Rethymnon Town ~ Ρέθυμνο

We love Rethymnon town. There is so much to see and do, we never stop discovering new spots. We are happy to share some of our favourites. Known for its picturesque old town and Venetian harbour, travellers will find a world of history in Rethymnon.

Rethymnon is on the north coast 80 kms from Iraklio, is capital of the prefecture nomos Rethymnon.

Rethymnon History

Rethymnon shares the long and colourful history of Crete. The ancient Minoan period from 2600 to 1100 BC, the Geometric and Daedalian period 1100-620 BC, the Classical 500-330 BC and Hellenistic 330-67 BC periods and Greco-Roman period 67 BC-323 AD.

After the First Byzantine period 330-824 came the years of Arab rule between 824-961, after liberation the Second Byzantine period 961-1210 after which came Venetian and Genoan rule then Turkish rule for 400 years. Liberation came again in 1898 after many terrible and rebellious years. Unification with the modern state of Greece came in 1913.

Walking around Rethymnon

The narrow medieval streets and the Great Gate mark the transition from the old town to the new town, dating from 1568.

The Minaret of the Neratze Mosque (below) from 1657, was built on the Venetian church of Santa Maria, and is now used as a music school.

All around the old town are wonderful examples of Venetian architecture preserved in private houses. The doorways especially hold great historic interest.

The Venetian Loggia, from the 16th century, used to be a gentlemen’s club and is now the Rethymnon information office, is just down from the Liondaria.

Of the many restaurants in the old Rethymnon town, we have a few favourites including Figaro Café on Vernardou street, the Taverna Akri on Kornaru street, Galero Café next to the Rimondi fountain (with internet upstairs) and Gounas traditional taverna.

We love wandering along Odos Kefalogiannidon, enjoying the café strip by the fortress at sunset. One great funky café bar is Mare Nostro.

The Carnival at Rethymnon town, three weeks of parades, fancy dress balls and theatre sketches wakes everyone up from winter. The whole town parties during the three weeks before Lent.

The Wine Festival in July sets a bucolic scene in the Municiple Park, with barrells full of local wine, plenty of music and merrymaking.

The summer Renaissance Festival between July and September has a variety of events including theatre, art, dance and music. Some events are held in the atmospheric Erofili Theatre in the fortezza, some in Neratze mosque, and plenty of acts and excitement in the streets.

The proud presentation of the Rethymnon Renaissance Festival with Cretan folk music, flamenco, telling of fairy tales, cinema and graphic arts adding colour and life all around the town occurs each year during July, August and September.

The University of Crete has a campus at Gallos, 5 km from Ρέθυμνο with faculties of letters, social science and education. The University if a centre of research as well as learning and has campus at Iraklion as well. Students flavour the vibe of life in Rethymnon town.

Pandelis Prevelakis was a poet and author born in Rethymnon town in 1908. His titles include 'The Sun of Death' published in 1959.

We love the beautiful organics store Arkefthos, with its natural products, at Cathedral Square, M. Mousourou 11, Rethymnon town.

Activities in Rethymnon

Accommodation in Rethymnon Old Town

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Exploring Around Rethymnon – Daytrips

The Arkadi Monastery – Moni Arkadiou - Μονή Αρκαδίου is 23 km inland from Rethymnon town, set amongst rolling hills and gorges. Buses travel daily between Rethymnon town and the monastery. To drive to this inspirational place, take the national highway east of Rethymnon for 5 km, then turn off inland and pass through the villages of Adele and Kiriana. The monastery is set strategically at the top of the small Arkadi gorge near the village of Amnatos.

The original monastery and large grounds was built in the 16th century. The location, grounds and architecture alone make this a very enjoyable visit.

This monastery played an important part in Cretan history during the rebellion against Turkish domination of the island. In 1866, the monastery came to the notice of the Turkish Pasha as many rebels were sheltering there and in the hills nearby. Hence the monastery became a symbol of insurrection and freedom fighting, and a safe haven for Cretans fleeing the Turks.

So the Turkish force of 1500 attacked the 950 or so men, women and children who were sheltering in the grounds. When the attack became successful and things looked grim for the rebels, the Abbott gave the order, as planned, to blow up the gunpowder stores and kill the rebels, women and children rather than fall into the hands of the Turks. This is indeed what happened, and so many proud Cretans died that day, 9th November 1866. The news of the rebels actions swept across Europe at that time and lead to further support for Greek independence.

The façade of the church has been rebuilt in a breathtaking Venetian style, the interior church dates from 1587. There is a museum within the grounds of the monastery, which tells the story of the 1866 uprising. Here is kept the official banner of the rebellion, vestments and relics of the monastery. The monastery still functions as a religious centre.

Today, a visit to the monastery and grounds is an inspiring reminder of our modern freedoms, and a chance for a deeper insight into the Cretan spirit.

There is a café and gift shop outside the monastery, where you can find local honey, raki and handcrafts. Close by are the villages of Pikris and Kapsaliana, where descendants of the rebels can tell you the story of the holocaust.

More information from Dimos Arkadi at www.arkadi.gr

There is plenty more to come about Rethymnon prefecture and Rethymnon town...