Heraklion City
Info About Heraklion City
The Capital of Crete, Heraklion is a multifaceted seaside city in Crete that embraces both past and present. The vibrant city of today, with squares and pedestrian walkways, is filled with youthful energy, restaurants and bars, but so much of its charm still concentrates around the Old Town and its romantic Venetian harbour.
Heraklion is the most popular region of Crete and is located on the eastern side of the island, between Rethymno and Lassithi. Its beautiful capital, Heraklion Town, is one of the busiest cities in Crete. In the Heraklion region, you will find two of the most important Crete monuments: Knossos Palace & Phaistos Palace.
Heraklion Historical Background
Heraklion is near the ancient palace of Knossos, the heart of the Minoan civilization, one of the oldest in Europe. Knossos is famous for its archaeological significance, including the myth of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth.
The city was under Venetian rule from the early 13th century to 1669, during which it flourished and saw extensive fortification and architectural development. Many Venetian structures, like the Koules Fortress at the harbor, are still prominent landmarks.
Modern Heraklion City
As one of Greece’s busiest ports, Heraklion serves as a gateway to Crete, receiving both ferries and cruise ships. Its port connects Crete to mainland Greece and other islands, contributing to the city’s bustling energy.
With a mix of agriculture, tourism, and commerce, Heraklion is an economic powerhouse on Crete. Olive oil, wine, and other agricultural products are major exports.
Heraklion is home to the University of Crete and the Technological Educational Institute of Crete, contributing to a vibrant student community and a lively cultural scene.
What to do...
Explore a seaside city full of life and history
History is everywhere in the city once known as Candia. As you walk around the Old Town, you’ll savour the sights, like the impressive church of Agios Titos in the square originally built by Byzantine emperor Nicephorus Phocas in 961. Or the Armeria (armoury) next to St Titus, and The Loggia (City Hall) with its 82 metopes and beautiful arcades. Directly opposite, you’ll find the lively Morosini (Leondaria) Square with its Lions’ Head Fountain. Moving on to Eleftherias Square, the most striking building here houses the administration for the Prefecture of Heraklion and the region’s Law Courts.
Travel back to Heraklion’s Venetian past
At the entrance of the Venetian Harbour, the Koules Fortress (also known as Castello Del Molo or Rocca al Mare) gazes proudly out to sea. It took its final form between 1523-1540 and served as a prison during Ottoman rule. Across the harbour, the Venetian shipyards make for a romantic backdrop.
Take a walk along the walls of the old city
Walking along the Venetian Walls of Heraklion, you will see how beautiful this city looks from afar. You’ll pause in small shady parks and admire the genius of the famous Venetian architect, Michele Sanmicheli, who designed the walls and bastions more than 400 years ago. Demarcating today’s Old Town, they made Heraklion the best-fortified city in the Mediterranean.
Mythical Knossos
The most important centre of the Minoan civilisation is just 5km from the centre of Heraklion. This is where master craftsman Daedalus built the labyrinth for the mythical King Minos to isolate the Minotaur, a creature that was half-man, half-bull. Theseus, the son of the King of Athens, slew him and found his way out of the labyrinth with the help of Minos’ daughter, Ariadne.
What we know for sure is that the palace was the headquarters of King Minos and flourished during the Minoan period (2000-1350 BC) as the most important socio-economic and religious centre of Crete. Its complex architecture gave birth to the myth of the labyrinth. Thanks to the archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans’ excavation and careful restoration, it is now one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Greece, where you can experience exactly what life was like inside the palace.
