The fortress has been meticulously preserved, allowing visitors to explore its battlements, storerooms, and the iconic Lion of St. Mark emblem. Koules stands as a powerful reminder of Crete’s storied past, bridging the gap between ancient military history and contemporary cultural enrichment.

A Glimpse into the Past: Historical Background

The origins of Koules Fortress trace back to possible initial fortifications by the Arabs in the 9th or 10th centuries. By the second Byzantine period, a tower known as Castellum Comunis dominated the location. This structure endured significant changes over centuries, including its near-destruction by an earthquake in 1303, after which it was repaired.

In 1462, the Venetian Senate initiated an extensive fortification program for the city of Candia (present-day Heraklion). Consequently, the old Byzantine tower was demolished in 1523, and the construction of the Castello a Mare began. Ingeniously, old ships were filled with stones and sunk to form a breakwater, expanding the platform for the fortress. The new structure was completed in 1540.

By 1630, the fortress boasted 18 cannons on the ground floor and 25 along the pathway to its roof. Despite its strength, during the 21-year Siege of Candia, Ottoman forces managed to neutralize the fortress’s firepower and eventually took control in 1669 after the Venetians surrendered the city. The Ottomans maintained the structural integrity of Koules, making only minor modifications such as adding battlements and embrasures.

A smaller fort, later named Little Koules, was built nearby but was demolished in 1936 during a modernization phase. Throughout its transformation, Koules has remained a dominant landmark, reflecting the strategic and cultural shifts of Heraklion over the centuries.

The Architectural Brilliance of Koules Fortress

The architecture of Koules Fortress exemplifies typical Venetian style, covering an area of 3,600 square meters. The structure is quadrilateral in shape, forming a semicircle on its northeast side. The outer walls are remarkably robust, measuring nearly 9 meters thick, while the inner walls vary between 1.4 and 3 meters in thickness.

The main gate is located on the west side, complemented by two smaller gates on the northern and southwestern parts of the walls. Each gate is adorned with intricate relief sculptures depicting the winged Lion of Saint Mark, symbolizing the patron saint of Venice. Although these sculptures have withstood the test of time, exposure to sea winds has partly eroded them.

A lighthouse was once located on the north side, restored in 1864 by the French Society of Ottoman Lighthouses. The ground floor consists of 26 apartments originally used for storing victuals and ammunition, with some also serving as prison cells. This level features a vaulted roof with broad fanlights and includes a large cistern.

The upper floor is characterized by a spacious courtyard surrounded by crenellations, housing the soldiers’ barracks, officers’ quarters, a bakery, a mill, and a small church. This architectural brilliance showcases not only the strategic military considerations of the Venetians but also their attention to functionality and longevity.

The Koules Fortress Today

Today, Koules Fortress stands as a well-preserved historical site, inviting visitors to explore its storied grounds. Entering through the main gate, guests see the relief sculptures of the Lion of Saint Mark, showcasing Venetian influence. The ground floor, with its vaulted chambers, now hosts exhibitions on the fortress’s history and Heraklion’s past.

On the upper floor, visitors can enjoy the open courtyard with panoramic views of the harbor and city. Signage and guided tours provide insights into the lives of the soldiers and officers who once lived here. The mix of history and stunning vistas ensures Koules Fortress remains a symbol of military architecture and cultural education.