Koules, Ottoman Fortress

Souda, Greece, Greece

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Koules Fortress, also known as Castello a Mare, is a historic sea fortress that stands at the entrance of the old harbor of Heraklion on the island of Crete, Greece.

Built by the Venetians between 1523 and 1540, it was designed to protect the city and its important port from naval attacks and invasions. The fortress played a major role in the defense of Heraklion during the Venetian and later Ottoman periods. After the Ottomans captured the city in 1669, they retained the fortress and gave it the name “Koules,” derived from the Turkish word for tower or fort.

Today, Koules is one of Crete’s most recognizable landmarks. Its massive stone walls, harbor-front setting, and well-preserved architecture offer visitors a fascinating insight into the island’s maritime history, while its rooftop provides impressive views of Heraklion, the harbor, and the Mediterranean Sea.