DATES: 17–30 August 2025
LOCATION: Fortezza Castle, Old Town Rethymno, Crete
Crete in summer pulses with life, not only through its natural beauty, but also through events that celebrate its deep cultural roots. One of the most distinctive cultural events in Western Crete is the Renaissance Festival of Rethymno, an annual celebration of art, music, theatre and heritage that takes place within the iconic Fortezza fortress.
A HISTORIC VENUE COMES ALIVE
Held at the open-air Erofili Theatre, located inside the 16th-century Venetian Fortezza, the festival invites visitors to experience Renaissance-inspired performances in a setting that is itself a relic of the era. With panoramic sea views, warm August nights and centuries-old stone walls, the venue alone makes for an unforgettable night out.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2025
From theatrical plays by Molière and Shakespeare, to classical concerts, dance performances, and multimedia exhibitions, the Renaissance Festival brings together artists from all over Greece and Europe. The program is curated to highlight the cultural connections between Renaissance Crete and the broader Mediterranean world.
Whether you’re a lover of the arts or simply curious to see a fortress transformed into a stage, the Renaissance Festival is an atmospheric and deeply local experience, one that goes far beyond mainstream tourism.
