Heraklion
Heraklion is a bustling modern city 313.000 inhabitants . It is the capital city of Crete and offers a wealth of museums,historical sightseeings amazing nightlife and events throughout the year. Today Heraklion is the top choice for tourist destinations in the Mediterranean thanks to strategic geopolitical position connecting three continents and many different cultures, furthermore the city is also the commercial and scientific centre of the island.
How to get to Heraklion
Heraklion has an international airport with scheduled flights year-round and abundant charter flights serving much of Europe during the season - April to October.
Ferries sail to and from Athens (Pireas) daily to the port of Heraklion .
| Languages spoken | Greek - Hellenic |
|---|---|
| Currency used | Euros (€) |
| Country name | Greece - Hellas |
Places to see
If you begin a walk around Heraklion, starting at the fishing harbour close to the modern port, what will strike you first is the Venetian fortress at the harbour gate. The fortess was originally built by the Venetians and called Rocca al Mare, but is now known by its Turkish name, Koules. For centuries it was used as protection against invaders, as were the great city walls and ditches. These are among the longest city walls in Europe.
While walking through the city and the 25th August street towards the Lion square you will reach St, Titus Cathedral . Saint Titus, preached the gospel in Crete during Roman rule and was martyred in Gortyn, where a 7th Century basilica stands in his memory. His church in Heraklion was built during the second Byzantine period, when it first served as the city's cathedral.
A little further you discover the Venetian architecture of the Loggia which functioned as a club for the nobility to gather and relax. The Loggia is a wonderful example of Venetian building, unmistakeable with its semi-circular arches, it was built in the 16th century. St. Mark''s Basilica, almost next door, is now the Municipal Art Gallery and often host to art and crafts exhibitions, almost always open to visit.
You will reach the famous Lion square. This is the heart of Heraklion where tourists and locals share the small space around the fountain. The decorated fountain is composed of eight cisterns and decorated with stone relief, depicting figures of Greek mythology, Nymphs, Tritons, sea monsters and dolphins, while the main basin is supported by four sitting lions balancing a circular bowl on their heads.
The region of Heraklion has many interesting sightseeings , including the archaeological sites of Knossos, Gortyn, and Phaestos,as well as various monasteries. If you feel like expanding your knowledge in Minoan history you can visit the recently renovaded Archaeological Museum or maybe the Natural history museum which has dinosaurs and an earthquake simulator. A few kilometres away from the city center is the Creta Aquarium