Heraklion is the largest city in Crete, tourists from all over the world come here. The city has a rich history and traditions that combine with culture and modernity. There are several monuments and museums in and around the city, such as Knossos. You can also find wonderful beaches just a short distance from the city. There are many different attractions, restaurants and nightclubs here.
Location
Heraklion is a city and the capital of the Greek island of Crete, located in the northern part, approx. 5 km north of Knossos. Located on the Cretan Sea. Heraklion is the largest city in Crete and the fourth largest in Greece.
What is a must-see ?
Venetian Port in Heraklion
Heraklion port: Its most iconic trademark is the old Venetian fort of Koules. It is within walking distance from the city center, where you can find all kinds of tourist facilities.It is the biggest port on the island of Crete and the third busiest port in the whole country.
At the port of Heraklion we see even today part of the shipyards (arsenals) consisting of large elongated domed rooms. They are the shipyards of the Venetians where they housed, stored, constructed and repaired their ships.
Rocca a Mare Fortress
The fortress was built by the Republic of Venice in the early 16th century and is still in good condition today. It is one of the most characteristic monuments of Heraklion. In ancient times, it was part of the fortifications that once formed a sealed ring girdling the capital of Crete. Although today this building has only a historical function, it still perfectly reminds of the power of Venetians who ruled Crete during the period of splendor of this fortress.
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
The Herakleion Archaeological Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece. It houses representative artefacts from all the periods of Cretan prehistory and history, covering a chronological span of over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to Roman times.
Minoan Palace in Knossos
The Minoan palace is the main site of interest at Knossos, an important city in antiquity, which was inhabited continuously from the Neolithic period until the 5th c. AD. The Palace of Knossos is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur, and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros.
Natural History Museum of Crete
The Natural History Museum of Crete locates at the coastal front of Heraklion, and is a short walk from the city centre. Here you can discover the natural environment of Crete and the Eastern Mediterranean through original and innovative exhibits.
Morosini Fountain
One of the most known fountains of Heraklion and one of the most beautiful monuments of the city situated at the center of the most busy square – Eleftherios Venizelos sq. – of the town. The Venetian General Provisioner of Candia (Crete and Iraklion in Venetian times) Francesco Morosini ordered and supervised its construction in 1628. He managed to bring water from the Archanes’ springs to the thirsty town of Heraklion through a complicated – for that period – system of pipelines and channels.
The eight-lobe cistern, which is based on a special stand, is decorated with embossed mythological depictions and maritime figures like tritons, dolphins and various coats of arms, while the water was flowing from the mouths of four lions.
Cathedral of St. Menasa in Heraklion
The Orthodox cathedral church in Heraklion, cathedral of the Archbishopric of Crete, part of the Autonomous Church of Crete, subject to the Patriarchate of Constantinople. One of the largest temples in Greece.
City Hall – Loggia
Loggia is the name of the building that currently houses the city hall of Heraklion. It is located on the most historic and beautiful pedestrian street of the city. At the time of the Venetian rule, this beautiful building was a meeting place for nobles and lords, who met to talk various economic, commercial, and political issues that concerned the city.
Church of Agios Titos
Saint Titus Cathedral, also known as Hagios Titos, is an Orthodox church in the city of Heraklion, Crete, dedicated to Saint Titus. The current church was built in 1869 as Yeni Cami.
