Nestled near Petichaki Square in Rethymno, the Neratze Mosque, originally known as the Gazi Hussein Mosque, captured our attention with its rich history and architectural elegance. This remarkable structure, which started its life as a Venetian church dedicated to Santa Maria and later served as an Augustinian Monastery, epitomizes the layers of cultural and religious transformations that Crete has undergone Read more…

Nestled within the historic confines of the Venetian Fortezza in Rethymno, the Ibrahim Han Mosque stands as a testament to the city’s rich tapestry of cultural and religious history. Originally constructed in 1580 as a Venetian church dedicated to Saint Nicholas, its transformation into an Ottoman mosque by Sultan Ibrahim Han in 1646 marked a significant shift in the monument’s Read more…

Our cultural exploration of Crete took us to the heart of Rethymnon, where the Archaeological Museum, established by the Society of Friends of Education in 1887, promised a deep dive into the island’s ancient history. Located in the Pentagon bastion, just opposite the main gate of Fortezza, with its gift shop nestled in Lotzia, the museum serves as a guardian Read more…

Nestled in the heart of Rethymno’s Old Town, the Loggia stands as a quintessential emblem of the city’s Venetian heritage. This 16th-century architectural marvel, with its elegant square structure and harmonious semicircular arches, captivated us with its blend of beauty and historical resonance. A Meeting Place of Nobles: Originally serving as a vibrant gathering spot for the town’s nobles, the Read more…