Sabbionara gate – bastion, Heraklion

Sabbionara Bastion

The Sabbionara Bastion is located on the northeastern side of the Heraklion Walls, and it is one of the most recognizable parts of the fortifications. The bastion was built in the 16th century, during the Venetian period, and it was designed to protect the city from attack by sea. The Sabbionara Bastion is a large, triangular-shaped structure with a wide base and a narrow top. The bastion is made of stone and brick and is surrounded by a moat. The bastion is armed with several cannons, which can be seen protruding from the walls.

The Sabbionara Bastion played an important role in the defense of Heraklion during the 21-year Siege of Candia, which began in 1645. The Ottomans laid siege to the city, and the Venetians were forced to defend it against overwhelming odds. The Sabbionara Bastion was one of the key points in the defense, and it was here that some of the fiercest fighting took place. The Venetians were eventually defeated in 1669, and the city was captured by the Ottomans.

After the Ottoman conquest, the Sabbionara Bastion was renamed “Kum Tabia” (Sand Bastion) and was used as a military base. The bastion was also used as a prison, and it is said that many people were tortured and executed there.

In the early 20th century, the Sabbionara Bastion was restored and opened to the public. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Heraklion. Visitors can climb to the top for views of the city and the sea. The bastion is also used for cultural events, such as concerts and plays.

Sabbionara Gate

The Sabbionara Gate is located on the landward side of the Sabbionara Bastion, facing the old city. The gate was built in the 16th century and was designed to provide access to the city from the sea. The gate is a small, arched structure made of stone and brick. The gate is decorated with a carved relief of the Venetian lion of St. Mark, in a simplistic style.

The Sabbionara Gate was one of the four main gates in the Heraklion Walls. The other three gates were the New Gate (Καινούργια Πόρτα), the Pantokrator Gate (Πύλη Παντοκράτορα), and the St. George Gate (Πύλη Αγίου Γεωργίου). The gates were all heavily fortified and were guarded by soldiers.

Historical Significance

The Sabbionara Bastion and Gate are important historical landmarks that have played a significant role in the defense of Heraklion. The bastion and gate are also significant examples of Venetian military architecture.

Current Status

The Sabbionara Bastion and Gate are both well-preserved and are open to the public. The bastion is a popular tourist attraction, and the gate is used as a pedestrian entrance to the old city.

Interesting Facts

• The Sabbionara Bastion was one of the key points in the defense of Heraklion during the 21-year Siege of Candia.
• The Sabbionara Gate is decorated with a carved relief of the Venetian lion of St. Mark.
• The Sabbionara Bastion is now used for cultural events, such as concerts and plays.

Fortifications: Key Points

Construction Period: 16th century

Location: Northeastern side of the Heraklion Walls

Dimensions: The bastion is a large, triangular-shaped structure with a wide base and a narrow top.

Historical Significance: Played an important role in the defense of Heraklion during the 21-year Siege of Candia.

Current Status: Well-preserved and open to the public.

References

• Gerola, G. (1905). I monumenti veneti dell’isola di Creta: Ricerche e descrizione fatte dal dott. Giuseppe Gerola. (Venetian Monuments of the Island of Crete: Research and Description by Dr. Giuseppe Gerola.). Venice: Workshops of the Italian Institute of Graphic Arts.
• Sythiakaki, V. (2020). The Heraklion Fortifications: A Different View. In N. Chr. Stampolidis & E. Papadopoulou (Eds.), Crete: Emerging Cities. Athens: Museum of Cycladic Art-ΥΠΠΟΑ.
• Georgopoulou, M. (2001). Venice’s Mediterranean Colonies. Architecture and Urbanism. Cambridge: Yale University-Cambridge University Press.