B. RETHYMNON: The capital of the district, Rethymnon, occupies the site of the Minoan city. Rethymnon knew its greatest prosperity during the Venetian occupation. The fortification walls and Venetian buildings of the older neighbourhoods date from this period. One of the most impressive mansions now houses the Archaeological Museum. Another landmark of the times is the small fortress of Fortezza, standing even today at the tip of the peninsula; it is closely linked with a number of local legends and traditions.

One ot the most beautiful spots on the island (40 km. to the south) is Preveli Monastery, built amidst lush surroundings with an astonishing view of the Libyan Sea. Much closer to Rethymnon is the historic monastery of Arkadi, its twice-damaged church an impressive blend of baroque and Iocal architecture. It acquired its present form in the l8th century. The monastery was one of the main centres of anti-Turkish resistance. In 1866, the abbot Gabriel and his supporters blew up the monastery's gunpowder magazine, killing themselves and their enemies in preference to humiliating surrender. Rethymnon is known for the many caves found in the area. The Yerani cave near the town besides harbouring stunning stalagtites, also contained remarkable finds from the Palaeolithic and Archaic eras.