Spinalonga Fortress

Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Spinalonga is a barren, arid rocky islet lying in the mouth of the natural harbour of Elounda. The islet was fortified in antiquity, to protect the ancient city of Olous. Towards the end of the 16th century, the Venetians, as part of their great fortification works to defend Crete, built on Spinalonga one of the most important bastion-type seaward fortresses of the Mediterranean. At strategic points in the fortifications are set the two demilunes, major works of fortification architecture.

During the Cretan War (1645-1669), refugees sought shelter on the islet, as did rebels who used it as a base to harrass the Ottomans. Under the terms of the treaty for the surrender of Chandax (Heraklion) in 1669, Spinalonga remained a Venetian possession. In 1715, following a siege, the islet was surrendered to the Ottomans, the Venetian garrison left and the remaining 600 inhabitants were taken captive.

From 1715 onwards, Spinalonga was settled by Muslims, who built their houses on the foundations of the Venetian buildings. The village flourished after the mid-19th century, until by 1881 it housed a population of 1,112 and was the largest Muslim commercial centre of Merabello Bay.

The village houses were arranged in a stepped pattern across the west and south sides of the islet. At the end of the 19th century it is estimated that there were approximately 200 homes and 25 shops or workshops on Spinalonga. Today many well-built two-storey houses and shops remain; their morphology and symmetrical proportions are indicative of the principles of local and Balkan architectural tradition.

In 1904, during the period of the Cretan State, Spinalonga was chosen as the site of a Leper Hospital. Sufferers who were sent to live on the island survived on State funding and charitable donations. Their hard, wretched life did not weaken their will to live. They organised their home, fell in love, married, had children.

After the Leper Hospital was shut down in 1957, the islet remained deserted and uninhabited. In 1976 it was designated an archaeological site. Today it is an organised archaeological site with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

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Details

Founded: 16th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Greece

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4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Whatsinaname wots (4 months ago)
A well-earned cool drink of rose and ice tea and an ice lolly to cool down whilst waiting for the water taxi. Tip ones in Plaka are currently €4 dearer (€12) one by the free carpark is €8. Boats generally run every 45 minutes till 6pm. Check before departure.
Hanno Sterrenberg (4 months ago)
The history is interesting. But personally I don't think it's that special. The arrival and departure of the boats is also a bit messy, you have to pay close attention to which boat you need to return.
Angela Ford (4 months ago)
Busy island but so many interesting areas to view. Has become rather a tourist attraction and would suggest you purchase drinks etc before you arrive on the island as rather expensive vs the mainland. Would be good to have a leaflet explaining the history as 8 euros to enter would help rather than the rather jumbled up boards around the site.
Konstantin P (4 months ago)
an island with an interesting history, it’s interesting to wander around it and look at the traces of history. I recommend during the day or evening, because everything is in the open sun. In addition, keep in mind that in addition to the ferry fee, you must buy an entrance ticket on the island for 8 euros
Michael Marrington (5 months ago)
Well worth the visit ,to learn about local history,and how the Leper colony was started. The island is very popular in the summer, with over 4000 people visiting every day. The island became popular after the Victoria Hislop book. The Greeks were so happy with the increased tourism they gave her a Greek passport as a thank you.
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