The largest city and capital of the island of Crete. A city full of history and culture.
- Knossos
- Archaeological Museum
- Fountain Morosini
- Lodgia
- Koules
- Saint Titus
The Palace of Knossos and the Venetian Walls, as well as the museums present the local culture and history of the city. The traditional food and raki present the enjoyment and entertainment. The alleys full of shops and cafes enchant visitors.
...Heraklion, the old and the new, memories and life, history and traditions, the sea and the sun, beauty and hospitality, all united in one place.
"Whoever finds himself in Heraklion, is in a small Cretan Italy"
THE OLD | THE NEW
LODGIA
Square two-storey building. It is the most beautiful building of the Venetian period in the city of Heraklion. It was built between 1626 and 1628 by the general Francesco Morosini and was used as a left-bank room. The current building you will visit is a renovation of the old building which has been destroyed. It hosts the Heraklion Town Hall.
CRANE MOROZINI (LIONS)
This beautiful fountain is located in the centre of El. It was built during the Venetian Period by General Morosini. The square is a miniature of St. Maro’s Square in Venice and was the centre of the Venetian city of Candia. The water for the fountain came from an aqueduct.
The fountain has a central trough supported on the backs of four lions. The water runs into 8 troughs that communicate, creating a large flower and are decorated with reliefs from Greek mythology.Το συντριβάνι έχει μια κεντρική γούρνα που στηρίζεται στις πλάτες τεσσάρων λιονταριών. Το νερό τρέχει σε 8 γούρνες που συγκοινωνούν, δημιουργώντας ένα μεγάλο λουλούδι και είναι διακοσμημένες με ανάγλυφες παραστάσεις από την ελληνική μυθολογία.
PREFECTURE BUILDING - COURTS
The building housed the barracks of Agios Georgios and was built by the Venetians in the 16th century. The barracks were destroyed and rebuilt by the Turks. The old Venetian gate still exists.
LIBRARY OF VENICE
The library was founded in 1910 and its first books were donated by Dimitrios Vikelas. Today the library has 80,000 books.
FOUNTAIN BEMBO
The fountain is located in Kornarou Square and is the oldest fountain in Crete. It was named after the Venetian architect Zuanne Bembo who built it in 1588 and decorated it with coats of arms and Roman statues. Parapets and columns adorn its façade.
"Heraklion, the city of millions of contrasts, where ancient history meets modern life, the vibrant city coexists with ancient architectural buildings, and traditional culture meets new creativity. Here you can find ancient monuments and museums, as well as stunning beaches and outdoor activities. Enjoy the amazing cuisine and the beautiful atmosphere of the narrow streets and squares, and you won't be disappointed!"
Museum
HISTORY | TRADITION
CULTURE
THE PALACE OF KNOSSOS
The Minoan Palace of Knossos is the site of the most important and most studied Minoan Palace Complex in Crete. It is located about 5 km south of Heraklion. According to history, Knossos was the seat of the mythical King Minos. The palace is connected to other myths such as the myth of the labyrinth and the Minotaur, as well as the story of Daedalus and Icarus. Excavations have shown that the site was continuously inhabited from the Neolithic period (7000-3000 B.C.) to Roman times.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF HERAKLION
2 Xanthoudidou Street, Tel 2810-224630, 280370, fax 2810-332610, Open during the summer season daily from 8am-7.30pm, closed: 1 January, 25 March, Easter, 1 May, 25-26 December, Entrance €10, – includes entrance to Knossos Palace. The most popular exhibits are the statue of the goddess with snakes, the mural of the Taurus Cathars, the enigmatic disc of Phaistos, seals and jewellery of the Minoan period. Also included are a number of finds from the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF CRETE
The Historical Museum of Crete presents a representative view of Cretan history from the early Christian years to the present day. It was founded in 1953. The museum is housed in a two-storey neoclassical building. 27 Sofoklis Venizelos Avenue, Tel: 2810 283219, 288708
CASTELLO DEL MOLO (COULES)
The Venetian castle in the port is built in the sea, at the entrance of the old harbour. The locals use its Turkish name “Koules”. It took its final form in 1523-1540 during the period of the Venetian occupation of Crete. Today it is preserved in excellent condition. It is open to the public and during the summer season it hosts several artistic events.
"Heraklion, the charming city that harmoniously combines rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, attracts travelers with its unique charm."
ENTERTAINMENT
LIVE | CONTEMPORARY
PLEASANT
WHAT YOU CAN DO
SWIM
MOUNTAINEERING
HIKING
RELAX
WATER SPORTS
BARS
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
CRETAN PARTIES
CHIKUDIA
CRETAN WINES
MEZEDES
MUSIC
DANCE
...IRINI Hotel and its friendly staff promise you a pleasant stay, which makes it one of the best hotels in Heraklion in its category.
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