Description of the attraction
The Nerantze Mosque, or Gazi Hussein Mosque, is one of the most famous and interesting sights of the Old City of Rethymno, as well as an important historical and architectural monument, perfectly preserved to this day.
During the reign of the Venetians on the island of Crete, the Nerantze Mosque had a slightly different architectural appearance and was known as the Church of Santa Maria. The temple, like the adjoining small chapel of Christ, was built and belonged to the Augustinian Order. In the middle of the 17th century, when Rethymno fell under the control of the Turks, the Church of Santa Maria, like many other Christian structures, was converted into a mosque, and a library and a madrasah were equipped in the chapel of Christ. Over time, the gabled tiled roof was replaced by three small domes, the facade of the building also underwent a number of changes - the eastern side and the original entrance, decorated with half-columns with intricate Corinthian capitals on the north side, were only partially preserved. And already in 1890, shortly before the Cretan state was created (before Crete was reunited with Greece), the famous Nerantze minaret with two balconies was built, the project of which was developed by the talented local architect Georgios Daskalakis.
In 1925, after the Turks finally left the island of Crete, the temple was officially returned to Christians and consecrated in honor of St. Nicholas. Nevertheless, the building was practically not used as a religious building, and as a result, a music school was located within its walls. Currently, the old mosque hosts various lectures, concerts and theatrical performances.
Next to the mosque there is a small domed structure with an arched opening, covered with an iron lattice. It is believed to be the mausoleum of an important Turkish official.
