Capital of Crete, Heraklion is a bustling town whose famous natives include painter El Greco, author of Zorba, Nikos Kazantzakis and Nobelist Odysseas Elytis. Heraklion was first a Saracen stronghold (Kandak), Venetian citadel (Candia), Ottoman seat of government until 1850 and Greek city since 1913. Rocco al Mare, the impressive 16th-century Venetian fortress, the Venetian harbour and shipyards, the Loggia, San Marco’s church and the Morosini fountain are a few of the monuments of Heraklion, testaments to its Venetian heritage.
Heraklion is home to a museum with the greatest collection of Minoan art and close to Knossos, the centre of the Minoan civilization which flourished from 2,700 to 1,450 BC. Fine pottery, sculptural masterpieces, stunning jewellery and amazing frescoes grace the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Ten minutes from the city, Knossos, which brings to mind the myth of the Minotaur, is the most visited site of Greece, after the Acropolis of Athens.
Next to the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Battle of Crete displays uniforms and weapons, commemorating the city’s resistance to Nazi invasion. Nearby a selection of restaurants and tavernas offer fine to moderate dining in the pedestrianised streets between Agiou Titou and Daedalou; Evans Street and Odos 1866. For a taste of night-life, head to the west of the city.
There are many beaches to be explored, north and south of Heraklion, such as Ammoudara, Amnisos, Kokkini Hani, Matala (a 1970s Hippies haven), Tsoutsouros and Sidonia. They all get very crowded in the summer months.
Heraklion is the capital of Crete and the 4 th largest city in the country. Numerous cultural events take place year-round with most famous The Heraklion Summer Festival which is held from 1-15 th of July every summer and includes exhibitions, dance performances and theatrical plays. Saint Titus is regarded as the patron of the island and on the 25 th of August the celebration of the feast of the Saint takes place. The Archaeological and the Historical museums can be easily found in the city and they are among most important and rich museums in Greece. Remains from the various Minoan palaces can be found, with the most famous the Palace of Knossos. Also, the city houses the Minos Winery Museum, the Kazantzakis Museum, an Aquarium and a collection of Byzantine icons in Saint Cathrine of Sinai which is housed in the Church of Saint Catherine.
