The Venetian fortress, which took 17 years to build (1573–1590), ultimately failed to protect the city from the Turks. The builders, in general, did not take much care of the defense: an attentive traveler will notice that the Fortezza has neither ditches nor buttresses. But, having climbed the hill and bought a ticket, you can fully enjoy the internal buildings of the fortress, including the Cathedral of St. Nicholas (also known as the Ibrahim Khan Mosque), the churches of St. Catherine and St. Theodore Trikhin, the Western Gate, a tiny cave and something like an amphitheater. Do not forget to take a camera — a picturesque view of all of Rethymnon opens up from the hill.