| Near to the village of Krygia in the district of Sitia stand the remains of a fortress known as Psilo Kasteli (‘High Fortress’). Its earlier name was Monferra, Monferrate or Monforte, and it was built by the Genoese during their brief dominion over Crete. The Genoese also built one more fortress, Castel Bonifacio, in what is now the district of Monofatsi. The names of both strongholds refer to Boniface of Montferrat, the marquis who was apportioned Crete in the breakup of Byzantine imperial territory following the Fourth Crusade. Although Boniface sold Crete to the Venetians, he soon appeared to rue his decision. Enrico Pescatore, the wily Genoese pirate, may have wished to present his attempt to take the island as a legitimate claim on behalf of the marquis. |