Crete, Greece

Venetian Fortress Rocca a Mare

Crete, Greece

Rating★4.6(11,408 reviews)

AddressHeraklion 712 02, Greece

AttractionTop Rated

This restored fort built by Venetians in the 16th century has dramatic views & artifacts on display.

Last updated: February 11, 2026

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Overview

This restored fort built by Venetians in the 16th century has dramatic views & artifacts on display.

Opening Hours

Monday

8:30 AM–3:30 PM

Tuesday

Closed–

Wednesday

8:30 AM–3:30 PM

Thursday

8:30 AM–3:30 PM

Friday

8:30 AM–3:30 PM

Saturday

8:30 AM–3:30 PM

Sunday

8:30 AM–3:30 PM

Visitor Reviews

**★★★★★ Kascha K — a month ago

It's absolutely breathtaking. So mystical and powerful as a structure and an experience. When the sun rises up seemingly directly over it at midday and one is standing on the battlements at the top it's easy to imagine what the original Cretans must have felt as they took up cannons to defend what is now Heraklion. Standing there looking out at the sea through the openings on the sides and hearing the howling wind and heavy surf, the sounds of yelling invaders, determined Cretans, cannons firing

**★★★★★ Zoltan Kovacs — 4 months ago

A very nicely renovated and maintained fortress. Built during the Venetian Republic, the construction was completed in 1540, and then in 1669 it came under Ottoman control. The terrace offers a fantastic view of the sea and the city of Heraklion. It can be reached by walking for about 10 minutes from the city center. The entrance fee is 10 Euro/person, free for those under 25. I recommend it to everyone!

**★★★★★ Rusnac Nicolae — 5 months ago

Here we have spent the most interesting part of our day! It is a very beautiful and extravagant fortress. For me this is a place where I would definitely come one more time in the future as it is very beautiful. For EU people that has no more than 25 years the entrance is free as for all the museums in Greece as I understood it!

**★★★★☆ Damian Pichler — 4 months ago

The Venetian fortress Rocca a Mare is definitely interesting, even though you can get through it rather quickly. A big plus: EU citizens under 25 get free entry. From the walls you also have a nice view of the harbor and the city. Overall, worth a visit, 4 stars.

**★★★☆☆ Nasar Urunow — a month ago

It is undoubtedly a historic place. The staff could be friendlier. When buying tickets and entering, I did not feel welcome. In my opinion, the 10 euro entrance fee is not justified. The information boards could also be made a little more interesting.

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