The new temple of Agios Matthaios (Saint Matthew) was built, probably as a family chapel, in the early 17th century, occupying the site of an older Byzantine temple which had been destroyed by an earthquake. Following the Ottoman conquest, it was given as a metochion (small monastic establishment) to the Saint Catherine’s Orthodox Monastery of […]
Agios Matthaios (Saint Matthew) Read More »
The Museum of Christian Art “Saint Catherine of Sinai” is housed in a cruciform church dedicated to St. Catherine. It is located in the city center, close to the old and the current Metropolitan church of St. Minas.The church was founded in the second Byzantine period and was a centre of intellectual activity from the
Agia Aikaterini (Saint Catherine) Read More »
The small chapel next to Agios Minas Cathedral was built in the 17th century, and was initially consecrated to the Virgin Mary Pantanassa (Queen of All). Following the conquest of Crete by the Ottomans (1669), the chapel was abandoned for many years until 1735, when it was renovated in order to serve as the city’s
Chapel of Agios Minas (Saint Minas) Read More »
Agios Minas (Saint Minas) is the patron saint of Heraklion and his temple was built in the mid-19th century, at a time when Ottoman reforms had led to a gradual improvement of the position of the Christian population of Crete. The temple was designed by the architect from Epirus Athanasios Mousis and construction began in
Agios Minas Cathedral (Saint Minas) Read More »
While enjoying a stroll in the promenade of Heraklion, make a stop at the crossroads of 25th August street and the seafront avenue, at the “Eighteen Englishmen Square”, a small square with a long history! In the late 19th century (1898), the Muslim populations of the countryside gathered at Heraklion, seeking refuge and protection, yet
Eighteen Englishmen Square Read More »
Eleftherias Square (meaning “Freedom Square”) is the largest square at the heart of the city that bursts of life during all hours of day and night. It is a favorite meeting point for all age groups who enjoy their coffee at the cafés around the square as well as for youngsters who engage into activities
Eleftherias Square Read More »
At the end of the central market lies the Kornarou Square or “Valide Tzami” (Valide Mosque) owing its name to the great Cretan poet, Vitsentzos Kornaros (or Vincenzo Cornaro) (1553-16), one of the leading figures of the Cretan Renaissance and the writer of multiverse rhymed narrative and romantic poem “Erotokritos”. During the Venetian rule, the
Take a stroll through the Georgiadis Park that extends near the Eleftherias Square, right across the statue of Eleftherios Venizelos[i] and is one of the largest green oases in the city. In the northern entrance of the park, you will come across a small, beautiful garden with Cretan herbs, while the playground on the southern
The Lions Square or Eleftheriou Venizelou Square is the heart of Heraklion city and the favorite gathering place for locals and visitors. Here, the morning tourists arriving by ferry make a stop for their breakfast, especially the local bougatsa, while waiting for the city to wake up. During the day, thousands of passersby and tourists
This fountain is now situated at the top of Ikarou Avenue next to the Museum Epigraphy Collection. The lavishly decorated spout is in an arch flanked by two pillars adorned with rosettes. Water gathered in a marble basin lavishly decorated with reliefs.
Yenicar Aga Fountain Read More »
