Review:

This low, square structure is situated on the western pier of the Heraklion harbor. Koules Fortress is a Venetian fortress, also known as 'Castello a mare' or fortress of the sea.

It was rebuilt in the 16th century and has been damaged and repaired several times since. The walls on three sides are 8.7 meters thick at the base and there are three strong, wooden doors at the entrance.

There were 18 cannon positions on the ground floor and 25 on the upper level. The ramparts have been restored and a marble relief of the winged lion of Venice is almost intact.

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