Crete - Heraklion, fortress

 We had been planning on just heading back to the hotel but the ice cream gave us a new lease on life

so we decided to go and check out the fortress.

Icarus and Daedalus again, on the side of a building.

Coat of Arms over the entrance, a little the worse for wear. The fortress not only had to contend with the weather and the sea, but also, a long series of attackers.

Entrance was free ..Rick is loving Heraklion so far!

History written out in Greek and English. It was first built in 1625.

There was a room with some of the decorative elements preserved

Just lying on shelves with signs not to touch.

Some old photos

Inside it felt huge and had massive walls.

The Greek government asked diver, Jacques Cousteau, to look for some ancient sunken ships and finds from 2 of those are displayed here.

Paintings of what the harbour looked like in the time of the Venetians,

including the buildings for ship building and repairing that we have seen similar remains of in Chania

Even though the city doesn't have an old town vibe much of the defensive wall is still standing.

Up onto the roof and beautiful views of the sea

2 ferries in port

Remains of the lighthouse.

Time to get back to the hotel.

Rick had booked us a room with a sea view so we relaxed

on the balcony (these were delicious)

with a view of the bay

and the harbour.

A little tipsy, we ate at a restaurant recommended by, Nikos, at the hotel reception.

then walked back through the old town in time to see one of the ferries leaving (they go overnight to Pireus, the port for Athens)

 

I am a little behind in my blogging so, although I am posting about a time when Rick was still in Crete, he is sending me photos from Germany.

He's had a wet couple of days

 

but it hasn't stopped him

exploring and

taking pictures.