Siege of Candia
Candia (modern Heraklion), Crete, Greece
What happened
The Republic of Venice, whose defence was led at the end by Francesco Morosini, held Candia against the Ottoman Empire, led at the end by Grand Vizier Köprülü Fazıl Ahmed Pasha. Candia was the capital of Venetian-ruled Crete, protected by huge walls with seven bastions. The Ottomans besieged it for 21 years, with repeated attacks and tunnels under the walls. In 1669, with the garrison worn down by disease and hunger, Morosini agreed to surrender on honourable terms.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It is one of the longest sieges in history. It ended with an agreement: the Venetian soldiers and townspeople were allowed to leave by sea, and Crete passed to the Ottomans.
What came next
Morosini was later elected Doge (ruler) of Venice in 1688. The siege's huge cost weakened both empires.
Did you know?
Heraklion's Venetian walls, up to 40 metres thick in places, still surround the old city.
Timeline
- 1648The Ottoman siege of Candia begins.
- 1669Venetian reinforcements arrive.
- September 1669Morosini agrees honourable surrender terms.
- 1688Morosini becomes Doge of Venice.