Venetian Fortress of Agios Theodoros #1187

Description

In 1574, the Venetians constructed a fortress at the highest point of the island and named it Turluru. They also built a smaller fortification further down, which they called San Theodoro. Both fortresses were polygonal in shape and cost around 21,500 ducats, a significant amount at the time, reflecting the Venetians' belief in the strategic importance of the location for defending the coast of Platanias.

A permanent garrison of 70 men was stationed on the island to protect the region. However, in 1645, the Turks launched an attack, and the 70 soldiers proved insufficient to hold the island. Realizing that defeat was imminent, the defenders chose to die rather than surrender. They blew themselves up, taking many invading Turks with them.

In 1650, the Venetians regained control of the island, and it remained in their hands until 1699, when the Turks recaptured it, 50 years after their conquest of the rest of Crete. The island remained under Ottoman control until Crete’s eventual liberation.

Today, only a few ruins of the Venetian castles remain, as well as the older small church of Agios Theodoros.