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 journey through Crete led us to the historical Arkadi Monastery, perched on the edge of a high plateau, a symbol of the island’s struggle for freedom and its rich religious heritage. Situated 23 kilometers southeast of Rethymno, and 500 meters above sea level, this monument stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Cretan people. Founding Legends 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…