Venetian Walls & Gates
There were various gates integrated into the defensive enclosure of Candia that enabled communication between the fortified Candia and the “outside world”. Depending on their use, these gates were divided into urban (public) gates, i.e. those that, apart from defence, facilitated the transportation of both inhabitants and goods, and those exclusively for military use that were used by the city’s garrison, such as Bethlehem Gate. Regardless of their use, the majority of these gates were located near bastions or other strong fortification points so that they could be adequately protected in case of an enemy attack.
Having a specially trained garrison and large wooden doors that opened at dawn and closed at dusk, the city gates (Saint George Gate, Jesus Gate and Pantocrator Gate) connected the city with the mainland. The coastal gates that ensured communication between the city and the port (and the sea) also played an important role. These gates were Molos Gate, Neoria (Venetian Shipyards) Gate, Dermata Gate, Sabionara Gate and the Gate of San Andrea.
Most of them were also used during Ottoman rule until the beginning of the 20th century. Soon, the old Venetian gates were no more useful, upon appearance of the first cars on the island. New entrances were built, usually close to the old ones, to meet the transport needs of the region.
