Kastro Itzentin

Greece, Greece

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Kastro Itzentin, also known as Itzedin Fortress, is a 19th-century Ottoman fort located above Souda Bay near Chania on the island of Crete.

Built in 1872 by Reuf Pasha, the Ottoman commander of Crete, it was designed to protect the strategically important harbor and formed part of the island’s coastal defense system. The fortress is a notable example of late Ottoman military architecture, featuring strong stone walls and defensive structures overlooking the bay.

After the end of Ottoman rule, its role changed dramatically, and it was used as a prison for political prisoners, common-law inmates, and people sentenced to death. Several prominent figures were held there, including future Greek Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos. The prison continued operating through much of the 20th century, and the last execution carried out there took place in 1972.

Following the fall of Greece’s military junta in 1974, the prison was closed and the site was abandoned. Today, Kastro Itzentin stands as an important historical monument that reflects both Crete’s Ottoman past and Greece’s modern political history. Although no longer in active use, it remains a striking landmark overlooking Souda Bay.