English: Souda is the name of the small island that stands like a guard in the entrance of the gulf of Souda (Crete).

On the island the Venetians constructed one of the greatest fortresses of Crete, to protect the gulf from enemies and pirates. The art of fortification was applied in its excellence on this building, which resisted the attacks of the Turkish army for many years. The fortress remained in the possession of the Venetians for half a century after the invasion of Crete by the Turkish army and was used as a refuge for convicted revolutionaries.

The islet remained in Venetian possession until September 27, 1715, when it was finally surrendered to the Turkish army after a long siege and heroic resistance that lasted for 72 days.