Frangokastello - Venetian Castle

From the Oasis Apartments is going very interesting coastal path right to the Venetian Castle, the soul of Frangokastello, take that camera with you.

Built by the Venetians in 1371- 74 castle function was to serve as a garrison to control and impose order on the Sfakia region. That time it was necessary to supress rebellions, to deter pirates, and to protect Venetian further development. Named by Venetians as Saint Nikitas Castle after nearby church- Frangokastello never gave positive impression to the locals, however. Sfakians contemptuously dubbed it "Frangokastello", meaning the Castle of the Franks- Catholic foreigners. The name eventually stuck and was adopted by the same Franks (Venetians) as well passing the stages as Castelfranco or Franco Castello etc. Frangokastello (castle) has a simple rectangular shape, tower at each corner and the Venetian coat of arms above the main gate. The constructions within the walls, and the battlements were builded during the Ottoman Turkish occupation.

Very well preserved the Castle symbolize second Frangokastello diamond right after the send beach. Looks like that with several horses and Venetian dressed actors one could "travel" in mid age in no time. The Castle is going to stay there forever, and same- that's general feeling.. Frangokastello is an ideal model and many amateurs or professional painters were painting the Castle. There's even a Country (Greek) stamp with a Frangokastello painting on it. Painting is just a drop in the sea of relaxing things you can experience here.