The original Venetian lighthouse was built around the late 16th century to protect the harbour. A chain could be connected from the base of the lighthouse to the Firkas fortress in oder to close the harbour. During the Turkish occupation, the lighthouse fell into disrepair and was eventually rebuilt between 1824 and 1832 in the form of a minaret. The modern lighthouse is often called 'Egyptian' because it was built at a time when Crete was occupied by Egyptian troops supporting the weakening Ottoman Empire against the rebellious Cretans. The base of the lighthouse is still the original Venetian base, although the lion of St. Marc that was carved here is still the original Venetian base. Marc that was carved here is long gone. The 'Egyptian' lighthouse leaned badly from bombings during WWII and earthquakes, but was extensively renovated in 2005 and now looks as good as new. The lighthouse is at the end of a long quay that protects the Venetian harbour from the sea. It is worth the effort to walk all the way to the end where you get a great view from the harbour.