Frangokastello Fortress

In the region of Chania, Crete, lies Frangokastello, a fortress with a storied past that dates back to its construction between 1371 and 1374 BC by the Venetians. Built as a military base to protect the area from pirates and enemy incursions, it also served as a strategic point for Venetian attacks on the still-resistant Crete.

Initially named after the nearby church of Saint Nikitas, the locals dubbed it Frangokastello, translating to “the Castle of the Franks,” a nod to its Venetian builders. Its construction was met with resistance from the men of Sfakia, who sought to disrupt the Venetians’ efforts to establish a foothold for further inland incursions. A tragic turn saw the Sfakian leaders, the Patsos brothers, captured and executed by the Venetians.

Architectural Marvel and Ottoman Additions

Frangokastello’s rectangular design is fortified with massive towers at each corner, a testament to Venetian military architecture. The main gate bears the Venetian coat of arms, a symbol of their martial prowess. However, the structures within the castle’s walls as seen today were primarily completed during the Ottoman rule from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

The Legend of Drossoulites

The castle is also steeped in legend, particularly the haunting tale of the Drossoulites or “Dew Men.” Following a failed revolt against the Ottomans in 1828, where Hatzi Michalis Dalianis and his 600 men were besieged and slaughtered, a local legend was born. It is said that every May, these fallen soldiers reemerge at dawn, marching towards the sea before vanishing into the waves. Though attributed to optical phenomena by scientists, many claim to have witnessed this ghostly procession, adding a layer of mystique to the fortress.

Our Visit: Echoes of the Past

Our exploration of Frangokastello was an immersive dive into Crete’s Venetian legacy, underscored by the stark beauty of its architecture and the poignant tales of bravery and tragedy that it harbors. The legend of the Drossoulites lent an eerie, captivating atmosphere to our visit, as we stood where hundreds had fallen in their fight for freedom.

Walking through the fortress, amidst the shadows of the massive towers and the silent courtyards, one can’t help but feel a deep connection to the past. The sense of history is palpable, a reminder of the tumultuous struggles that shaped the island’s identity. Frangokastello stands as a solemn testament to Crete’s turbulent history, its architectural splendor, and the enduring legends that whisper among its walls.