It was 1987 when the Renaissance Festival was first introduced to the world. A cultural event that initially celebrated the renaissance and venetian epocj and praised the old Rethymond city.
As you’re entering town this time of year, you see the flags all over the old city. People dressed extravagantly, they’re singing and dancing.
We aim at establishing it in people’s consciousness as actions revolving round a robust axis from which stems the creation of cultural actions in the present time. In this way it revitalizes and invigorates the ways in which we LIVE, EXPERIENCE and not just represent the different cultural traditions. – the Renaissance Festival’s ideology
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Rethymno
The city built by the venetians and had a long and sometimes tragic story. Yet, it remained important economically and strategically, and, after all, reclaimed its independence.
Today it’s open to tourists who come here for ancient town tours and boat trips.
Every summer for the last 20 years, there are events organised by the Rethymno: Shakespeare, Moliere, Goldoni staged plays, orchestral concerts and more. Hundreds of artists come here to play music of their own creation.
The true treasures to hunt are local architectural monuments: churches and mosques – archeological museum, monastery of Arkadi and old harbour that now serves as a dining and resting venue. Cretan cuisine won’t disappoint, as while dining, you might also enjoy a picturesque view!
More places in Rethymno to visit
Open-air Erfoli Theatre
It’s an open-air summer theatre near Rethymno bay, on the north side of Crete. Initially, the local Castro fortress was, evidently, for military needs. Yet, ironically, it serves a greater purpose now. Passing by, you may notice a Muslim medieval mosque, an Orthodox church, warehouses, barracks and a powder magazine.
Fortress of Rethymnon
It’s a well-preserved fortress with barracks, storehouses, a church and a hospital. Go through the main gates and see the local museum.The views from the fortress are amazing: on the one hand, old Rethymno lies in the palm of your hand, and on the other — the endless Cretan Sea.
The overlook here is astonishing too, as the old city can be seen here in all its beauty, and the Createn Sea as well.
Sultan Ibrahim Mosque
There is also a Sultan Ibrahim Mosque (17 century), a Church and the Museum of St. Aikaterini.
What else to see in Crete?
Iraklion
Knossos palace
Legend has it that this is the exact place where the Minotaur had been living here. A terrible half-man, half-bull creature who has been devouring seven girls and seven boys every nine years.
It was King Minos, the ruler of Crete, who created a maze in order to hide Pasiphaë’s terrible half-man, half-bull, terrible child.
GetExperience have tours in Crete, too! This one for authentical city lovers and those who love local street markets. A Cretaquarium and Archaeological museum and more –as a cherry on top.
At the Folklore Night there are traditional dances (sirtaki) and cuisine there for you to watch and to taste.
And this tour introduces the best sites of Crete.
