HERAKLION

TRAVEL PATHWAYS

Heraklion, the gorgeous Grand Castle of the Mediterranean, which, despite the constant alterations of its physiognomy, still retains some elements that recall its rich and glorious history. A city of yesterday, with its Venetian harbor and its walls, which coexist harmoniously, with the vibrant contemporary capital of today, with dozens of choices in the field of culture, accommodation, food and entertainment. Walk through historic Handakas (Heraklion) and walk 25th August Street with its neoclassical buildings, the Venetian Loggia and the temple of Saint Titus. It connects the Venetian harbor with the Lion's Square and nowadays pedestrianized, it is the most beautiful backdrop of the sea. The temple of Saint Titus is an ornament in an equally beautiful square, a creation of the second Byzantine period where the saint's head is kept and the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary of Messopanitissa. Whether in daylight or evening, with special lighting, it impresses with its original elaborate figure, stained glass windows and its dome. In the Venetian Loggia (a club of the Venetian rulers) a magnificent work by Francesco Morozini, with the emblematic representations of Lion dominating, where the town hall of Heraklion is now housed. If you are lucky, you might visit a charity bazaar with handmade or second hand items. The temple dedicated to the patron saint of Venice, St. Mark, could not be missing from the Venetian-occupied Herakleion. After its restoration in its original form, as a three-aisled wooded basilica with two rows of columns, it now houses the municipal library, where very often cultural events occur. You will be pleasantly surprised to listen to the adaptations of contemporary songs to be performed by the municipality's philharmonic. Go across  the most central and beautiful square of Heraklion, where the Morozini Fountain dominates. It is the hub of the city, a reference point for locals and visitors. Named by Francesco Morozini's manufacturer, to address the city's water scarcity problem. Apart from the four lions (a symbol of Venice) from whose mouth the water runs, the fountain is adorned with mythological representations, dolphins and coats of arms. At a distance of 100 meters, in one of the most beautiful and quieter squares of the city you will find the church of St. Catherine, which has been converted into a Ecclesiastical Museum with a modern approach, using multimedia, touch screens, etc. Besides priceless relics, books and manuscripts which is worth seeing, you will have the chance to get a good taste of the so-called "Cretan School" in hagiography. And a few meters further, the Cathedral of Saint Minas. An imposing temple in the city center. Outside the temple, on the steps leading to St. Catherine's Square, there is the 1941 bomb that never exploded. A little further, the Venetian barracks (Armeria), where the Venetian arsenal was kept. The natural ending of the walk in the old market of the city is the Kornarou Square, where the Bembo Fountain, which bears its iconic Gothic and Renaissance elements, is located. Right next to the Turkish Sembil, the fountain - kiosk, that today serves as a coffee shop. Also, the church of Peter and Paul, which belonged to the Dominican monks, after its impressive restoration, became another point of interest for the city. Also do not miss a visit to the Historical Museum of Crete but also to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, where modern architectural trends marry with respect to the original philosophy of the building. After visiting the museum, relax on a bench or in one of the cafes of the square by looking at the pigeons. At the harbor stands Koules, the magnificent Venetian fortress that protected the state and served as a prison for prisoners. On the southern wall, the old gate - the entrance of the city to western Crete, the famous Hanioporta. South of the city are the Knossos Palace. Pick a cool day and head to Martinengo bastion, where Nikos Kazantzakis lies, one of the most spiritual men of the country.