Koules Fortress

Koules
Κούλες
Part of the fortifications of Heraklion
Heraklion, Crete, Greece
The Koules fortress
Site information
TypeFort
OwnerHellenic Ministry of Culture
Controlled by
Open to
the public
Yes
ConditionIntact
Websitekoules.efah.gr
Location
Map of Candia (modern Heraklion) with Koules circled
Koules
Coordinates35°20′40.7″N 25°8′12.66″E / 35.344639°N 25.1368500°E / 35.344639; 25.1368500
Area3,600 m2 (39,000 sq ft)
Site history
Built1523–1540
Built byRepublic of Venice
In use1580–20th century
MaterialsLimestone
Battles/warsSiege of Candia
EventsCretan War (1645–1669)

The Koules (Greek: Κούλες) or Castello a Mare ("Fort on the Sea" in Italian) is a fortress located at the entrance of the old port of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. It was built by the Republic of Venice in the early 16th century, and is still in good condition today.