Koules, Castello del Molo (Castello del Molo), Rocca a Mare (Rocca a Mare), called the sea fortress built by the Venetians in Heraklion. Located at the entrance of the Venetian harbor, to protect the port of Heraklion with Castle Palaeokastro Bay Amoudara intrusions landings and other invaders. Initially, the Venetians built a tower, but inadequate, while the losses from the earthquake of 1303 did not adequately repaired, thus demolished in 1523 as the site was designed to construct a larger tower. The new building acquired its final form between 1523-1540. The work was interrupted in the winter due to inclement weather. Then received repeated repairs due to damage from wave action. Ongoing repairs continued after the conquest of Candia by the Turks in 1669 In 1719 part of the northwestern side of Koules collapsed, but it was rebuilt. At the same time used as a prison. I The fort was constructed with massive domes transferred from Fraska and Dia. Storeyed covered approximately 3,600 sq.m. The ground floor is divided into 26 apartments that served primarily as stores of food and ammunition, as well as jail cells. Upstairs were rooms for the officers together and bakery, mill and a small church. winged lion of Venice Source: wikipedia , rent a cheap car heraklion | On three sides to the sea port opening for the cannons that protected the harbor. In 1630 there were 18 cannons on the ground floor and 25 on the first floor. In BA, W and N side exterior was built of marble reliefs of the winged lion of Venice where today are truncated. During the period of Egyptian rule in Crete (1830-1840), was constructed on the northeast corner of Koules a beacon. In 1930 the lighthouse was added concrete pillars. The lighthouse was destroyed in the Second World War, but was rebuilt and continued to operate until 1960, when it was renovated and removed the concrete pillars. Today Koules is visited, it is also used for cultural events. Periodically performed restoration work and the fort remains closed to the public. |