Fortezza is a Venetian fortress in Rethymno, Crete; it is situated nearly in the centre of the old town. Huge impressive structure Fortezza has a long history. Fortezza is visible from every corner of the city, and the fortress offers stunning views of Rethymno and the West coast.

The fortress is situated on the hill of Paleokastro (Old castle). There is a theory that in ancient times this hill was a small island, but a narrow channel that separated Paliokastro and Crete eventually dried up and the hill became part of the big island. Probably in the Roman period it housed the ancient Acropolis with the temples of Apollo and Artemis, although there are no reliable evidence of this was found. In those days, Rethymno town was an independent city with its own coinage, but not particularly powerful. In the Byzantine period (10th-13th century BC) this was once a small settlement surrounded by a wall, called Castrum Retime or Castel Vecchio. Later the Venetians called it the Antico castle (Old castle).

The Venetians, as a Maritime nation, was going to build a small harbour and use Rethymnon as a shelter or an intermediate base between Heraklion and Chania. Over time the city grew, the need arose in the construction of new fortifications. Turkish threat and the development of artillery after the invention and widespread use of gunpowder in the first half of the 16th century forced Venice to take seriously the organization of military defence of Crete. It was decided to build a wall by the Venetian architect Michele Sanmicheli.

The first Foundation stone was laid on 8 April 1540, but construction was completed only to 1570. Wall Rethymno was the only appearance of protection and, unfortunately, were not strong enough to withstand the attack of the corsairs Oluji Ali. In 1571 he attacked Rethymno 40 galleys and completely destroyed the city. This event demonstrated the need for more effective strengthening. It was decided to build a fortress that could accommodate all the structures of Rethymno. Hill Paliokastro considered most appropriate, and work began on the fortress of Fortezza. Construction began on 13 September 1573. Walls and public buildings were completed by 1580.

After completion of the work, it became apparent that the fortress is not enough space for private homes and the historic centre was declared a public space that can be used in the event of a threat of attack. Most likely the Venetians planned construction of a fortress to protect local residents, and use it for your own personal needs. In Fortezza is located in the Venetian garrison and administration. In fact, the Fortezza was never a particularly safe construction, since there was no outer ditch or buttresses (walls were low without sufficient support) from the land. A harbour of Rethymno was too small for the Venetian galleys. Thus, the fortress served as administrative purposes and temporary shelter for local residents who fled their homes abroad.

Rethymno town surrendered to the Turks in 1646. St. Nicholas Cathedral was rebuilt in the Ibrahim Han mosque. On the southern and Eastern side of the castle buildings were constructed for the Turkish garrison and administration. At the turn of the 20th century on the territory of the fortress there was a lot of residential buildings. After the Second World War the inhabitants of Rethymno began to move outside the walls of the fortress.

Over time, all dilapidated buildings (mostly of Turkish origin) were destroyed. Almost 20 years it took to restore the fortress. Today we see Fortezza almost like she was under the Venetians. This monumental building is a landmark of the city.