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The Ring of the Legendary King Minos in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion; Read its story.

The Ring of Minos is a gold seal ring, dated to be approximately 3500 years old (1500 – 1400 BCE)

source: Wikipedia cc

This ring is one of the most significant symbols of the Minoan Civilization.

After being found in the late 1920s, it remained lost for 73 years until it was given to the authorities in 2001 and in 2002, a Greek & international committee after careful examination, proved its authenticity.

The story described below is found at the blog of Mr Vasilakis who is a researcher of prehistoric writing  and a relative of the child who originally found the ring.

It was 1928, late October or early November, when a young boy named Michalis Papadakis (1918-1974) went to visit his father who was working in a wine yard at Gypsades, in order to bring him food.

His mother had told him after delivering the food to his father, to go and get the goat from another area from his sister’s field.

(Image by kairatos.gr - Vlychia Knossou. The arrow points to where the ring was found and the square to the point where a Minoan Tomb was excavated after a few years)

Indeed young Michalis went to the field (located south of the later-discovered grave-temple), when he saw something sparkling from the sun’s light. On a plant’s thorn, the boy found out something that eventually was a golden ring.

The story starts to get more interesting, because young Michalis on the way to show the ring to his mother met his mother’s friend “Theodora” and after showing her the ring, she thought it was appropriate to share this information with someone who worked at Knossos, who eventually told to Evans.

Evans and people sent by him would go to the house of Michalis to ask for the ring, but his parents for 2.5 years denied its existence.

This the reason Arthur Evans tried to retrieve more information by a priest who was also a friend of the family. The priest who used to visit the family often, managed to retrieve the info as to where the ring was buried and he asked the mother of Michalis to fetch it, which she did.

During a few minutes that he was left alone with the ring, the priest managed to take the print of it and did his best to persuade the family to sell it to Evans. Eventually he offered them a significant amount of money and took the ring. The ring had a mark by ‘tsaprazi’(a curved-blade knife with fine teeth), done by the father in order to be able to recognize it.

And the story of the ring continues, as the priest was asking astronomical amounts to sell the ring to Evans. However Evans did not buy it, but managed to make a ‘ring's shape’ and ordered Gillieron Fils to create a replica.

As per the blog of kairatos.com years later, the priest was arrested with the ring, and it was returned to Heraklion’s Museum. The Archaeologist N. Platon after making a replica of the ring (out of plaster), called the father of the young boy who found the ring, Emmanouil Papadakis who claimed that even though the priests’ ring appeared to be the same it did not have his mark. So the ring was returned to the priest as being considered not authentic.

G. Kazantzis. The person who found the ring and gave back to the state. - source kairatos.com

As Mr Vasilakis writes in his blog, at the moment 2 replicas are located in Oxford Ashmolean Museum and the authentic one is the one at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. One of them is a replica created by Gillieron Fils (ordered by Evans) and the other one was provided by Evans even though it is not quite clear how Arthur Evans managed to take the ring abroad. The Priest (prior to his death) had confessed to the mother of the child who found the ring that he had eventually sold it to Evans. Apparently he has created a replica which he sold to Evans, holding the authentic one for himself.

As per an article in kathimerini Mr Kazantzis, who was inherited a house by the priest, found the ring during the restoration of that house.

source

On Tuesday, July 23rd in 2002 a special ceremony took place with the former Minister of Culture for the ring to be attributed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum. It is now located in the first floor of the Heraklion Museum.

A committee of Greek and foreign experts  agreed upon the authenticity of the ring, after numerous tests conducted. This seal ring is considered one of the most expensive of its kind, due to its great historical value.

The ring is from pure gold (weigh: 29.4 gr)  and the representation is divided in two levels.

The lower level depicts the sea, being crossed by a boat. In the boat there is a woman's figure probably puddling. Around the sea we can note three shore parts. On the right side there is a tree, that a woman's figure is trying to pull down. On the middle we probably see an altar with a tree on it; that tree is again being pulled by a smaller figure. On the other side we see a figure sitting on a settlement. Between this figure and the centric figure there is a female small figure who seems to descend from the sky or to be in the sky.

According to Dr Minas Tsikritzis’ interview at the local channel Kriti TV, what we see in the ring in simple words are:

At the center there is a mountain, while there are two persons with a tree, one of them holding a vessel.

The characteristics of the people on the ring as so clear that most probably they used some sort of lenses in order to carve them.

The people going up to the mountain, are from the eastern side and mount Youchtas that is known as Zeus Mountain is only reachable from the east.

According to the paper in academia.edu by Mr Antonis Vasilakis it appears that on the left side it is about the worship of mother Dimitra with specific rituals, while there are offerings to the Big Mother Rhea and to Big Mother Artemis.

source: antiquatedantiquarian

The interpretation of Mr Vasilakis reveals that the ring depicts not only which rituals should take place, but describes the details of each worship and ritual.

The ring’s images depict a number of epiphany stages, meaning the coming of the Goddess in the real world.

There is a woman's figure at the left who is holding the tree. At the middle of the ring there is a figure also holding a tree. Dendrolatry,the worship of the trees,  is something usual in the Minoan Civilization. The Minoans used to believe that the trees were Gods and considered them to be the source of life.

It is not clear who used to wear this ring, but it was owned by a very powerful man. The ring is mostly known as 'King Minos Ring', but there is no evidence of this.

Minos, according to Greek Mythology, was the son of Zeus and Europa and presumably he was the first King of Crete. His name appears in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey and according to Thucydides, Minos was the first man known to build a navy.

We will tell his story in a future post : )

source : Wikipedia source : kairatos.com source : kairatos.com source : kathimerini.gr source: naisinous.com source : academia.edu source: Museums of Greece by Zambia Pateraki source : biroz.net for further intepretations and details source: Patris Newspaper:

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Yenicar Aga Fountain, Heraklion

Candia (Heraklion) used to suffer from the lack of fresh water. During the Venetian Occupation, the water they used came from wells and from cisterns put in various places in order to collect rain water.

Proveditore Generale Isepo Civran in 1639 has noted that there were 1270 wells and 273 in the city.

The first fountain to supply water in Candia was constructed between 1552 – 1554 by Generale Matteo Bembo. Read more about the Bembo Fountain here

After the Candia (or Candiye) fell to the Ottomans, in 1669, it was of vital importance that they catered for the town water supply. A Turkish traveler named Celebi noted that there used to be 70 drinking fountains in the city.

Water has a vital connection with Ottoman’s faith; There was a fountain for their religious needs in every mosque and every fountain was named after the Pasha who had built it.

Yenicar Aga Fountain

Just a few meters from the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, one may notice a former Ottomanish fountain, named Yenicar Aga.

Within the arched construction of the fountain, surrounded by two beautifully decorated pillars, lies a beautiful spout. The water used to gather in a marble basin.

What many people do not know is that this fountain’s place was originally outside a beautiful building (archontiko) in Heraklion (Marc Augeri and I. Chronaki Street), but as the building was demolished in 1980, the fountain was put at this location.

You can read here about the Ottoman Sebil in Kornarou Street

If you are interested in travel, culture, Heraklion, Crete, please feel free to follow About Heraklion in social media

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Source: Wikimapia Source: Paper – The Water Supply to Heraklion, Crete, Greece from the Ottoman Period (1669) to the Present; by E. Chalkiadakis Source: koules.efah.gr

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Important People behind the Statues of Heraklion, Crete [Biography of Stefanos Xanthoudidis]

Stefanos Antoniou Xanthoudidis (1864 – 1928)

You walk through your city. You may notice people, buildings, street art, but how often do you notice sculptures? Statues next to which you might go by on an almost daily basis? Together with my About Heraklion project, I wish to publish information about sculptures that are located in Heraklion City.

The Who & the Why. **Who** do these sculptures depict and **Why** were works of art made in their honor? 

The sculpture that I noticed last Monday Morning in Heraklion is the one representing Stefanos Xanthoudidis. 

He is standing right opposite Heraklion Archaeological Museum, looking at it and as you might have guessed, the street that the museum is located is named after him too. (Xanthoudidou Street) 

Who was Stefanos Xanthoudidis?

Stefanos Xanthoudidis was born in Avdou Village in 1864 and was a Greek archaeologist and medievalist (historian studying medieval issues)

Xanthoudidis’ father was the painter Antonios Xanthoudidis (1819 – 1896) an artist who believed in the power of education. Despite the difficult times they are undergoing, he manages to send all this 5 sons to Heraklion and from there to Athens for studying. During that time there was no other family with so many educated children.

Image of Antonios Xanthoudidis painted by I. Diamantakis source

The studies and work of Stefanos Xanthoudidis

Stefanos Xanthoudidis finishes his studies in The Hellenic School of Heraklion and then he moves to Athens to study Philosophy. During his Athens studies, he discovers the magic of scientific research and after receiving his Literature Degree at 1888, he returns to Crete where is becomes a teacher.

Heraklion Mayor Mr Minas Georgiadis mentions “Children who have been taught by this teacher, gratefully remember his wise tutorship, along with this unique, deep voice. Always with strict but smooth presence and an unparallel, methodic way of teaching”

He has worked for many years as a curator of antiquities and later on he was the director of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.

Archaeological Work of S. Xanthoudidis

Xanthoudidis has done excavations and has written numerous essays about them. His study ‘Christian inscriptions of Crete’ (1903) was used as the base of Corpus that was included in the very thorough book about Venetian Monuments in Crete by G. Gerola. Xanthoudidis' contribution is so important that it is characterized as equal collaboration. The study of Vaulted Tombs of Messara about his excavations from 1914 – 1918 is considered to be the best of his archaeological work. It was translated in English by J. Droop and published in 1924 by Liverpool University, prologued by Sir Arthur Evans.

The Vaulted Tombs of Mesara’ – Source

Historical Work of S. Xanthoudidis

Xanthoudidis’ historical work is very important, having published a variety of essays such as “« Κρητικά συμβόλαια εκ της Ενετοκρατίας» (1912)” Perhaps his most important historical work titled “Η Ενετοκρατία εν Κρήτη και οι κατά των Ενετών αγώνες των Κρητών”, was awarded by Athens University in 1925, was published in 1939 with the assistance of prof. I. Kalitsounakiss “

Source

Laografic Work

Xanthoudidis has worked in a very thorough way in a variety of laographic themes, many of which remain unpublished to this day. He has presented an essay as an interpretation of Cretan last names (1923) and has written a number of papers regarding the Cretan Language.

Literature Work

The literature work of Xanthoudidis is of great importance, resulting to international recognition of this great man. He has published the comedy of Marco Foskolo ‘Fortunato’, the ‘Fallido’ (1922), which is a Cretan verse of the 16th century and among other remarkable works … in February 1915, “Erotokritos” (a romance composed by Vintsenzos Kornaros in the 17th century, consisting of 10.012 rhymed verses) is published by Xanthoudidis!

The “Nea Efimeris” Heraklion Newspaper is writing as a title at the 28.02. 1915 “A Big Event” … “In our days, the greatest literature event since Medieval times is taking place here in Crete, in Heraklion…”

6 whole years Xanthoulidis is researching and writing the Erotokritos, including not only text, but the necessary glossary scientifically explained, grammar and required information regarding the poet, the time and place, based on  precedent and current researches.

-----

It was morning time of September 18th 1928, when Xanthoudidis as he is walking in front of Astoria Cinema, on his way to the Archaeological Museum is found dead. Aged 67 years old, he died of cardiac arrest.

He has a very dear person in the Cretan society and even after his death, his values are evident. In his handwritten will (published in newspaper “Anorthosis” 28.9.1928), among others, dictates his nephew “Androklis Xanthoudidis” to give all his books (800 volumes) to the Heraklion Museum. The duplicate ones are to be given to Vikelaia Library of Heraklion and his 15 note books with glossological studies to be given in the Historical Dictionary archive in Athens. A number of monetary amounts are to be left to his village ‘Avdou’ (to be used for the school), to the “Pananion Hospital” and to more institutions of Heraklion.

Epilogue

Xanthoudidis was the first Cretan who in a scientific way starting researching about Crete, with remarkable results. He has been characterized as the ‘First scientist Cretologist, the Nestor of Cretan Studies’ He actively fought about protecting the Loggia and other monuments. It is worth to mention just a few of his accomplishments.

In 1911 he has voluntarily archived all the books of the Vikelaia Library of Heraklion.

In 1924 he prevents Saint Titus temple from becoming an English Telegraph Office and manages to turn it back to the state, in order for the building to operate as an orthodox temple. It is worth to mention that the renowned professor Theoharis Detorakis has published a biography in 2002, including 44 precious documents from Xanthoudidis' files and a catalogue of 235 publications.

source wikipedia in Greek Source – kairatos.com.gr – excerpt from Patris Newspaper written by philologist Mr Zacharis Smyrnakis Source: Heraklion sculptures Source: Wikipedia – Erotokritos photo photo

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The first sunset of the year bedazzled by the first and greater #supermoon of 2018! #Heraklion and #friends Happy New Year 🎊🎉 with a guest photo by dear @theodosia.tzn ❤ #aboutheraklion #Repost @theodosia.tzn (@get_repost) ・・・ #fullmoon #crete #nofilter

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Discover the five most visited and highly rated Heraklion attractions for 2017 according to TripAdvisor.

What is TripAdvisor?

TripAdvisor, Inc., founded in 2000, is an American travel and restaurant website company providing hotel and restaurant reviews, accommodation bookings and other travel-related content. It also includes interactive travel forums. Wikipedia

Users' Opinion and Rating

According to recent stats updated 7 of November 2017, 455 million unique visitors are visiting, buying, post in forums and rate all kind of businesses and attractions. source

User’s information, ratings and comments is a very interesting aspect and we have decided to post about the … most highly ranked attractions of Heraklion City in Crete

Let's discover the most popular attractions in Heraklion! Have you visited them? Do you agree with their popularity? 

1st. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

With 5242 reviews (in total), Heraklion’s renovated Archaeological Museum has the first place among the attractions. The Museums collections cover more than 5500 years of history and it is highly recommended to purchase a package including tickets for both the Museum and Knossos Palace.

Visit the official website of the Museum and our Review about it.

TripAdvisor Reviews until 26 December 2017: 5242

2nd. The Historical Museum of Crete

The Historical Museum of Crete is housed in an impressive neoclassical building and includes exhibits from the Cretan History as well as 2 wonderful works by Domenicos Theotokopoulos (El Greco).

Please refer to the official website or to the AboutHeraklion review

TripAdvisor Reviews until 26 December 2017: 565

3rd. The Natural History Museum of Crete

The Natural History Museum is recently renovated and housed in a 5 floor building. Visit the museum to enjoy an impressive exhibition of Crete & the Mediterranean  natural environment. The museum includes fun games for children and adults, an earthquake simulator and a very interesting ‘Light Mystery section”.

Here’s the official website of the Museum and the AboutHeraklion review

TripAdvisor Reviews until 26 December 2017: 606

4th Castello del Molo (Koules Venetian Fortress)

Perhaps one of the most distinctive historical landmarks of Heraklion is the Koules Fortress. A meeting point, a historical fortress, an emblematic building with a rich history more than 500 years.

Since 2016, the fortress is open to the public and a visit is recommended if you will be at Heraklion.

Visit the Official Site & AboutHeraklion review

TripAdvisor Reviews until 26 December 2017: 572

5th The Palace of Knossos

Knossos was the capital of Minoan Crete. It is grander and more complex than any of the other Minoan palaces. Located about a twenty minute drive from Heraklion, it is recommended to visit the palace after the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.

TripAdvisor Reviews until 26 December 2017: 9493

Knossos in Heraklion.gr and About Heraklion Review

For the complete attractions list according to TripAdvisor, feel free to click here or visit our aboutheraklion blog for our Heraklion points of interest!

If you would like to read more about Heraklion & Crete, please follow aboutheraklion in social media!

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Knossos Palace: The centre of Minoan civilisation and capital of Minoan Crete.

The Minoan Civilization flourished in Crete from ca 2000 BC until 1500 BC. Reaching its peak at 1600BC, this remarkable civilization showcased some amazing sophisticated artifacts, such as jewelry, pottery, vibrant frescoes and more.

Knossos, located approximately 5 kilometers south of Heraklion, is the most important site of the Minoan civilization, continuously inhabited from 7000 BC, (Neolithic period) until the Roman Times.

The city is mentioned as ‘ko-no-so’ in 14th century Linear B tablets.

Restored North Entrance depicting a bull fresco - credits to 112utew

Knossos was a major center of trade and economy, maintaining ties with many Eastern Mediterranean Cities. It had large palatial buildings, luxurious rock-cut cave & tholos tombs.

Artist’s impression of the palace at Knossos, 3500 BC – 1100 BC - courtesy of history.heraklion.gr

The palace had easy access both to the sea and to the Cretan interior. According to tradition, Knossos was the seat of wise King Minos.

The high quality findings from Knossos are housed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum

The first palace was destroyed at approximately 1700BC (possibly by an earthquake) and on its ruins, a second and larger palace was built.

Minos Kalokerinos was the first person to conduct short-term excavation in 1878 and a few years afterwards Sir Arthur Evans has started a long-term excavation, which uncovered the entire palace.

Sir Arthur Evans has carried out an extensive reconstruction of the palace after 1900.

Evans coined the term Minoan in reference to the legendary King Minos and it is said that Knossos was probably the site of the famous labyrinth.

The four principal Minoan Palace sites were at Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Zakros.

The palace was a multi-storey building of 20.000sqm with impressive adorning frescoes. The technology level of the Minoans was very advanced as it is evident from the architectural and structural features, the light wells, the complex drainage and their water-supply systems.

Throne Room with an alabaster seat - courtesy of 112utew

Info from history.heraklion.gr heraklion.gr culture.gr

Contact Info:

Τ.Κ. 71409, Knosos (Prefecture of Iraklio)

Telephone: +30 2810 231940 Fax: +30 2810 322570 Email: efahra@culture.gr

Open:  Every day 08:00 - 15:00. Last admission 14:45

Holidays 1 January: closed 6 January: 08:30 - 15:00 Shrove Monday: 08:30 - 15:00 25 March: closed Good Friday: 08:00 - 12:00 Holy Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00 1 May: closed Easter Sunday: closed Holy Spirit Day: 08:00 - 19:00 15 August: 08:00 - 20:00 28 October: 08:30 - 15:00 25 December: closed 26 December: closed

Official Website

Find Knossos Palace on the Map

Some of the visitors' reviews by TripAdvisor

By Musquat, San Juan Cosala, Mexico A Must See Despite Dubious Historical Accuracy

The palace, a 20-minute, under €2 bus ride from central Heraklion, is a must for any visitor to Crete. There is an €8 admission charge and guides are available at the front gate should you wish one. There is excellent, detailed signage, so I took a self-guided tour lasting about 2 hours. There is some controversy about the accuracy of of restoration work carried out about a century ago, but this doesn't detract from awe inspired while strolling around an almost 4,000 year old world-heritage site.

By Mdennah, Olomouc, Czech Republic – Out of season closes early

I was mistaken by checking the opening hours on Google. The results reported opening until 18.00. How I was surprised (not pleased) when I arrived at 14.30 and learned that I have only 30 mins left until closing! I quickly bought ticked for 8 Euro an mad a fast rune around the palace. It was thrilling to see and feel a place which I only saw in art history textbook! Would be great to spend there at least 1.5 hours.

By driller52, Darwin Incredible achievement of early civilisation

This is the site of Minoan society and the legend of the labyrinth and the half bull half man minatour. An older generation of archeologists has reconstructed parts and this is frowned upon by the purists. However if done well it gives you some idea what the original civilisation looked like. This one was 3000 BC and had running water, drainage and toilets as well as theatre and a full society. Somehow we lost this in the Middle Ages. Found the Site interesting and the local guide engaged as we arrived was extremely knowledgable, had good English and provided some wonderful background about Crete. Did this trip via the red bus from a cruise. Good value. The guide was shared and cost total of 80E.

By Anckie, San Jose, California Highly recommended

Best visited after seeing the Archaeological museum where the artefacts from the site are stored. The history is amazing and profound but without seeing what was actually excavated one might easily overlook the exquisite world of the Knossos Palace, a world well ahead of its times. I wish the site was better inscribed or came with audio guides or a downloadable app. There are english speaking tour guides you can hire as an alternative. But you have to prepare in advance if you wish to make it a DIY tour, which is well worth the effort if you were interested in the ancient history of Europe.

By Sarka G, Prague – Czech Republic The centre of Minoan civilisation

The centre of Minoan civilisation which began circa 2000 BC the palace was a multi-storey building on an area of 20000m2 they used skylights to bring daylight to rooms 3 storeys underground, they used complex drainage and water-supply systems and their god was a woman , they portrayed women as white skinned, wearing long dresses with their chests exposed as a sign of fertility, and men as brown-skinned, in short skirts serving the women ❤ bless them, please resurrect the Minoans!

Saltpilgrim, Paros – Greece Μεγαλειώδες!

Ένας ��πό τους κορυφαίους αρχαιολογικούς μας χώρους. Μπορεί μεγάλο μέρος από το "μύθο" της Κνωσού να στηρίζεται στο προσωπικό (;) όραμα ενός ανθρώπου (Έβανς) και όσα βλέπουμε να αποτελούν σε σημαντικό βαθμό αποτέλεσμα της δικής του (Ίσως ξεπερασμένης) οπτικής, όμως η Κνωσός δεν παύει να είναι μοναδική. Απλά, ξεχάστε όλα σχεδόν όσα ξέρετε, κρατήστε τα μάτια "ανοιχτά" και θαυμάστε. Αδύνατον να μη σας συνεπάρουν το θέαμα, η ατμόσφαιρα, τα σχήματα και τα χρώματα. Πέρασμα από Κρήτη χωρίς Κνωσό ΔΕΝ υπάρχει!

By Nicolas G Το πιο αξιόλογο σημείο της Κρήτης Η έδρα του βασιλιά Μίνωα και πρωτεύουσα του Μινωικού Πολιτισμού, η Κνωσός, είναι χτισμένη πάνω σε λόφο σε στρατηγικό σημείο. Μπαίνοντας στον αρχαιολογικό χώρο αμέσως σου έρχονται στο νου όλα αυτά που διάβαζες στα βιβλία της ιστορίας για το Λαβύρινθο με το Μινώταυρο και του Δαίδαλου με τον Ίκαρο. Περπατάς και αφουγκράζεσαι την ιστορία του πολιτισμού σου. Πλούσιοι εσωτερικοί τοιχογραφίες, ψηφιδωτά δάπεδα, και το πιο πολυφωτογραφιμένο το διαμέρισμα της Βασίλισσας, με την τοιχογραφία των δελφινιών. Ο χώρος είναι τεράστιος και γεμάτος με αξιόλογα ευρήματα.

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Article published [here]

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The disc of Phaistos; An unsolved enigma from the early 17th century b.C.

The mystery of Phaistos Disc

The clay disc of Phaistos dates back to the early 17th century B.C. and contains 242 stamped pictorial signs at both its sides. It has a spiral configuration and the scientists have not yet come to a definite conclusion about its inscription. According to some scientists, due to the repetition of certain combinations, the disc may have inscribed a hymn.

image source Sherfic TripAdvisor

The disc was revealed in the palace of Phaistos in 1908 and you can see it by visiting the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

Ο Δίσκος της Φαιστού. Ένα ανεπίλυτο αίνιγμα από τον 17ο αιώνα π.Χ ως σήμερα

Ο δίσκος της Φαιστού χρονολογείται τον πρώιμο 17ο αιώνα π.Χ, είναι από πηλό και έχει 242 έντυπα εικονιστικά στοιχεία και στις δύο του πλευρές. Η διάταξη των στοιχείων είναι σπειροειδής και ακόμη δεν υπάρχει βέβαιο συμπέρασμα για το περιεχόμενο της επιγραφής. Πιθανόν να πρόκειται για έναν ύμνο.

Ο δίσκος ανακαλύφθηκε στο παλάτι της Φαιστού το 1908 και μπορείτε να τον δείτε στο Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Ηρακλείου

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Former St George’s Barracks, “Kişla” Barracks, Now Region of Crete: A building with history from the 16th century till today

Region of Crete

You cannot walk through the central Eleftherias Square without admiring the imposing building of the ‘Region of Crete’ former Perfecture of Heraklion.

The city’s pride was first constructed in the 16th century

The first building housed the Venetian Barracks and was built in 1583. The structure was divided into a row of 150 rooms and would accommodate approximately 700 soldiers.

The east and north sides of the barracks. 1920 -1930 (Historical Museum of Crete SCHS Heraklion – image courtesy of history.heraklion.gr)

The Ottomans renovated the Barracks and used them as their Kislades

In 1856, after a major earthquake, a big part of the barracks was destroyed and the Ottomans decided to construct a new building. They commissioned Athanassions Moussis to design the building. The new barracks housed four battalions of janissaries, 23 smaller units of locals, armories, stables as well jails, dormitories and more underground.

The Turks would refer to this building as ‘Kislades’ from kışla, which means “barracks".

High School in 1921

For a brief time, during the autonomy of Crete, the British military headquarters were housed in the building. Shortly thereafter, the first section (visible from Eleftherias Square) turned into Heraklion’s second high school in 1921.

Heraklion Gymnasion (High School) by Yiorgos I. Panayiotakis (credits to history.heraklion.gr)

Wooden floors and roofs were replaced with concrete slabs and the facades of the buildings were reconstructed in neoclassical style. In the current days the complex which consists of three separate buildings and extends on Dikaiosinis Avenue, houses the Region of Crete, The city Courts and the Police.

Find Region of Crete on the map

Source: history.heraklion.gr

Here's a Google Review by local guide  Yannis Samatas

Ιστορικό κτίριο, όπου τον καιρό των Ενετών εδώ υπήρχαν οι Στρατώνες του Αγίου Γεωργίου. Καταστράφηκαν από μεγάλο σεισμό το 1856 και στη θέση του οι Τούρκοι κατασκεύασαν το 1883 νέους στρατώνες (κισλάδες) σε σχέδιο του Αθανάσιου Μούση. Μετά την απελευθέρωση εδώ στεγάστηκε το Γυμνάσιο Ηρακλείου, ενώ το 1920 ο αρχιτεκτονας Δημήτρης Κυριακού το μετέτρεψε σε διοικητήριο. Μέχρι πρόσφατα εδώ στεγάζονταν η Νομαρχία Ηρακλείου, αλλά σήμερα στεγάζει την Περιφέρεια Κρήτης και τα Δικαστήρια. Στους παλιότερους Ηρακλειώτες πάντως εξακολουθεί να είναι γνωστό σαν κτίριο της Νομαρχίας η απλά "Νομαρχία". (Translated by Google) Historical building, where the time of the Venetians here there were the barracks of Saint George. Destroyed by earthquake in 1856 and the position of the Turks in 1883 built new barracks (kislades) a plan of Athanasios Moussis. After release here housed Heraklion High School, and in 1920 the architect Dimitris Kyriakou turned into headquarters. Until recently here housed the Prefecture of Heraklion, but now houses the Region of Crete and the Courts. In older locals, however, it is still known as the Prefecture building or simply "Prefecture".

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Original story here

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The name of Heraklion in the centuries

Heraklion, Crete’s capital and Greece’s fourth biggest city, stands proudly overlooking the Cretan sea.

The various landmarks in the city, the fortification walls, the fountains from the past are reflecting the flares of its adventurous past in the previous centuries.

Heraklion was Crete’s main harbor from prehistoric times. The Greek geographer Strabo (64 BC – 21 AD)  mentions in his Geography the port or Heraclium. This name most probably is a tribute to Hercules, who completed one of his labours in Crete.

The Arabs invaded Crete in 822 or 823 and gradually managed to dominate Crete, while Heraklion fell in 827 or 828, named Rabdh el-Khandaq (Fortress with a Moat) Eventually this name became Chandakas or its Latinized version Candia.

In 961, the Byzatine Fleet recaptured Chadax finally liberating Crete from the Arabs.

The possible site and size of the enceinte Chandax in the second Byzantine Period (Multimedia Lab) – Courtesy of http://history.heraklion.gr/

Crete was conquered by Venice in 1211, and Chandax was made the capital of Venetian Kingdom in Crete.

The Venetian town in the mid-17th century (Hans Rudolf Werdmueller, Historical Museum of Crete, SCHS) – courtesy of history.heraklion.gr

In 1648 the longest siege of Candia began, which lasted 21 years. On October 4th, 1669, the Ottoman troops entered the city.

Fresco found in a Turkish house, depicting Chandax occupied by the Turks (Historical Museum of Crete, SCHS, Heraklion) – courtesy of history.heraklion.gr 

The Ottomans ruled the island for the next two centuries. The Official name of the city remained Kandiye (Candia) but informally in Greek the name would be called ‘Megalo Castro’ Big Castle’ and the citizens Kastrinoi, which is a name still heard to these days.

After Crete’s autonomous rule (between 1898 and 1913), Crete regained its ancient name of Heraklion and joined the Greek State in 1913.

View of Heraklion from the walls, showing the Cathedral of Agios Minas, 1900 (R. Behaeddin, Vikelaia Municipal Library) Courtesy of history.heraklion.gr

portheraklion koules.efah.gr Wikipedia

This article was published here

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Fontana Sagredo in Heraklion: Depicting a statue as the female representation of Crete.

As Heraklion used to suffer from water shortages, it was essential to bring running water in the city. Both Venetian and Ottoman drinking fountains were constructed for utilitarian reasons.

One of the fountains that you may often have passed by but never noticed, is the Fontana Sagredo – located now next to the city’s Municipality, the Loggia.

Image credit: cretanbeaches.gr

This fountain was built by the Duke of Crete, Giovanni Sagredo between 1602 – 1604. It served the purpose of catering for the nobles’ needs, who daily gathered at the Noblemens Club (Loggia)

The Sagredo Fontana was originally on the west side of St Titus Church.

The fountain was adorned with a female figure standing between two columns holding a club and a shield in her hands. Gerola believed that this figure depicted Crete.

Sagredo planned to expand the aqueduct to the arsenals, but his plans were executed by the next Duke of Crete. (Giovanni Battista Michael) The quality of the water was not good, and for this reason, when Fontana Morosini was constructed, the Sagredo fountain was connected to it.

Gerola, during his travel to Crete, had photographed the fountain with a beautifully adorned basin. This was unfortunately destroyed during bombing in World War II.

The Sagredo fountain, 1900-1905 (G Gerola, Vikelaia Municipal Library, Heraklion)

During Loggia’s restoration works, the fountain relief was built into the northern wall.

Although the fountain is not in perfect state, the inscription remaining reminds us who constructed it.

CURA SAGREDI PROFLUIT DUCIS (this water flows thanks to the ministrations of Duke Sagredo).

As inscribed on the Sagredo Fountain (R. Behaeddin, Vikelaia Municipal Library, Heraklion)

Find it on the google map

Sources: history.heraklion.gr & koules.efah.gr

(first published here)

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Natural History Museum of Crete in Heraklion: Visit the home to the Giant Deinotherium and explore the versatile Cretan ecosystem!

The Natural History Museum of Crete (NHMC) or in Greek Μουσείο Φυσικής Ιστορίας Κρήτης (ΜΦΙΚ) is located in Heraklion and operates under the framework of Crete’s University.

Image by ashuach

The Museum visitors can enjoy a very interesting exhibition that showcases the natural environment of Crete and the Mediterranean in a 3.500sqm area 5 floor building.

In the Museum, you can explore the Cretan ecosystem, full scale models of natural landscapes and a large area dedicated to exhibits such as the Giant Deinotherium.

Image by Super Mario

The Deinotherium is an animal that used to live in Crete 9 million years ago. Excavations held in Siteia Crete, exposed an almost complete skeleton of this animal, possible one of the largest animals ever lived on earth. Scientists from the museum and a technical team from the Netherlands who studied the fossils, reconstructed the body to its real size, an impressive 4.5 meters high and 6.5 meters in length!

The  variety of NHMC includes Zoological, Palaeontological as well as very entertaining Light Mysteries sections.

Make sure to check out the earthquake simulator, where you can experience in a safe environment, earthquakes that occurred in the past.

Some useful information about your visit are here

Read an interesting review by Kids love Greece

Contact Information: http://www.nhmc.uoc.gr/en Sofokli Venizelou Avenue Heraklion Crete, Greece Tel: +30 2810 282740, +30 2810 393630 info@nhmc.uoc.gr

Opening Hours: Winter Opening Hours: (November to April) Monday to Friday 09:00 – 15:00 & Weekends: 10:00 – 18:00

Summer Opening Hours (June to September) Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 21:00 & Weekends: 10:00 – 21:00

May and October Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 18:00  & Weekends: 10:00 – 18:00

The museum is closed 1st of January, Orthodox Easter Sunday, 25th of December

Admissions •   General Admission Fee: 8 € •   Reduced Admission Fee: 5 €

Another interesting page for your to follow is created by friends of the NHMC

Read some reviews by TripAdvisor

By Γεώργιος Π, Athens Μάθαμε πολλά !

Αν θέλετε να μάθουν τα παιδιά σας πράγματα με τρόπο ευχάριστο και ξεκούραστο να τα πάτε εκεί ! Τα δικά μας ενθουσιάστηκαν από όσα παρουσιάζει το Μουσείο για την ζωή στην Γη .

By Michael A Small but lots of fun.

The museum is small compared to those in the big cities of Europe but the exhibits are fun and interesting. Our 4 year old loved it and so did we. They have a kids corner with some fun activities to do after exploring the exhibits. Friendly staff too.

By Roy S five floors of interest

Well worth a visit with five floors depicting many interesting artefacts including pir activate dinosaurs, an earthquake experience and a small cinema. The staff are very helpful and display a happy cheerful disposition.

Image by ashuach 

By Νίκη Π

εξαιρετικό

Αρκετά μεγάλο σε χωρητικότητα μουσείο με μεγάλη ποικιλία σε εκθέματα και δραστηριότητες για μικρούς και μεγάλους. Σίγουρα μια πολύ καλή επιλογή για όποιον θέλει να επισκεφτεί ένα μουσείο στο Ηράκλειο, είτε με την οικογένεια του είτε με φίλους ,καθώς είναι εντυπωσιακό. Επίσης είναι αρκετά εύκολο να εντοπίσει κανείς την τοποθεσία του και να σταθμεύσει καθώς υπάρχει κοντά πάρκινγκ αυτοκινήτων.

By ZittaN, Galway Ireland

Whole family loved it

One of the best places we visited. Fantastic for young and old alike. 5 floors filled with stuffed animals displayed in their natural habitats, moving dinosaurs, flora, fauna, light and sound illusions and much more. The interactive discovery floor was fantastic. Loved the earthquake simulator. Really fun and educational museum. Even the 1 year old was fascinated with it.

 Google Reviews:

By Omar Reatiga

Not a bad museum. With 5 floors to walk through, there's quite a lot to see. They have a large array of animal models and dinosaus that have lived in the Mediterranean for millions of years. They even have a small area of live animals. The museum is mainly for kids, even though adults will still find it enjoyable.

Angie Vasilopoulou

Ideal for families! The earthquake simulation is a unique experience. Large variety of exhibits.

 By James E

Great place to visit, lived the full size dinosaurs & exhibits

*Article published also here

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Fontana Bembo in Heraklion: The first fountain bringing spring water in the city

Possibly the oldest of the Venetian Fountains, is the one constructed by Capitan Generale Giovanni Matteo Bembo, south of the San Salvatore church. (The church of San Salvatore was a 13th century built church, demolished in 1970). 

Image by Daniela M

The fountain’s decoration contains elements both from renaissance and from gothic architecture. The construction was immured into a storage cistern, which was removed in 1938. The headless statue was brought from Ierapetra to complete the fountain.

This fountain was constructed between 1552 and 1552 and was the first attempt of the Venetians to supply the city with fresh water.

During the siege of Candia (Heraklion) from the Ottomans, the supply of the Morosini Fountain was cut off, but this fountain kept providing the Venetian with valuable water for many years, until a nobleman revealed to the ‘enemy’ the aqueduct’s source.

The Bembo Fountain is located at Kornarou Square, right next to the Ottoman Sebil.

Sources: koules.efah.gr & history.heraklion.gr

The Fontana Bembo after modification, 1900-1905 (G. Gerola, Municipal Library, Heraklion) Source

Find Fontana Bembo (Κρήνη Μπέμπο) on Google Maps

Read what the visitors, TripAdvisor users commented about the fountain.

By BarbieMegaTraveller, Sydney - Australia Historical Venetian former fountain providing running water to the town

This fountain was built in 1552 and along with it an aqueduct to bring fresh water to the town. People would collect water here, meet and mingle at the markets. It's located at the end of 25th August Street, which is the main shopping street starting at the Port end of Heraklion. The fountain is at the opposite end far from the port.

The statue is of an unnamed Roman soldier which is why there is no head to the statue. It is not supposed to be of anyone in particular, it just represents the Romans during Venetian rule. The statue was in another location and brought here to bring beauty to something as simple as water collection.

Unfortunately there is no water running there now but the mosaic is still present.

By Konstantinos1964, Heraklion Όμορφο άλλα.......

Είναι στο τέλος της κεντρική αγοράς. Είναι μια όμορφη ενετική κρήνη και δίπλα βρίσκετε μία Τουρκική φιλανθρωπική κρήνη (σεμπίλ) Σε αυτό το μέρος υπήρχαν δένδρα και για πολλές δεκαετίες έπιναν οι Ηρακλειώτες τον καφέ τους . Τώρα δυστυχώς μετά την διαμόρφωση του χώρου με μάρμαρα είναι κρανίου τόπος. Ο χρόνος για να το δείτε είναι 5 λεπτά.

Reviews by Google

Κυριάκος Καραπέτρος

Η Κρήνη Μπέμπο, που πήρε το όνομα του κατασκευαστή της, ήταν ο στρατηγός του Χάντακα, ο Ιωάννης Ματθαίος Μπέμπο. Ο πρώτος που κατόρθωσε να διοχετεύσει με υδραγωγείο νερό στο Χάντακα. 

(Translated by Google) The Bembo, who took the name of the manufacturer, was the general of Chandax, John Matthew Bembo. The first who managed to channel water aqueduct in a ditch.

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Saint Titus Church in Heraklion: A Byzantine origins’ 19th-century mosque, now a Greek Orthodox Church dedicated to Apostle Titus.

Right next to the Town’s Loggia, on the 25th August Street, you cannot miss Saint Titus church standing beautifully at Saint Titus Square.

Image by kekko201

The church has been repeatedly destroyed by earthquakes. In its present form it was rebuilt after the great earthquake of 1856 as an Ottoman mosque by architect  Athanasios Moussis (who also designed the Cathedral of Saint Minas and Eleftherias Square Barracks)

From 1925, 5 years after the demolition of its minaret, till this day it is an orthodox church dedicated to Saint Titus the Apostle.

In a small chapel inside the church, the holy skull of Saint Titus is kept.

Image by Kate M

Throwback in time It is worth to mention that of the three subsequent buildings hosting the Latin Ardiocese in Candia, dedicated to Apostle Titus (the founder of the Cretan Church) none is preserved. The original building was probably founded during the second Byzantine period. The Venetian used it with few alterations and the church used to be one of the most imposing temples of the city. The building was rebuilt in 1446 and then again in 1550.

Shortly after the city fell to the Ottomans, the building was converted to a mosque dedicated to Fazil Ahmet Paşa Köprülü (Vizier Çamii) following the eclectic architectural designs of Athalassions Moussis.

*Image courtesy of koules.efah.gr

Right before leaving Candia, the Venetians managed to transfer all sacred relics that were guarded in the church, to Venice. The only relic that came back to Crete is the skull of Saint Titus, returned in 1966.

(image courtesy of agiostitos.gr)

Even after a number of natural disasters, the restoration works were immediate since it was the city’s most significant religious monument. In 1925, following the population exchange, the temple came within the jurisdiction of the Church of Crete.

About Saint Titus:

Not so much reliable information is known about him. Saint Titus was probably born at Corinth or Crete and was a close associate of Saint Paul the Apostle. Titus was born the 1st century AD, was the first bishop of Crete and he is celebrated every 25th of August.

Extra Tips: There are plenty modern cafeterias and restaurants around Saint Titus church and if you are in town for the evening, you should enjoy it at night time, when beautiful lights set off this imposing monument.

Image by tzivgeorge

Take some time to go to the back side of the temple, you will be encountered by a calm garden and you will have the chance to enjoy a calm time, surrounded by trees and a small fountain.

Image by polinaaf

Sources: history.heraklion.gr Explore Crete

Find Saint Titus Church on Google Map

Contact Info: Platia Agiou Titou Tel.: 2810-283091  or 2810-346079 Daily from 17:00 – 21:00 Winter Times: 16:30 – 20:30 Source: agiostitos.gr

Some reviews from TripAdvisor users who visited the temple

By ScotlandWeelass Traditionally greek

Sadly nowadays like elsewhere, a lot of these beautiful churches have to be closed unless a service is taking place. Fortunately this was open on my first visit to Heraklion. I was able to take a few moments to take in the surroundings and spent some thought in reverance. Candles wee easy to buy and light in memory of loved ones. A tradition I established some time ago and do wherever I travel to when I can. This is a beautiful interior. Sadly I'm my subsequent visit a large funeral was taking place

Γεώργιος Π. Αθήνα Πολύ εντυπωσιακό κτίσμα !

Όμορφη κατασκευή , με χάρη και φιλέτσα άλλων εποχών , την πλησιάζεις εύκολα διασχίζοντας την Λότζια ( το κτήριο του σημερινού Δημαρχείου ) . Αφιερώστε χρόνο . Αξίζει !!

By bonjoyhal, Boston Massachusetts

Skull of St Titus

Skull of St Titus, disciple of Apostle Paul and 1st bishop of Crete, is kept in a silver reliquary. Quite moving witnessing elder Greeks' devotion. Extraordinary wood carvings to decor.

By Belgo96 Attractive without being beautiful inside (although lovers of iconology may disagree)

Attractive on the outside this church isn't that old now (although it has a very rich history since it was originally thought to have been built around 960AD). However, it was destroyed completely by an earthquake in 1856 and then re-built. It is in a nice part of the town near a pedestrian zone. In personal taste I found St Minas a lot more attractive inside.

By Ian M, Halesworth, United Kingdom Fabulous

We came across this lovely church by chance, situated off the main street in a quiet square. As we approached I thought it was a mosque. It had indeed been one during the Turkish occupation , but is now dedicated to St Titus. Fabulously adorned with beautiful icons, richly decorated with intricate carvings and with several shrines, this beautiful church is an oasis of quiet and calm from the busy life of Heraklion. As we left a young girl was playing an accordion by the entrance steps, which just added to our wonderful experience.

By KathleenK367, Cheyenne, Wyoming Lovely Greek church

This church is a stop on the pedestrian walkway. It was a nice spot to take a quiet moment and reflect. Stainglass windows were beautiful. There was no fee charged although Donations were much appreciated. Hung in the middle of the sanctuary is an intricately carved wood chandelier with Stainglass pictures... beautiful!! Definitely worth a stop and look!

Church's interior - Image by Claudio D

Reviews by Google Users

Alexey Nikolaevich

It is a rather newly built edifice of the 20th century styled in an original type. On this place in the 10th century was a church, much later was a mosque. Demolished upon the earthquake in the 18th century.

Ioannis Seg

The Holy Church of Saint Titus the Apostle is a unique architectural sample of the Venetian occupation of Crete. Its exterior resembles that of a Venetian temple, yet its interior combines elements of the Byzantine aesthetic of churches. In a small chapel within the church the Holy Skull of Saint Titus is preserved within a case embroidered with gold.

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St. Aikaterini of Sinai: a beautiful 13th century church, currently a modern ecclesiastic museum

Agia Aikaterini is a beautiful old church, next to the imposing Saint Minas Cathedral. Built in the 13th century, Saint Catherine used to house a school during the Venetian Occupation and is now the home to a collection of Byzantine icons, wall paintings, sculptures and ecclesiastical relics.

The Church of Saint Catherine was originally built in the 13th or 14th century, and used to belong to the famous Orthodox Venetian monastery, dependency of Sinai. It is built with a Gothic style, similar to the windows of the Basilica of Saint Marc. During the second half of the 16th century, the western church was reconstructed as per the Renaissance style. The restoration was completed in 1576 (as per the inscription located at over the main entrance).

During the Venetian occupation, the Monastery housed a school, in which it is said that many important men of letters taught in the 16th century; among them were Ioannis Morezenos, Ioasaph Doreianos, Ieremias Palladas. Students of the same school were the later patriarchs Meletios Pegas, Kyrillos Loukaris, and Meletios Vlastos source

After the fall of Heraklion to the Ottomans, in 1669, the church turned into a mosque (named as Zülfikar Ali Pasha Çamisi or Ayia Katerina Çamisi.)

In 1919, when Crete was liberated, the minaret was destroyed and now only a part of the minaret staircase is still visible from the inside of the church. The church was renovated and from 1943 until 1967 was functioning as an Orthodox church. In 1967, the church  was turned into a museum of holy icons and liturgical objects of the Cretan Archdiocese.

Recently the Museum was renovated by the 13th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities of Heraklion (www.iakm.gr).

The following collections are exhibited:

Icons,

Ecclesiastical books and manuscripts,

Vestments,

Ecclesiastical vessels and relics,

Wall-paintings,

Wood-carvings,

Sculpture.

Contact Information: St Cathrine Square, Τ.Κ. 71201, Herakleion (Prefecture of Iraklio)

Telephone: +30 2810 336316 Fax: +30 2810 326759

Summer Opening Hours: Daily 09:30-19:30 - Sundays: 10:00 - 19:30 Admission: 4 Euros

More information from the Ministry of Culture

Find the Museum on the Google Map

Read what the museum's visitors comment: Via TripAdvisor

by JudyWSWales SWales What a treat this was!

Spent a wonderful morning in this tiny museum studying the icons, which I have to say I didn't know a whole lot about until I came here. The setting is also magnificent, in a small but beautifully restored church that was a mosque in a previous incarnation.Many of the icons are very old and quite beautifully painted, some by the leading Cretan artists.We also had a fascinating conversation with one of the curators, a charming young lady, which greatly enhanced our visit. Highly recommended.

By Belgo96, Australia Definitely worth a visit if you are interested in Cretan painting

This lovely old church sits right up next to St Minas in Heraklion. It was built in the 16th century. It now houses a collection of Byzantine icons, religious vestments, wall paintings and manuscripts across six centuries of Orthodox history (from 14th century onwards). It costs 4 Euros to enter. Crete has a long history in icon painting due to its history of interaction with Turkey and related events. One of the leading exponents of the Cretan School of icon painting was Michael Damaskinos. A number of his icons are on display in the church/museum. I am not a huge icon fan but found these paintings (and they are given pride of place in the museum) attractive.

By dimitriosn604, Heraklion Ακόμη ενας ομορφος ναός, μεγαλεπίβλητος

Ακόμη ενας ομορφος ναός, μεγαλεπίβλητος και με απέραντη γαλήνη που μαγεύει τον επισκέπτη και του προκαλεί δέος θα μπορούσα να πώ!!

By kate8801 A very nice museum

The museum is small but it has a lovely collection including icons from the 14th century and works of Damaskinos. The entrance ticket costs 4 euro which I find reasonable (considering that a cold coffee in Heraklion costs approximately 3.5 euro :) ). I personally found it fascinating and I recommend it to those interested in Christian Art (or generally in art).

Original article here:

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10 posts!

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Basilica di San Marco: One of the first Venetian buildings in Heraklion was founded in 1239, dedicated to the patron of Venice Saint Mark.

The Basilica of Saint Mark is located in Heraklion Center, opposite to the Lions Fountain and just a few meters away from Loggia (Heraklion Municipalitiy)

This three-aisled timber-roofed basilica, was constructed to fulfill the religious needs of the ducat and the Venetian authorities.

In this building, the Venetian nobles where buried in sarcophagus and official ceremonies took place.

There used to be a high bell tower on the corner, which often would forewarn for bombs, being used as a bomb alarm. The Turks tried to destroy it many times and it was demolished when the Ottomans managed to invade the city. Then, the Basilica was converted into a mosque, named after Defterdar Ahmet Passa. It is unfortunate that the new conquerors destroyed the frescoes and the Christian graves.

After the big earthquake of 1304, the original building was repeatedly restored. The mosque functioned until 1915, when the building was undertaken by the National Bank and subsequently by Heraklion Municipality.

For a short time it functioned as a cinema under the name Minoa, run by a local civilian.

During the German occupation the Basilica was turned into a warehouse, until in 1956 the monument was restored in its present condition by the Society of Cretan Historical Studies.

From the bell tower, which was quite tall, only a part of its Venetian base is saved today with a small part of the later Turkish mosque.

Very often and especially at the evening, the Basilica stairs are a gathering spot for youngsters, sitting and relaxing while eating souvlaki or having a beer.

Today the Municipal Art Gallery is housed in the building, and it is open to the public every day.

You can read more information here and here

Find Basilica of Saint Mark on Google Map

Here's what the visitors mention about Basilica Monument (via TripAdvisor)

By molly215 Auckland New Zealand

Fascinating.

We watched a choir singing in the church.....very beautiful and lovely atmosphere..VERY lovely old church .

By Sarahellen M

Lovely archetecture

The archetecture is so lovely in Crete. Every place you go is full of it. So worth the visit to see its history if you can get around if not there is the bus or taxi that can help. It was closed when we went but even the out side is lovely. A tibute to its keepers.

Gwgw K

An amazing place

I'm one of Heraklion residents who visit this site more than 2 times per month. It is one of the city’s “jewels”, but also hosts really interesting exhibitions.

Xaris S

αξιζει να πας!!

Η Βασιλική του Αγίου Μάρκου είναι από τα σημαντικότερα Ενετικά κτίρια - μνημεία στο Ηράκλειο. Η Βασιλική του Αγίου Μάρκου βρίσκεται απέναντι ακριβώς από το σιντριβάνι με τα Λιοντάρια, στην Πλατεία Ελευθερίου Βενιζέλου στο κέντρο του Ηρακλείου. Σήμερα στεγάζει τη Δημοτική Πινακοθήκη της πόλης και είναι ανοιχτή στο κοινό καθημ��ρινά σχεδόν όλη τη διάρκεια της μέρας.

Visitors comments in Google

By Amir Ali Khan

a former basilica, then a mosque and now a gallery. do step in.

by Ελένη Μπρεδάκη

Εξαιρετικό Μνημείο στην πλατεία των Λιονταριών, στην καρδιά του Ηρακλείου. Συνήθως φιλοξενεί εικαστικές ή φωτογραφικες Εκθέσεις. Προσφέρεται ιδιαίτερα ως χώρος για Συνέδρια και Εκδηλώσεις Λόγου και Τέχνης.

(Translated by Google)

Excellent Monument to Lion Square, in the heart of Heraklion. It usually hosts visual or photographic exhibitions. It is especially offered as a venue for Conferences and Logos and Art Events.

By Yannis Samatas

Ναός που κτίστηκε από τους Ενετούς για να τιμήσουν τον προστάτη-άγιο της Βενετίας, τον Αγιο Μάρκο. Εδώ λάμβαναν χώρα οι επίσημες τελετές της ενετικής διοίκησης ενώ επίσης εδώ τάφονταν οι ενετοί άρχοντες. Επί Τουρκοκρατίας μετατράπηκε σε τζαμί, αλλά το 1956 αποκαταστάθηκε στην αρχική του μορφή. Σήμερα, η Βασιλική του Αγίου Μάρκου χρησιμοποιείται για διάφορες εκδηλώσεις, όπως εικαστικές εκθέσεις και συναυλίες.

(Translated by Google)

Temple built by the Venetians to honor the patron-saint of Venice, St. Marco. Here took place the official ceremonies of the Venetian administration while also here tafontan the Venetian rulers. Under Turkish rule was converted into a mosque, but in 1956 was restored to its original form. Today, the Basilica of St. Mark is used for various events such as art exhibitions and concerts.