στη συμβολή των οδών Εμμ. Τομπάζη και Πέτρου Μανουσάκη. Read more
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Kyria ton Angelon (Our Lady of the Angels)
Kyria ton Angelon in Rethymno prefecture is the oldest operating church in the city of Rethymno in the Old Town and, particularly, on Nikiforou Foka street Read more
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Tessaron Martyron church
Tessaron Martyron (Four Martyrs) in Rethymno prefecture is a church in the capital of the prefecture, east of Tessaron Martyron Square outside the Old Town. Read more
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Άγιος Φραγκίσκος
Ο Άγιος Φραγκίσκος στο νομό Ρεθύμνου είναι μια εκκλησία μέσα στο Ρέθυμνο, αποτελώντας ένα από τα πιο σημαντικά μνημεία της πόλης. Read more
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Agios Frangiskos (Saint Fransis Church)
Agios Frangiskos (Saint Fransis Church) in Rethymno prefecture is a church in the city of Rethymno and one of the most important monuments of the city. Read more
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Monastery of Christ the Savior Koumpe (monastery of Sotira Christou Koumpe)
The Monastery of Christ the Savior Koumpe in Rethymno prefecture is located on the western side of the hill, above the water spring in the area of Koumpe. Read more
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Monastery of Agios Nektarios of Anogeia (Saint Nektarios from Anogeia)
The Monastery of Agios Nektarios of Anogeia in Rethymno prefecture is located in Anogeia, 52 km approximately far from Rethymno offering a panoramic view. Read more
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Fortezza fortress
The Fortezza fortress is an archaeological site in the prefecture of Rethymno built upon the hill of Paleokastro, on the west side of the today’s city Read more
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Late-Minoan Necropolis of Armeni
The Late-Minoan Necropolis of Armeni in Rethymno prefecture is an archaeological site located 9 kilometers to the south of the city of Rethymno. Read more
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Minoan Settlement of Apodoulos
The Minoan Settlement of Apodoulos in Rethymno prefecture is an archaeological site near the village of Apodoulos located 54 km far from Rethymno. Read more
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Cavalier of Agios Loukas
The cavalier of Agios Loukas is located in Rethymno , southwest of Fortezza Fortress , at the bastion of Agios Loukas. Read more
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Archaeological site of Monastiraki
The archaeological site of Monastiraki is located in the homonymous village in prefecture of Rethymno and 35 km far from the city of Rethymno . Read more
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Ancient Lappa
Ancient Lappa is an archaeological site in the prefecture of Rethymno , built near Argyroupoli , 27 kilometers southwest of the city of Rethymno Read more
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Ancient Axos
Ancient Axos is an archaeological site in the village of Axos in Rethymno prefecture, built at the root of Mt Psiloritis, 45 kilometers far from Rethymnon Read more
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Zominthos
Zominthos is an archaeological site in the prefecture of Rethymno, located on Psiloritis at an altitude of 1,200 meters on your way to the Ideon Andron. Read more
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Lighthouse of Rethymno
The lighthouse of Rethymno is one of the most important attractions of Rethymno County. It is located on the edge of the old wharf of the Venetian harbor Read more
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Titos Petychakis square
The Titos Petychakis square (also called Platanos) in prefecture of Rethymno is located inside the Old Town, at K. Palaiologou Street. Read more
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Tessaron Martyron square
Tessaron Martyron Square is the most central point of Rethymno, located shortly before the Megali Porta and the entrance to the Old Town. Read more
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Mikrasiaton Square
The Mikrasiaton Square is located in the Old Town of Rethymno and it is the biggest square in the heart of the historical center Read more
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Mitropoleos square
Mitropoleos Square in Rethymno prefecture is located in Rethymno and is the courtyard of the Megali Panagia, which the square was named after Read more
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Iroon Polytechneiou square
Iroon Polytechneiou Square is a square in the prefecture of Rethymno, on the west side of the homonym city, in Sochora district. Read more
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Square of the Unknown Soldier
The Square of the Unknown Soldier is in Rethymno, at Eth. Makariou Street and at the same place, where the gate of Ammou once was. Read more
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Old Town
Built on a site of ancient Rithymna, the Old Town inside the Rethymno city is a gem itself and one of the Rethymno prefecture’s cultural attractions Read more
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Megali Porta (the Great Gate)
Megali Porta, a name given by locals, is an attraction inside the Rethymno city located on Ethnikis Antistaseos Street and it’s the entrance to the Old Town Read more
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Erofili Theatre
The Erofili Theatre in Rethymno prefecture is one of the most important cultural attractions in the city of Rethymno built in the 20th century. Read more
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Venetian port
The Venetian port of Rethymno prefecture consists of the old port and the groyne with its lighthouse and is located in the Old Town of Rethymno Read more
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Municipal Garden of Rethymno
The Municipal Garden of Rethymno is an attraction near the city center of Rethymno, at Tessaron Martyron Square Read more
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Statue of Kostis Giampoudakis
The statue of Kostis Giampoudakis is a sight located in the Tessaron Martyron Square in Rethymno, close to the Megali Porta and the entrance to the old town Read more
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Statue of the Unknown Soldier
The Statue of the Unknown Soldier is located in Rethymno, at the homonym square since 1930, where the Ammou Gate was during the Venetian rule. Read more
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Rimonti fountain
The Rimonti fountain is an attraction in the center of the Old Town of Rethymno located at the Titou Petychaki Square in former center of the Venetian Town Read more