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Heraklion or Iraklion, is the largest city and capital of Crete. It is also the fourth largest city in Greece.

In 1204, the city was bought by the Republic of Venice as part of a complicated political deal which involved among other things, the Crusaders of the Fourth Crusade restoring the deposed Byzantine emperor Isaac II Angelus to his throne. The Venetians improved on the ditch by building enormous fortifications, most of which are still in place, including a giant wall, in places up to 40 m thick, with 7 bastions, and a fortress in the harbour.
The Rocca al Mare or Great Koules protected the harbour of Iraklion. An impressive two-storey fortress, the Koules stored foodstuffs and military supplies as well as being an officers' quarters and a prison. The Genoese built it in 1303 and it was rebuilt in 1523 (inscription over northern gate), after its destruction in an earthquake. The impressive fort has three relief carvings of the Lion of St. Mark, the one to seaward being the best preserved. The second storey is an outdoor theatre during the summer months.