The Rocca al Mare or Great Koules protected the harbour of Iraklion. An impressive two-storey fortress, the Koules stored foodstuffs and military supplies as well as being an officers' quarters and a prison. The Genoese built it in 1303 and it was rebuilt in 1523 (inscription over northern gate), after its destruction in an earthquake. The impressive fort has three relief carvings of the Lion of St. Mark, the one to seaward being the best preserved. The second storey is an outdoor theatre during the summer months.