Frangokastello is located on the south coast of the prefecture of Chania, almost on the border with the prefecture of Rethymno, in Sfakia, Crete. Browse through and around the Venetian fortress where events of history took place both during the Venetian occupation and during the conquest of Crete by the Ottomans.
During the Venetian occupation, the Venetians needed a fortress that would protect the area from the insurrection of the local population but also from pirate raids. Locals who did not want to build the fortress referred to it as ‘The Franks Fortress’ [ that is, the Catholics], and with leaders the six Patsos brothers , ruined at night what the Venetians built during the day. Frangokastello was finally completed in 1374, while the 6 brothers fell into the hands of the Venetians and were hanged from the four towers of the fortress and from the central gate.
‘Drosulites’ Ghosts in Frangokastello
One of the legends associated with the battle between the Greeks and the Turks is that of the Drusulites. It is said that in the middle of late May, when the battle between the Greeks and the Turks took place, the Drusulites appear. A procession of ghosts of Greek soldiers, other on foot and other on horseback-armed as they were back then, pass through the nearby monastery of Agios Charalambos heading towards the fortress and disappearing into the sea. As the legend says, these are the souls of the soldiers, Hatzimihalis Dalianis, who were never buried. Locals call them Drosulites because they show up in the morning dew, just before dawn.
After your tour to the Venetian fortress, you can have a cup of coffee, taste a sweet in one of the cafes, or dine at one of the taverns.
Finally you can enjoy the beach of Frangokastello, right in front of the fortress.