VENETIAN FORTRESS

Built by the Venetians in the ^14th century, the fortress dominates Chora and the port of Pera Gialos. Originally, all the island's inhabitants lived within its walls. At the height of its glory, the fortified town was home to 4,000 souls. Over the centuries, the city expanded outside the walls. Today, visitors can tour the old Venetian town, or what remains of it since the 1956 earthquake, including the defensive tower on the south side, known as the serai, , as well as the Church of the Virgin of the Castle (1853) and the Church of St. George (1790). In these majestic ruins, with windows open to all winds, the views across the horizon are splendid, whether during the day when the Aegean sparkles as far as the eye can see, at sunset when everything is tinged pink and orange, or in the evening when the place is illuminated in the dark of night.

Access is signposted from the entrance to Chora, not far from the windmills: follow the signs to the kastro, which wind through the winding lanes of the old town. Once you're inside the Venetian wall, a few explanations in English will give you the historical bearings you need to understand the area. Beyond that, the ruins are not very clearly explained, and renovation work has been going on for years: be careful, especially with small children, as the terrain is not very safe. We advise you to come during the cooler hours of the day to enjoy the site to the full.