Next to the village of Krya, 25km away from the town of Sitia, there is a hill with the church of St. George and the ruins of a Venetian castle, called Monte Forte or Apano Castelli (Upper Castle)

History

It was built by the Venetians early in the 13th century, probably at the location of an older byzantine castle. This position is strategic, because it controls the entire area.

Monte Forte during the Agiostefanites Revolution (1211) was occupied by the rebels, but for a while. Similarly, during to the revolt of Skordilis - Melissinos (1228-1236) the fortress was reoccupied by the insurgents, but the Duke Gradonico managed to suppress the uprising. The same happened in the Revolution of Alexis Kallergis in 1262.

The earthquake of 1303 destroyed the fort, but was rebuilt in the 14th century. Since then, it’s significance decreased and was, eventually, abandoned. During the Ottoman rule it was neither restored nor used, thus today there are a few ruins of the castle.

Structure, Fortification & Buildings

The fort has a maximum length of 120m, width of 80m.

It had two entrances from the south and the west side, which was the weakest part of the fortress. Inside the fort, the Venetians built the church of St. George, a two-aisled vaulted tank, bastions and several more buildings.

Sources