Rocca a Mare Audio Guide
Explore Rocca a Mare with Stanza's GPS-triggered offline audio guide.
About the Tour
Rocca a Mare, also known as the Koules Fortress, is a massive 16th-century Venetian sea fort guarding the entrance to the old port of Heraklion. It served as a primary defensive fortification and grain storage facility during the Venetian occupation of Crete.
What you will hear
The Main Portal
The transition from the bright harbor to the dark, cool interior of the fortress. This stop focuses on the heavy defensive entrance.
The Main Entrance Gate
Pass through these heavy wooden doors to enter the stronghold's main western access point.
The Maritime Vaults and Engineering
Focuses on the storage of goods and the unique engineering of the fortress foundations. Includes the 'Foundation Engineering' essential.
The Great Foundation
The Venetians used an ingenious engineering method to build this massive structure directly on the sea floor.
The Arsenal and Cannon Embrasures
Details the defensive power of the fortress, featuring the original bronze cannons and the thick walls. Covers the 'Cannon Embrasures' essential.
Stone Cannonballs
Defense in the 16th century required a massive logistical effort, including the hand-carving of these stone projectiles.
The Upper Ramparts and Battlements
The climax of the tour, offering defensive views and architectural details of the upper level. Covers the 'Roof Ramparts' essential.
The Upper Terrace
The upper level of the fortress offers a dramatic change in perspective, standing over ten meters above the waves.
Watchtowers and the Lighthouse Site
Explores the small stone structures on the roof and the history of the lighthouse added in the 19th century. Covers 'Lighthouse History'.
The Stone Sentinel
Look for the small, domed structures along the roof's edge, which served as crucial lookout points for Venetian guards watching for enemy ships.
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