The Venetian port of Rethymno is one of the most picturesque spots of the city. It was manufactured in the 13th century by the Venetians and it protected galleys and later the Turkish warships. Nowadays, fishing boats and pleasure boats moor there. Small boats depart from the port for day trips to the neighboring beaches. Some of them are reminiscent of old wooden sailing ships that complement the nostalgic feeling of the Venetian era.
The harbor lighthouse was built in the 1830s. At first, historians could not determine whether it was built by the Venetians or the Turks. To their surprise and after the electronic processing of the inscription above the door of the lighthouse, they discovered that the lighthouse was built during the Egyptian rule, under Mehmet Ali in the years 1838-1839. Its height is 9 meters and during operation its focal height was 49 meters. In 1864 it was passed on to the French Lighthouse Society but its operation stopped in 1962.
It is a point of reference for locals and tourists visiting Rethymno as they are photographed there at all hours of the day, especially at sunset.
However, there are organizations in Rethymnon that request that the monument be preserved, drawn attention to and highlighted. The constant corrosion caused by the structure's constant contact with water has developed dangerous cracks and cave-ins.
On the way to the city of Rethymno, on the south side of the Venetian port, there are numerous fish taverns that invite visitors to enjoy their Greek and foreign cuisine. The facades of their buildings are harmoniously combined with the original Venetian buildings and together with the boats rocking in the water create a picturesque whole.
The harbor bustles with life in the summer. It is an ideal place to start a walk in the old town of Rethymno as it is very close to the most beautiful and well-known attractions of the city.
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