Castello del Molo, Rocca a Mare or Koules (a name given during the Ottoman rule) are some of the names attributed to the sea fort which looms over the harbour entrance. The Fortress was built by the Venetians in the early years of the Venetian rule in Chandax before the new Venetian fortification took place […]
Venetian Harbour of Heraklion Read More »
The street name refers to one of the most important Cretan uprisings to overthrow the Turkish yoke. The Heraklion central market is full of shops selling souvenirs, fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices, cheese and meat, along with small cafés and traditional restaurants (tavernas). The roads running at right angles to left and right of
The town’s main thoroughfare (Ruga Maistra) in the Venetian times is now known as 25th August St. Then as now, it linked the port to the main town square and was lined with the finest buildings – the Loggia, the Palazzo Ducale and the Palazzo del Capitano. In order to maintain the appearance of the
Ruga Maistra – 25th August street Read More »
Knossos is the most important archaeological site of the Minoan civilization and culture. Located 5 km south of Heraklion, it was the centre of the Minoan Crete.The merchant Minoas Kalokairinos was the first person to discover Knossos. In 1900 A. Evans begun systematic excavation work which continued until 1931 and revealed the palace which occupied
Knossos (3500 BC – 900 BC) Read More »
The temple was built in the early Venetian era next to the coastal city walls and served as the Katholikon of the Dominican Order. In its initial form the temple had a single transept and a wooden roof but four chapels were gradually added to it. The temple is of particular architectural importance featuring elements
Holy Temple of Agios Petros Read More »
Agios Titos (Saint Titus) was the city’s largest and most imposing temple during the Second Byzantine period and also the Metropolis (Cathedral) of the Diocese of Crete. During the Venetian era it was the seat of the Latin Archbishop, and during the Ottoman period it was converted into a mosque and its belfry into a
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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
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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
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The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the oldest and most remarkable museums in Greece, and among the most important museums in Europe. The Museum’s exhibitions include unique works of Cretan art, which were unearthed during excavations in the central and eastern part of the island and they cover a period spanning 7000 years, from
Heraklion Archaeological Museum Read More »
The Fontana Morosini (‘Lions’) is the best-known fountain in Heraklion, serving as a landmark for locals and visitors alike. Following recent restoration work, it is now one of the city’s finest monuments. The eight-lobed basin rests on an ornate three-stepped pedestal. It is adorned with reliefs of scenes from mythology and marine life, such as
