点评:Koules Castle, also known as Rocca al Mare, is a prominent fortress that dominates the entrance of Heraklion's old port. Constructed by the Venetians between 1523 and 1540, it was built on the site of an earlier Byzantine tower to protect the city from pirate attacks. The fortress is a massive two-story structure with thick walls, designed to withstand harsh sea conditions and potential assaults.
The ground floor of Koules Castle housed storage rooms, barracks, and a prison, while the upper floor contained the commander's quarters and additional defensive positions. The Venetians equipped the castle with numerous cannons, with 18 on the ground floor and 25 on the upper level. They also adorned the fortress with the emblem of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice.
During the long Siege of Candia (1648-1669), the fortress played a crucial role but was eventually captured by the Ottomans. The Ottomans renamed it Koules, which means "fortress" in Turkish, and made minor modifications, such as adding battlements and embrasures. They also built a smaller fort, known as Little Koules, which was demolished in 1936.
Today, Koules Castle is well-preserved and open to the public. Visitors can explore its historical rooms, admire the Venetian reliefs, and enjoy panoramic views of the harbor and city. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Heraklion's rich history and strategic importance over the centuries.
翻译:库勒斯城堡,又名 Rocca al Mare,是一座著名的堡垒,位于伊拉克利翁旧港的入口处。这座堡垒由威尼斯人在 1523 年至 1540 年间修建,建在早期拜占庭塔楼的遗址上,以保护城市免受海盗袭击。这座堡垒是一座巨大的两层建筑,墙壁厚实,旨在抵御恶劣的海况和潜在的袭击。
库勒斯城堡的底层设有储藏室、营房和监狱,而上层则设有指挥官的宿舍和其他防御阵地。威尼斯人为城堡配备了许多大炮,底层有 18 门,上层有 25 门。他们还在堡垒上装饰了威尼斯守护神圣马可的徽章。
在漫长的坎迪亚围城战(1648-1669)期间,这座堡垒发挥了至关重要的作用,但最终被奥斯曼人占领。奥斯曼人将其重新命名为 Koules,在土耳其语中意为“堡垒”,并做了一些小改动,例如增加了城垛和炮眼。他们还建造了一座较小的堡垒,称为小 Koules,该堡垒于 1936 年被拆除。
如今,Koules 城堡保存完好,并向公众开放。游客可以探索其历史房间,欣赏威尼斯浮雕,欣赏港口和城市的全景。它提供了对伊拉克利翁几个世纪以来的丰富历史和战略重要性的迷人一瞥。