From the newer settlement of Aghia Triada, there is an impressive view of the opposite hill with the older settlement, which the Venetians called Santa Trinita. The village is nestled among olive groves; its local architecture includes a two-aisled Renaissance church.
Village Character and Renaissance Church
The two settlements are clearly distinct: Aghia Triada is the newer settlement, while Santa Trinita is the name the Venetians used for the older settlement on the opposite hill. Their position facing one another shows two distinct settlements in the village landscape. The olive groves frame Aghia Triada’s landscape and are part of its enduring character.
The Renaissance church in Aghia Triada has two aisles and is dedicated to Saint Nicholas. “Two-aisled” describes the church interior as being divided into two aisles. Describing it as a Renaissance church classifies the building architecturally, while its dedication identifies its religious affiliation. These are two distinct, specific aspects of the same church: its form and its dedication.
Rethymno: Old Town and Museums
In the wider destination of Rethymno, the Old Town offers its own urban historical context. It is designated a protected historical monument and a traditional settlement. Its urban layout took shape during the Venetian period and was later altered under Turkish rule. The historic city centre lies below the Venetian Fortezza fortress. The character of each place is distinct as a cultural attraction: in Aghia Triada, the focus is on the two settlements facing one another, while Rethymno is defined by its historic urban layout.
Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the main entrance to the Fortezza. Its exhibitions present the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno offers a different focus: it is housed in a Venetian mansion dating from the 17th century and displays traditional crafts and folk art in five rooms of its permanent exhibition. Together, the subjects span a long archaeological period as well as crafts and folk art.
Regional Culture and Travel Dates
The Rethymno Renaissance Festival takes place every summer, featuring music, theatre and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions. The Rethymno Carnival is also a traditional event; volunteers organise its parade every year. If you want to plan your trip around the festival or parade, check the dates.
In the wider region of the broader Rethymno destination, the Rethymno–Arkadi route passes through villages with Venetian houses and leads to the historic Arkadi Monastery. The monastery’s two-aisled Church of Saint Constantine and the Transfiguration of the Saviour was built in 1587; it is a building from the Venetian period with elements of Renaissance architecture. After the Revolution of 1866–1869, the monastery became an eternal symbol of freedom. The architectural differences are specific: the church in Aghia Triada is dedicated to Saint Nicholas; the church at Arkadi was built in 1587 and features Renaissance elements. Both churches have two aisles.
Discover more destinations: Episkopi, Prínos, Viranepiskopi, Agia Fotini, Perama, Sellía, Roussospiti, Pagkalochori.
Back to the overview of the wider destination: Rethymno.
