Spinalonga Fortress has a rich and captivating history that continues to intrigue thousands of visitors today. 

This imposing Venetian fortress, perched on a rocky islet off the coast of the bustling town of Elounda, stands as a symbol of the island’s turbulent past.

Constructed in the early 16th century, Spinalonga served as a strategic stronghold for several centuries, protecting the region from foreign invasions. 

In later years, the fortress took on a different role, becoming a leper colony in the early 20th century. Here, leprosy patients were quarantined and isolated from the rest of society until the colony was finally abandoned in 1957.

Today, Spinalonga Fortress stands as a popular tourist attraction, drawing travelers who seek to delve into the island’s history.