This necropolis, the largest of its period in Crete (1390 to 1200 BC), has already provided many objects (including sarcophagi), some of which are in the museums in Rethymnon and Chania. Nearly two hundred tombs in individual chambers dating from the Minoan era have been found and examined. The size of this cemetery suggests that there was a large town in the area.

The massive outline of the Frankish castle (Frangokástele) is visible from afar; it was built in 1371 by the Venetians as a defence against pirates, Turks and insurgent Sfakiots. It is rectangular in plan with crenellated walls and a square tower at each corner, one of which was reinforced to form the keep. It surveys the empty sea as if it were at the ends of the earth (during the low season at any rate). Over the sea gate the lion of St Mark looks down on the remains of the deserted harbour next to a fine sandy beach.

One enters the old town of Réthimno, surrounded by walls, through a late 16C Venetian gate. A slim minaret there marks the site of the domed former Nerandzé Mosque, as well as two other Venetian monuments: the monumental Arimondi Fountain (1629) with its three Corinthian columns, and the loggia or Exchange (early 17C) with massive pillars and rustic stonework. It was turned into a mosque by the Turks and is now a library.

One enters the old town of Réthimno, surrounded by walls, through a late 16C Venetian gate. A slim minaret there marks the site of the domed former Nerandzé Mosque, as well as two other Venetian monuments: the monumental Arimondi Fountain (1629) with its three Corinthian columns, and the loggia or Exchange (early 17C) with massive pillars and rustic stonework. It was turned into a mosque by the Turks and is now a library.