Kazarma Fortress
The 13th-century Venetian fortress above Siteia, restored and a venue for summer events of the “Kornareia” festival.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Although very few traces of it remain today, there was once a Byzantine town at Siteia, probably built on top of the ancient city of Iteia or Sitaia. The only surviving example of this past is the imposing Kazarma, which is only part of the fortress that the Venetians built in the 13th century on top of the Byzantine remains.
The fortress suffered many disasters, from the earthquakes of 1303 and 1508 to the raid of Barbarossa’s pirates in 1538. It escaped total demolition by the Venetians themselves, who had abandoned any thought of repairing it, and was radically redesigned during Ottoman rule.
Today the restored Kazarma hosts theatre performances and concerts during the summer months as part of the “Kornareia” festival, dedicated to the poet of Siteia Vitsentzos Kornaros.
Highlights
- Venetian fortress of the 13th century
- Restored walls above Siteia
- Summer events of the “Kornareia” festival
- Operated by
- Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Λασιθίου
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3people over 65 from Greece and the EU (with ID card 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, with ID card or passport. |
| Seniors | €3Reduced ticket for people over 65 from Greece and the EU, with ID card or passport. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities (67% and over) and one companion, with ID card or passport and a disability certificate (KEPA or equivalent from abroad). |
| Students & apprentices | freeFree admission for young people aged 18–25 from Greece and the EU, with ID card or passport. |
Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October, and every first and third Sunday of the month from 1 November to 31 March.
Free and reduced admission also apply to other categories defined by the Ministry of Culture.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The fortress is about 5 minutes by car and about 10 minutes on foot from the centre of Siteia.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The site has toilets.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
