About Crete Island
The birthplace of both the king of the Olympian gods and of modern European civilization, Crete is a Mediterranean jewel. It’s rich with archaeological and mythological history that’s reflected in its ancient ruins and cultural attractions. Soak up the charming atmosphere of Chania Town’s Old Venetian Harbor or the fortresses and monasteries of Rethymnon. The awesome Minoan ruins of Malia date to 1900 BC, and majestic Mt. Ida is said to be home to the cave where Zeus was born.
Rethymnon History
The town of Rethymno has a rich history; it was occupied by the Romans, the Venetians and most recently by the Ottoman Empire. Rethymno was founded by the Minoans who are also credited as being the first civilisation in Europe.
This region as a whole is rich with ancient history, most notably through the Minoan civilisation centred at Knossos east of Rethymno.[2] Rethymno itself began a period of growth when the Venetian conquerors of the island decided to put an intermediate commercial station between Heraklion and Chania, acquiring its own bishop and nobility in the process. Today’s old town (palia poli) was almost entirely built by the Republic of Venice. It is one of the best-preserved old towns in Crete.
Rethymno Nowadays
Today Rethymno is a modern Greek city full of life with a steady influx of foreign visitors. The local university attracts many students from all over Greece and also internationally.Rethymno combines old city charm, historic landmarks, and proximity to traditional villages as well as some of Crete’s finest beaches.
If you want to spend most of your Cretan holiday in one place, then Rethymno town is the ideal choice. It also provides easy access to other major cities for day trips. This region as a whole is rich with ancient history, most notably through the Minoan civilisation centred at Knossos east of Rethymno. Rethymno itself began a period of growth when the Venetian conquerors of the island decided to put an intermediate commercial station between Heraklion and Chania, acquiring its own bishop and nobility in the process. Today’s old town (palia poli) was almost entirely built by the Republic of Venice. It is one of the best-preserved old towns in Crete.
