12 Treasures Of Heraklion: From Knossos Palace To Venetian Secrets

Heraklion or Iraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is the largest city on the island as well as the capital of Crete. The city of Heraklion has a rich history of over 5,000 years, and its rich history is expressed in the wealth of cultural heritage sites that adorn the city. The places that are worth visiting are monuments that keep silent stories of vanished civilizations and powerful cultures: the once-great Bronze Age palaces, the Venetian castles soaring to the heavens, and others. B

1. The Palace of Knossos

It is impossible to list all the treasures that Heraklion can boast of, but it is worth mentioning the Palace of Knossos. This vast acropolis of the Bronze Age was at the center of Minoan political and religious existence. As per the Greek mythology, it was also the. The labyrinth is the dwelling place of the Minotaur. These include the murals, elaborate construction, and signposts to a sophisticated civilization that the palace structure was built to portray but remains to date a mystery.

2. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

It would be a shame to miss out on seeing the marvelous Minoan art objects ranging from Jewelry to the giant Clay Storage jars available in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. One of them is the “Prince of the Lilies,” a fresco that dates back to the Bronze Age and paints the picture of a Minoan prince with flowers that act as decoration. In addition to Minoan relics, the museum holds artifacts from the prehistoric to the Byzantine eras.

3. The Koules Fortress

Overlooking the Old Harbor of Heraklion is the massive structure of Koules Fortress which impresses with its stern appearance. This is a sixteenth-century fortress, which was constructed by the Venetians to repel an anticipated Ottoman attack. Later on, the Ottomans managed to capture Crete from the Venetians, thus taking over Koules as well. As signifying Heraklion’s legacy of invasions, the fortress currently houses art installations during the summer behind its massive, aged stonework.

4. Italo Bianchi’s The Venetian Loggia & Fountain of the Lions

The Loggia is another symbolic reminder of the Venetian reign in Heraklion city center. The noble class of Venice, along with other nobles and dignitaries, lodged in this type of dwelling when in Crete. It is one of the many Renaissance buildings with colonnades which make Heraklion such an interesting city. Near the Loggia stands the magnificent Fountain of the Lions, another architectural treat of Venice. It has carved designs of lions which form a symbol of Saint Mark.

5. Agios Minas Cathedral

Similar to the Loggia which was constructed by the Venetians, the Cretans constructed Agios Minas Cathedral in the 1860s after having to use small chapels for their place of worship. Now, this magnificent basilica dominates the central Venizelou Square in Heraklion with its snowy white exterior and domes crowned with the cross of the Orthodox religion. It has inner marble, murals, sparkling icons, and other fascinating features.

6. A stroll to the grave of Nikos Kazantzakis

The Cretan author of great world literature, Nikos Kazantzakis, who lives in Heraklion, created such masterpieces as Zorba the Greek and the Last Temptation of the Christ. His tomb area is 5mls south of Heraklion and provides stunning views of the city which sits atop hills, and the sea. Here, an epitaph captures his humanist spirit: ‘I am not a slave and I have no dreams therefore, I need nothing, desire nothing, I am free.’

7. Castello a Mare

Even though the Castel Nuovo or Koules Fortress gets the harbor glamor, the less monumental Castello a Mare or Sea Castle is moored off Heraklion’s west quay. This rough-hewn squat 16th-century fortress once guarded the port of Heraklion from pirate attacks or Ottoman fleets. Today, its long stone walls provide a picturesque view for evening walks in the harbor area and seafood meals at the seafront restaurants.

8. The Walls of Heraklion

Again from the 9th century AD due to Arab or pirate invasions, the fortification of Heraklion was deemed mandatory. Today, several walls still exist, which surround the center of Heraklion for almost one kilometer. Some parts have been restored and contain square-shaped towers which tourists can ascend to so see the view and take pictures.

9. Saint Mark’s Basilica

Another historical landmark that can be found in Heraklion is Saint Mark’s Basilica located amidst several winding alleys. Originally, it was a Catholic church being constructed as early as 1239 when the area was under the rule of Venice. They gave it a new function and changed it into a mosque, but now it is used as the Saint Mark’s Church again. This cultural center is still used for performances of Greek Orthodox and catholic communion services.

10. The Natural History Museum of Crete

Unfortunately, dinosaurs and giant mammals are not likely to be associated with the island of Crete, but the Natural History Museum of Crete is one place where you will find the uniqueness of the island’s biota. Among them, there are specimens of antique pottery, the skeleton of a pygmy Cretan deer, and a collection of seashells, butterflies, and birds. This is through the use of games and other information-sharing tools within the park to ensure that the visitors gain adequate knowledge on matters concerning the protection of the environment.

11. The Battle of Crete Museum

One of the important museums of the region was established to commemorate the events of the battle while the Historical and Ethnological Museum of Herakleion is another interesting museum showcasing the history and culture of the island, especially the Minoan civilization.

12. Cretan Adventures

Aside from its history, Heraklion also provides a way to get in touch with nature as there are areas in Crete that remain raw and untouched. Many tour companies are available in Crete giving guided tours to Samaria Gorge, the biggest and most beautiful canyon on the island. Or travelers can take a tour of Lassithi mountain and villages which according to mythology is the birthplace of Zeus. The wine country of Heraklion entices wine and wine taste at the historical estates. Oh, just some of the adventures, for one to enjoy!

Read More:

Buenos Aires Beyond the Boca: 7 Must-See Wonders for History Buffs & Foodies!

Top 10 Places to Visit in Lima

Must Visit Places in Phuket, Thailand

Explore Activities & Best Things to Do in Delhi-NCR

Explore Tallinn: 11 Unique and Unforgettable Places to View

Top 5 Amazing Places to Visit in Pattaya, Thailand

Top 10 Hidden Tourist Attraction in Ho Chi Minh City