Altstädte & Wahrzeichen

Rimondi Fountain

Rethymno, Rethymno

About

A Venetian fountain with lion heads.

The Rimondi fountain stands on Platanos square in the old town of Rethymno. It was built in 1626 by the Venetian governor Alvise Rimondi to provide water to the residents.

The fountain has three lion heads that pour water into basins, between four Corinthian columns. The Ottomans added a dome, which has since disappeared. Today the square around it is lively, with cafes and tavernas.

The fountain stands on Platanos square, named after a plane tree that once grew here and where, during the Ottoman period, executions took place. Today the square is one of the liveliest places in the old town, with cafes and restaurants all around. The lion heads still pour water, and it's a favourite photo spot.

The area around Rethymno town mixes a lively Venetian old town with a long sandy coast and quiet villages in the hills. To the east, the beach runs for kilometres past Platanes and Adelianos Kampos, where loggerhead turtles nest in summer. Inland, villages such as Chromonastiri, Myloi, Atsipopoulo and Maroulas have old Venetian houses and tavernas with views. The Arkadi monastery and ancient Eleftherna are less than half an hour away. Try the local snails, staka with eggs and the town's famous pastries.

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

Around Rethymno

Rethymno sits between the mountains and two seas, and it is the easiest region to combine with the rest of the island. Its old town and Fortezza are among the best preserved on Crete, with Venetian doorways, Ottoman wooden balconies and a long sandy beach right next to the centre. More about Rethymno