• Rethymnon is a beautiful town where the remains of the various civilizations
that have prevailed there throughout the centuries blend together. When
approaching Rethymnon by sea, the Venetian port welcomes us. Fortezza is the
impressive castle below which lies the OldTown
• On the northwestern side of Psiloritis mountain stands the Arkadi Monastery
where the most heroic act of freedom and self-sacrifice in Crete took place: the
explosion of a gunpowder room in 1866, when the Monastery was seized by Mustafa
Pasha
• Anogia, the most “genuine” area of Crete, has preserved its mores and
morals although after World War II the village was destroyed and lost its
traditional style. Nikos Xylouris, the famous Cretan singer, was born in Anogia
• In the south of the Prefecture, Preveli is a location of great natural
beauty. The Lake of Preveli is formed by the outfalls of river Kourtaliotis,
surrounded by a palm tree forest and whitish sand. Closeby stands the historical
Monastery of Preveli
Top festivals
Perfecture of RETHYMNO
Greece
Region of Crete Capital town: Rethymno Area: Population:
Presentation
In the Prefecture of Rethymnon, the sea and the imposing mountain ranges are indissolubly interconnected. Its capital is the homonymous city where the Venetian, Muslim and Christian elements are still present. Its landmark is the Venetian port with the lighthouse.
In this Prefecture, the visitor will come across gorges, more than 800 caves, valleys and mountains. Up high on Mount Idi (or Psiloritis) is the cave of Zeus and the heroic Arkadi Monastery where the 1861 Holocaust took place, turning Arkadi into a universal symbol of freedom.
In traditional villages, such as Anogeia, tradition remains intact. In the north of the Prefecture, there are supermodern hotel units, located on vast sandy beaches. The southern side offers unknown spots of unparalleled beauty.
History
Human presence in Rethymnon dates back to the 6th millenium BC, as proved by findings at Idaion Cave. Important data of the Minoan Period (2600 – 1100 BC) have been unearthed. During the Classic and the Hellenistic periods, Rithymna and other cities flourished.
Conquerently with the establishment of Byzantium, the spread of Christianity began. In 1211 AD began the Venetian Era which ended in 1646 after the surrender of Rethymnon to the Turks. In 1869 the Arkadi Holocaust took place, while in 1897 came the much-wanted autonomy.
Information
• EOT (GNTO – Greek National Tourist Organisation): 2831029148
Region of Crete
