Gate Gwara, or the Great gate was the main entrance to the old town of Rethymno in the Venetian period and are the only surviving part of the ancient fortification wall. Although over the centuries there have been many changes, but a Large gate and today is quite recognizable.

Built this ancient building was once the city's expansion in 1540-1570 years by the Venetian architect Micheli Sanmicheli. The name of the gate was in honor of the head of Rethymno J. Guara. This entrance to the city led to the Central square of the old town of Rethymno, which was an important public building.

Gate is a semi-circular arch width 2, 6 m. the building was Originally topped by a triangular pediment decorated with a relief depicting a winged lion of St. Mark (Venice coat of arms). In 1670, according to Turkish tradition, near the gates of a mosque was built, which was named in honor of the Valide Sultan, mother of Sultan Ibrahim. The minaret, built in 1878, can be seen near the gate from the square. Due to the constant expansion of the city after the Turkish occupation the fortress walls were gradually destroyed, to make room for houses.

Monumental Venetian structure, but rather, its fragments can be seen today in the beginning of the street Ethnikis Antistaseos. Gate Guara deprived of its former greatness and almost pressed down into the walls of the houses on both sides of the street, but they continue to remind us about the long history of Rethymno and the importance of the Venetian period.