Venetian Koules Fortress, Heraklion
The Venetian fortress of the 16th century in the harbour of Heraklion, with marble winged lions of Venice on its gates.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The sea fortress of Heraklion is one of the symbols of the city and was the last bastion of Venetian rule on Crete. The Ottoman siege of Chandax (1645–1669) was the longest in history, but the fortress’s greatest adversary was the forces of nature.
The original fortress was destroyed by an earthquake in 1303. Despite repairs, the Venetians were finally obliged to demolish it and build a new one from 1523 to 1540, sinking entire ships loaded with stones to create its foundations. Even then, maintenance was needed every few years because of damage from the waves, a problem that continued under Ottoman rule.
Marble winged lions of the Venetian Republic survive on the three gates of the fortress. Koules still stands today in the Cretan harbour as its symbol.
Highlights
- Marble winged lions on the three gates
- Sea fortress of the 16th century
- Symbol of the harbour of Heraklion
- Operated by
- Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Ηρακλείου
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5People over 65 from Greece and the EU (with ID or passport), teachers accompanying school visits, and parents accompanying primary school pupils from Greece and the EU. |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 18 · Free admission for children up to 18 years of age, with ID or passport. |
| Seniors | €5Reduced ticket for people over 65 from Greece and the EU, with ID or passport. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with a disability (67% or more) and one companion, with ID or passport and a disability certificate (KEPA or the equivalent from abroad). |
| Students & apprentices | freeFree admission for young people aged 18–25 from Greece and the EU, with ID or passport. |
Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October, and the first and third Sunday of each month from 1 November to 31 March.
Free and reduced admission also applies to other categories defined by the Ministry of Culture. Tickets are also available online via the Hellenic Heritage platform.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The site is described as accessible for people with mobility difficulties. There is a lift.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
On foot, the fortress is about 10 minutes from Eleftherios Venizelos Square and about 20 minutes from the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. By car, the route from the museum and the city centre takes about 10 minutes.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi
On site there are a café and restaurant, Wi-Fi and toilets.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
