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Cultural Routes in the city of Heraklion
Heraklion from a different view
Explore Heraklion through five different cultural routes
COASTAL ROUTE
Follow the coastal route that starts from the East Shipyards and ends at the Bastion-Gate of St. Andreas. You will have the opportunity to enjoy your walk with a view of the endless blue sky and at the same time you will see several of the most important monuments of the city, such as the Venetian port of Heraklion, the majestic fortress Rocca a Mare (Koules), the temple and the Monastery of St. Peter the Martyr of the Dominican Order, the Historical Museum, as well as the Natural History Museum.
1. SHIPYARDS
Opposite the Venetian harbor and the Fortress that dominates its entrance, you will find the Venetian Shipyards (Neoria). In their attempt to make the port of the city more secure, the Venetians built walls to protect it, and shipyards where ships were built and repaired. These are domed elongated structures, where each dome was intended for a galley. In their original form, the Shipyards were open towards the seaside, which reached into their interior, so that the ships could be retrieved more easily. Right next to the Shipyards, you will find the salt warehouse, as the Venetians traded salt and maintained a monopoly in the Mediterranean for many years.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Try fish and seafood appetizers, such as fried squid, seafood pasta or risotto, and grilled octopus at a fish restaurant, while enjoying the magnificent view of the Cretan sea.
- Choose one of the cafes or hotel roof gardens for a coffee or dessert with a view of the Venetian harbor and the majestic fortress Rocca a mare (Koules).
2. KOULES FORTRESS
Αt the entrance of the Venetian port, visit the emblematic fortress of Koules or Rocca a Mare (=Fortress on the Sea), which is a symbol of Heraklion. For its construction, old ships loaded with boulders were sunk in order to create a strong breakwater and protect the fortress. Having been used as a prison during Ottoman rule (1669-1897), today Koules is an exhibition space with rich photographic material of the city and exhibits from the wreck of “La Therese” . It also occasionally hosts art exhibitions, theater performances and musical events. Feel free to walk along the jetty, as the locals do, especially on summer afternoons, enjoying the coolness and the view of the endless blue!
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Try fish and seafood appetizers, such as fried squid, seafood pasta or risotto, and grilled octopus at a fish restaurant, while enjoying the magnificent view of the Cretan sea.
- Also, enjoy your coffee or dessert in the cafe opposite the shipyards, enjoying the view of the Venetian harbor and the majestic Rocca a Mare fortress (Koules).
3. CHURCH OF SAINT PETER, MARTYR OF THE DOMINICAN ORDER
As you walk along the coastal avenue, you will come across the church of St. Peter, which during the Venetian period was the historical catholicon of the monastery of the Dominican order (Domenicani Predicatori), while at the same time, it was the burial place of prominent Venetians. During the period of Ottoman rule, the church of St. Peter was converted into a Muslim mosque and an external minaret was added. The temple suffered extensive damage due to several great earthquakes (14th-18th century); however, in the last decades the catholicon and the chapels were restored and are currently an archaeological site that can be visited by the public.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Taste traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the taverns located at the Historical Museum Square.
- At the intersection of Chandakos Street and the coastal avenue, you can try exquisite meat or seafood dishes.
- Sit in the cafeteria opposite the Historical Museum either for a coffee accompanied by dessert or for a meal, and enjoy the magnificent view of the Cretan Sea.
- You can also have coffee and dessert on the terrace or in the garden of the Historic Museum, in a comfortable and safe environment, enjoying the magnificent view of the Cretan Sea.
4. HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Visit the Historical Museum of Crete which will provide an overview of the island’s art history from the first Christian times to the 20th century. The periodic exhibitions range from Byzantine to modern art, highlighting personalities of Greece’s leading writers and presenting major historical events. Among the museum’s collections you will find the collection of Nikos Kazantzakis’ personal belongings from the house he kept in France, two paintings by the great Cretan painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco), a numismatic collection, as well as others, with sculptures and ceramic objects from Heraklion and other areas of the island.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Taste traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the taverns located at the Historical Museum Square, with a view to the sea.
- At the intersection of Chandakos street and the coastal avenue, you can try exquisite meat or seafood dishes.
- Sit in the cafeteria opposite the Historical Museum either for a coffee accompanied by dessert or for a meal, and enjoy the magnificent view of the Cretan Sea.
- You can also have coffee and dessert on the terrace or in the garden of the Historical Museum, in a comfortable and safe environment, enjoying the magnificent view of the Cretan Sea.
5. DERMATAS GATE
Between the St. Andreas and Sabbionara Bastions, you will find the gate that leads to the sandy bay of Dermatas, which takes its name from the neighboring tanneries of the past. The gate was built between 1590-1595 at a minimal cost, as for its construction the Venetians used stones from demolished houses and villagers who performed forced labor. However, its construction is meticulous; its entrance gate from the seaside is simple, while its view towards the interior of the city has a monumental form.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Taste traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the taverns located at the Historical Museum Square, with a view to the sea.
- At the intersection of Chandakos street and the coastal avenue, you can try exquisite meat or seafood dishes.
- Sit in the cafeteria opposite the Historical Museum either for a coffee accompanied by dessert or for a meal, and enjoy the magnificent view of the Cretan Sea.
- You can also have coffee and dessert on the terrace or in the garden of the Ηistorical Museum, in a comfortable and safe environment, enjoying the magnificent view of the Cretan Sea.
6. PRIULI FONTAIN
As you tour the waterfront, visit the Priuli Fountain behind Bodosakeio Primary School. The fountain was built in 1666 by Superintendent General (Provveditore Generale) Antonio Priuli and is decorated with columns with Corinthian capitals. In the middle of the fountain there is a Turkish inscription that mentions the name of the pasha who managed to bring water to the fountain again.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Taste traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the taverns located at the Historical Museum Square, with a view to the sea.
- At the intersection of Chandakos street and the coastal avenue, you can try exquisite meat or seafood dishes.
- Sit in the cafeteria opposite the Historical Museum either for coffee and dessert or for a meal, and enjoy the magnificent view of the Cretan Sea.
- You can also have coffee and dessert on the terrace or in the garden of the Ηistorical Museum, in a comfortable and safe environment, enjoying the magnificent view of the Cretan Sea.
7. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Visit the Natural History Museum, located on the coastal avenue of Heraklion and is one of the most important of its kind in Greece. Discover knowledge through original and interactive 3D exhibits and tour exhibition spaces, where the natural environment of the eastern Mediterranean is highlighted in an impressive and innovative way with an emphasis on Greece and especially Crete. See representations with stuffed animals, an exhibition of live reptiles and amphibians, a miniature Mediterranean ecosystem for children, an earthquake simulator, The Stavros Niarchos Discovery Center and the Information Center “NATURA 2000 Hall”.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Taste traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the taverns located at the Historical Museum Square, with a view to the sea.
- At the intersection of Chandakos Street and the coastal avenue, you should try exquisite meat or seafood dishes.
- Sit in the cafeteria opposite the Historical Museum either for a coffee accompanied by dessert or for a meal, and enjoy the magnificent view of the Cretan Sea.
- You can also have coffee and dessert on the terrace or in the garden of the Historical Museum, in a comfortable and safe environment, enjoying the magnificent view of the Cretan Sea.
- If you are a fan of fast food, walk to the nearby shopping center where you will find plenty of options to grab a bite with a view of the Cretan sea.
8. BASTION - GATE OF SAINT ANDREAS
As you tour the city’s coastal avenue, you will come across one of the city’s seven bastions, which are a characteristic element of its fortification. The bastion of St. Andreas was originally called the bastion of the Holy Spirit, but from the 17th c. the name of the church of St. Andrea, which was located inside, prevailed. It is from this particular bastion as well as the Sabbionara (Sand) bastion that the Turkish raid took place (1669) after the betrayal of Andrea Barozzi, who pointed out the weakest points of the fortress, resulting in the fall of Chandakas after 21 years of siege. Do not hesitate to walk up the walls and relax on a bench, admiring the unobstructed view of the Cretan Sea and the coastal avenue.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Try traditional Cretan food, such as “antikristo” meat or pasta with anthotyros in the nearby tavern overlooking the sea.
- If you are a fan of fast food, walk to the nearby shopping center where you will find plenty of options to grab a bite with a view of the Cretan sea.
VENETIAN WALLS ROUTE
Follow the route of the Venetian Walls that starts from Sabbionara Bastion and ends at the Bastion-Gate of St. Andreas. Enjoy your walk along the fortress precinct of Chandakas, which encloses the old city of Heraklion and is an admirable work for both its inspiration and design. On your way, you will come across the four gates and the seven bastions, which are a characteristic element of the fortification design. Enjoy the most beautiful walk around the city, admire the unique view of the Cretan sea, rest on the benches you will find and indulge in a distant journey into the past!
1. BASTION-SABBIONARA GATE
Next to the “Fytakis Mansion” will find one of the seven bastions of the town, which are a characteristic element of the fortification design. The Sabbionara or Sabbionare bastion (bastion of the sand) was originally called Little Martinengo (Martinengo Piccolo) in honor of Gerolamo Martinengo (1548). It is from this particular bastion as well as the bastion of St. Andreas that the Turkish raid took place (1669) after the betrayal of Andreas Barozzi, who pointed out the weakest points of the fortress, resulting in the fall of Chandakas after 21 years of siege.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Go up to Eleftherias Square where you can enjoy your coffee or dessert in one of the cafes located around, observing the daily life of the city.
- You can also visit a restaurant at Megaron Ntore and enjoy your food or drink with a view of the port of Heraklion.
- If you love fast food, try a souvlaki or gyros wrapped in pita bread at one of the grillhouses located at Daskalogianni Square.
2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, housed in a 27-room building, in the heart of the city of Heraklion. Archaeological findings from all over Crete have been gathered here, covering the history of the island for more than 5500 years. A dominant position is occupied by the treasures of the Minoan culture, such as the snake goddesses, the bull’s head rhyton, the Kamares ware vases, the famous frescoes of the Prince with the Lilies and the bull-leaping, the Phaistos Disc, the Ring of Minos, and the double-headed axe of Arkalochori. The collection of Minoan antiquities is in fact the most important in the world and the museum is rightly considered the museum of Minoan culture par excellence.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Opposite the Archaeological Museum, enjoy your coffee or dessert in one of the cafes located at Eleftherias Square, observing the passers-by and living in the pulse of the city.
- You can also visit a restaurant at Megaron Ntore and enjoy your food or drink with a view of the port of Heraklion.
- If you love fast food, try a souvlaki or gyros wrapped in pita bread at one of the steakhouses located at Daskalogianni Square.
3. ELEFTHERIAS SQUARE
Visit the largest square in the city, which is truly buzzing with life at all hours of the day and night. It is a key meeting point both for older people who enjoy their coffee in the cafes located around it and for young people, who engage in activities such as skateboarding. On the Square you will see the statue dedicated to the Unknown Soldier, the modern gate of St. Georgios, as well as the neoclassical building, where the Region of Crete is housed. A variety of events and exhibitions are organized at Eleftherias Square, and during the Christmas season, it turns into a small Christmas village.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Enjoy your coffee or dessert in one of the cafes around Eleftherias Square.
- You should also visit a restaurant at Megaron Ntore and enjoy your food or drink with a view of the port of Heraklion.
- If you love fast food, try a souvlaki or gyros wrapped in pita bread at one of the grillhouses located at Daskalogianni Square.
4. JESUS GATE – JESUS BASTION
As you tour the center of the city, you will come across one of the seven bastions, which are a characteristic element of its fortification. Jesus Bastion took its name from the small church of Jesus Christ that stood nearby. The eponymous gate, also known as “Kenourgia Porta” (New Gate), led to the southern provinces and the southern thoroughfare of the city, today’s Evans Street, ended there. The gate, a work by Michele Sanmicheli, is one of the finest samples of Renaissance architecture in the city. Today its interior has been transformed into an exhibition space dedicated to the great Cretan writer, Nikos Kazantzakis. Next to the Venetian gate, a new opening was created for the passage of wheeled vehicles.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Relax at the tables in front of the “Nikos Kazantzakis” Open Air Theatre, in a verdant environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy your coffee or soft drink accompanied by various delicacies. In the same area, the playground offers our little friends carefree moments in in a safe environment.
5. BASTION MARTINENGO
As you tour the center of the city, you will come across one of the seven bastions, which are a characteristic element of its fortification. Walk up to the triangle shaped bastion located exactly in the middle of the Venetian fortifications and visit the tomb of the great Cretan writer, Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957), admiring the view towards the city! The stone tomb is simple and bears a wooden cross and the well-known inscription that the writer asked to be engraved on its surface: “I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free”.
Suggestions for food in the surrounding area
- In the surrounding area, you could try traditional food, like stuffed vegetables and vineyard leaves with rice, veal cooked in tomato sauce, chickpeas with lemon, “antikristo” grilled meat, and souvlaki or “gyros pita” (= gyros meat, fries, and condiments wrapped in pita bread).
- Descend towards the area of “Lakkos” (the Pit), where you will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional food and appetizers, such as pork shank or “Kapriko” in the taverns and cafes of the area, which in the summer months put their tables on the pedestrian street, giving life to this old neighborhood of the city!
6. KOMMENO ΒENTENI
Walk a little further past the Martinengo Bastion to Kommeno Benteni (=Cut/Chopped Bastion) area! The name of the area is literal, since in the 20th century a part of the Walls at the Bethlehem Gate was demolished to create a short passage that would connect the old and the new city. Visit the Cultural Conference Center of Heraklion, the building infrastructure, the architectural design and technical equipment of which, make it a pole of attraction for the forces of art on the island of Crete and in the Mediterranean. Adjacently, you will find the small stone-built church dedicated to St. Andreas, which was built at the request of Andreas Kalokairinos.
Suggestions for food in the surrounding area
- In the surrounding area, you could try traditional food, like stuffed vegetables and vineyard leaves with rice, veal cooked in tomato sauce, chickpeas with lemon, “antikristo” grilled meat, and souvlaki or “gyros pita” (= gyros meat, fries, and condiments wrapped in pita bread).
- Descend towards the area of “Lakkos” (the Pit), where you will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional food and appetizers, such as pork shank or “Kapriko” in the taverns and cafes of the area, which in the summer months put their tables on the pedestrian street, giving life to this old neighborhood of the city!
7. ELEFTHERIAS STADIUM
Visit the historic Eleftherias Stadium, located in the Venetian trench, between the bastions of Pantokrator and Bethlehem. During the period of the Cretan State (1898-1913), the British commanded Heraklion and, having included sports such as cricket and football in their military life, they used the trench of the Venetian walls known as “Hendekia” for the creation of sports facilities. After the unification of Crete with Greece and the departure of the Muslims from the island, matches held between the teams of the time were hosted there. Nowadays, Eleftherias Stadium remains one of the most important spaces in the city for sports and the promotion of athletics, boasting a track and field stadium, basketball courts, tennis courts and a training room.
Suggestions for food in the surrounding area
- In the surrounding area, you could try traditional food, like stuffed vegetables and vineyard leaves with rice, veal cooked in tomato sauce, chickpeas with lemon, “antikristo” grilled meat, and souvlaki or “gyros pita” (= gyros meat, fries, and condiments wrapped in pita bread).
- Descend towards the area of “Lakkos” (the Pit), where you will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional food and appetizers, such as pork shank or “Kapriko” in the taverns and cafes of the area, which in the summer months put their tables on the pedestrian street, giving life to this old neighborhood of the city!
8. CHANIOPORTA - GATE PANTOKRATOR
As you tour the city center, you will find one of the seven bastions, which are a characteristic element of its fortification, the Pantokrator Bastion; the homonymous gate, popularly known as Chanioporta, was the city exit to western Crete. Admire in the upper part of the gate the relief figure of Pantokrator with the Latin inscription OMNIPOTENS meaning Pantokrator, as well as the corresponding inscription in Greek on the outer side of the gate. Next to the Venetian gate, a modern opening was created for the passage of wheeled vehicles in the early 20th century.
Suggestions for food in the surrounding area
- In the surrounding area, you could try traditional food, like stuffed vegetables and vineyard leaves with rice, veal cooked in tomato sauce, chickpeas with lemon, “antikristo” grilled meat, and souvlaki or “gyros pita” (= gyros meat, fries, and condiments wrapped in pita bread).
- Descend towards the area of “Lakkos” (the Pit), where you will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional food and appetizers, such as pork shank or “Kapriko” in the taverns and cafes of the area, which in the summer months put their tables on the pedestrian street, giving life to this old neighborhood of the city!
9. PANTOKRATOR BASTION AND GATE-CHANIOPORTA
As you tour the city center, you will find one of the seven bastions, which are a characteristic element of its fortification, the Pantokrator Bastion; the homonymous gate, popularly known as Chanioporta, was the city exit to western Crete. Admire in the upper part of the gate the relief figure of Pantokrator with the Latin inscription OMNIPOTENS meaning Pantokrator, as well as the corresponding inscription in Greek on the outer side of the gate. Next to the Venetian gate, a modern opening was created for the passage of wheeled vehicles in the early 20th century.
Suggestions for food in the surrounding area
- In the surrounding area, you could try traditional food, like stuffed vegetables and vineyard leaves with rice, veal cooked in tomato sauce, chickpeas with lemon, “antikristo” grilled meat, and souvlaki or “gyros pita” (= gyros meat, fries, and condiments wrapped in pita bread).
- Descend towards the area of “Lakkos” (the Pit), where you will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional food and appetizers, such as pork shank or “Kapriko” in the taverns and cafes of the area, which in the summer months put their tables on the pedestrian street, giving life to this old neighborhood of the city!
10. BASTION-GATE OF SAINT ANDREAS
As you tour the city’s coastal avenue, you will come across one of the city’s seven bastions, which are a characteristic element of its fortification. The bastion of St. Andreas was originally called the bastion of the Holy Spirit, but from the 17th c. the name of the church of St. Andrea, which was located inside, prevailed. It is from this particular bastion as well as the Sabbionara (Sand) bastion that the Turkish raid took place (1669) after the betrayal of Andrea Barozzi, who pointed out the weakest points of the fortress, resulting in the fall of Chandakas after 21 years of siege. Do not hesitate to walk up the walls and relax on a bench, admiring the unobstructed view of the Cretan sea and the coastal avenue.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Try traditional Cretan food, such as “antikristo” meat or pasta with anthotyros in the nearby tavern overlooking the sea.
- If you are a fan of fast food, walk to the nearby shopping center where you will find plenty of options to grab a bite with a view of the Cretan sea.
VENETIAN GATES ROUTE
Follow the Route of the Venetian Gates that starts at the Venetian Shipyards and ends at the Natural History Museum. Enjoy your walk passing through the busiest parts of the city of Heraklion. Discover the old neighborhoods of the city, walk through the central market where you will find all kinds of products, mingle with the locals and see up close modern aspects of their daily life!
1. SHIPYARDS
Opposite the Venetian harbor and the Fortress that dominates its entrance, you will find the Venetian Shipyards (Neoria). In their attempt to make the port of the city more secure, the Venetians built walls to protect it, and shipyards where ships were built and repaired. These are domed elongated structures, where each dome was intended for a galley . In their original form, the Shipyards were open towards the seaside, which reached into their interior, so that the ships could be retrieved more easily. Right next to the Shipyards, you will find the salt warehouse, as the Venetians traded salt and maintained a monopoly in the Mediterranean for many years.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Try fish and seafood appetizers, such as fried squid, seafood pasta or risotto, and grilled octopus at a fish restaurant, while enjoying the magnificent view of the Cretan sea.
- Choose one of the cafes or hotel roof gardens for a coffee or dessert with a view of the Venetian harbor and the majestic fortress Rocca a mare (Koules).
2. ELEFTHERIAS SQUARE
Visit the largest square in the city, which is truly buzzing with life at all hours of the day and night. It is a key meeting point both for older people who enjoy their coffee in the cafes located around it and for young people, who engage in activities such as skateboarding. On the Square, you will see the statue dedicated to the Unknown Soldier, the modern gate of St. Georgios, as well as the neoclassical building, where the Region of Crete is housed. A variety of events and exhibitions are organized at Eleftherias Square, and during the Christmas season, it turns into a small Christmas village.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Enjoy your coffee or dessert in one of the cafes around Eleftherias Square.
- You should also visit a restaurant at Ntore Megaron and enjoy your food or drink with a view of the port of Heraklion.
- If you love fast food, try a souvlaki or gyros wrapped in a pita at one of the steakhouses located at Daskalogianni Square.
3. MARKET
Walk to the open Central Market on 1866 Street, which is located in the heart of the city and was named after the date of one of the most important revolutions of Crete. Visit shops with tourist goods, fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices and cheese. You will also find butchers, bakeries, coffee shops and the bustling traditional fish market, where you can hear the traders touting the quality and freshness of their products. Wander among people and discover traces of old Heraklion in shops such as the Koudoumas coffee roasters, or search for the well-hidden, 16th century Orthodox Church of St. Onoufrios, now surrounded by 1866, Tsikritzi, and Evans streets.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- As you walk among the people, you will find traditional cafes with appetizers, restaurants, but also in the intersecting alleys, you will find shops that serve cooked food that smells of tradition!
4. BEMBO FOUNTAIN AND TURKISH SEBIL
At the end of the central market you will find the Sebil of Haji Ibrahim, built in 1776. Its owner devoted all his property to its maintenance and his desire was to transport snow from Psiloritis, so that the passers-by could be offered cool water even during the summer months. Next to Sebil, the ornate Bembo fountain is preserved in good condition.It is named after the governor ordering its construction, Gianmatteo Bembo, who was the first to bring running drinking water to the city of Heraklion. In the middle of the fountain is a headless Roman statue with columns on its left and right sides, while the coats of arms of Bembo, Duke Alvise Gritti and the councilors stand out.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- As you walk among the people, you will find traditional cafes with appetizers, restaurants, but also in the intersecting alleys, you will find shops that serve cooked food that smells of tradition!
5. KORNAROU SQUARE
At the end of the central market you will find Kornarou Square or “Valide Mosque” which owes its name to the great Cretan poet, Vitsentzos Kornaros . During the Venetian period, the imposing Church of the Savior (San Salvatore) was in the area of the Square; it belonged to the οrder of the Augustinian monks and was built at the end of the 13th century. During the Turkish occupation, it was converted into a mosque dedicated to the Sultan’s mother, Valide. Later, the temple housed the refugees who arrived in Greece in 1922 and the first girls’ high school in the city until the 1960s. During the dictatorship (1967-1974), the temple was demolished. Nowadays, a fountain has been built in the Square and a bronze sculpture representing the equestrian Erotokritos saying goodbye to his beloved, Aretousa.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Walk in the Central Market of the city among the people and you will find traditional cafes with appetizers, restaurants, but also in the intersecting alleys, you will find shops that serve cooked food that smells of tradition!
6. JESUS GATE – JESUS BASTION
As you tour the center of the city, you will come across one of the seven bastions, which are a characteristic element of its fortification. Jesus Bastion took its name from the small church of Jesus Christ that stood nearby. The eponymous gate, also known as “Kenourgia Porta” (New Gate), led to the southern provinces and the southern thoroughfare of the city, today’s Evans Street, ended there. The gate, a work by Michele Sanmicheli, is one of the finest samples of Renaissance architecture in the city. Today its interior has been transformed into an exhibition space dedicated to the great Cretan writer, Nikos Kazantzakis. Next to the Venetian gate, a new opening was created for the passage of wheeled vehicles.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Relax at the tables in front of the “Nikos Kazantzakis” Open Air Theatre, in a verdant environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy your coffee or soft drink accompanied by various delicacies. In the same area, the playground offers our little friends carefree moments in in a safe environment.
7. OPEN THEATRE “MANOS CHATZIDAKIS”
Behind the large Open Air Theatre “Nikos Kazantzakis”, in the low square of Jesus Bastion, in 1980 the “Small Open Air Theatre” was constructed after a proposal by Manos Chatzidakis, which took the name of the great composer. Many cultural events are hosted in this space, such as concerts and theatrical performances. Consult the program of the Municipality and experience attending one of them, under the majestic sky and the Venetian walls of the city.
Suggestions for food in the surrounding area
- Walk to the near open air theatre “Nikos Kazantzakis”, relax at the municipal canteen “OASI”, in a verdant environment away from the city bustle and enjoy your coffee or a soft drink accompanied by various delicacies. In the same area, the playground offers our little friends carefree moments in a safe environment.
8. BASTION MARTINENGO
As you tour the center of the city, you will come across one of the seven bastions, which are a characteristic element of its fortification. Walk up to the triangle shaped bastion located exactly in the middle of the Venetian fortifications and visit the tomb of the great Cretan writer, Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957), admiring the view towards the city! The stone tomb is simple and bears a wooden cross and the well-known inscription that the writer asked to be engraved on its surface: “I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free”.
Suggestions for food in the surrounding area
- In the surrounding area, you could try traditional food, like stuffed vegetables and vineyard leaves with rice, veal cooked in tomato sauce, chickpeas with lemon, “antikristo” grilled meat, and souvlaki or “gyros pita” (= gyros meat, fries, and condiments wrapped in pita bread).
- Descend towards the area of “Lakkos” (the Pit), where you will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional food and appetizers, such as pork shank or “Kapriko” in the taverns and cafes of the area, which in the summer months put their tables on the pedestrian street, giving life to this old neighborhood of the city!
9. KOMMENO ΒENTENI
Walk a little further past the Martinengo Bastion to Kommeno Benteni (=Cut/Chopped Bastion) area! The name of the area is literal, since in the 20th century a part of the Walls at the Bethlehem Gate was demolished to create a short passage that would connect the old and the new city. Visit the Cultural Conference Center of Heraklion, the building infrastructure, the architectural design and technical equipment of which, make it a pole of attraction for the forces of art on the island of Crete and in the Mediterranean. Adjacently, you will find the small stone-built church dedicated to St. Andreas, which was built at the request of Andreas Kalokairinos.
Suggestions for food in the surrounding area
- In the surrounding area, you could try traditional food, like stuffed vegetables and vineyard leaves with rice, veal cooked in tomato sauce, chickpeas with lemon, “antikristo” grilled meat, and souvlaki or “gyros pita” (= gyros meat, fries, and condiments wrapped in pita bread).
- Descend towards the area of “Lakkos” (the Pit), where you will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional food and appetizers, such as pork shank or “Kapriko” in the taverns and cafes of the area, which in the summer months put their tables on the pedestrian street, giving life to this old neighborhood of the city!
10. CHANIOPORTA- GATE PANTOKRATOR
As you tour the city center, you will find one of the seven bastions, which are a characteristic element of its fortification, the Pantokrator Bastion; the homonymous gate, popularly known as Chanioporta, was the city exit to western Crete. Admire in the upper part of the gate the relief figure of Pantokrator with the Latin inscription OMNIPOTENS meaning Pantokrator, as well as the corresponding inscription in Greek on the outer side of the gate. Next to the Venetian gate, a modern opening was created for the passage of wheeled vehicles in the early 20th century.
Suggestions for food in the surrounding area
- In the surrounding area, you could try traditional food, like stuffed vegetables and vineyard leaves with rice, veal cooked in tomato sauce, chickpeas with lemon, “antikristo” grilled meat, and souvlaki or “gyros pita” (= gyros meat, fries, and condiments wrapped in pita bread).
- Descend towards the area of “Lakkos” (the Pit), where you will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional food and appetizers, such as pork shank or “Kapriko” in the taverns and cafes of the area, which in the summer months put their tables on the pedestrian street, giving life to this old neighborhood of the city!
11. CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY
Visit the Church of the Holy Trinity, which was built in a place where a Turkish mosque used to stand, and was inaugurated in 1930. During the German occupation the windows and doors were destroyed by the bombing of the occupying troops and had to be repaired. The Church celebrates on Whit Monday (Monday of the Holy Spirit), that is, 50 days after Orthodox Easter.
12. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Visit the Natural History Museum, located on the coastal avenue of Heraklion and is one of the most important of its kind in Greece. Discover knowledge through original and interactive 3D exhibits and tour exhibition spaces, where the natural environment of the eastern Mediterranean is highlighted in an impressive and innovative way with an emphasis on Greece and especially Crete. See representations with stuffed animals, an exhibition of live reptiles and amphibians, a miniature Mediterranean ecosystem for children, an earthquake simulator, The Stavros Niarchos Discovery Center and the Information Center “NATURA 2000 Hall”.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Taste traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the taverns located at the Historical Museum Square, with a view to the sea.
- At the intersection of Chandakos street and the coastal avenue, you should try exquisite meat or seafood dishes.
- Sit in the cafeteria opposite the Historical Museum either for a coffee accompanied by dessert or for a meal, and enjoy the magnificent view of the Cretan Sea.
- You can also have coffee and dessert on the terrace or in the garden of the Historical Museum, in a comfortable and safe environment, enjoying the magnificent view of the Cretan Sea.
- If you are a fan of fast food, walk to the nearby shopping center where you will find plenty of options to grab a bite with a view of the Cretan sea.
ROUTE OF THE VENETIAN PORT - CULTURAL CENTER
Follow the route from the Square of the 18 Englishmen to Martinengo bastion. Walk in one of the most beautiful and historic streets of the city, on 25th August Street, admire the emblematic Church of St. Titus and see the most impressive Venetian monuments of Heraklion, such as Morosini Fountain, St. Mark Basilica and Loggia. Visit the Church of St. Minas – the city’s patron saint –, which dominates the homonymous Square, the Church of St. Catherine of Sinai that currently is a museum with a collection of relics of the Holy Archdiocese of Crete located just next to it, but also the historic church of St. Matthew in a very close distance. Wander the streets of the city and experience Heraklion of another era!
1. EIGHTEEN ENGLISHMEN SQUARE
As you enjoy your walk along the coast, you will come across the Square of the 18 Englishmen, a small square with a long history, at the junction of 25th August Street and the coastal avenue! Greece loses the war with Turkey in 1897, but the revolution does not abate and as a result the island’s economy collapses and grapes must be exported immediately in order for the island to survive. The island’s customs remain closed and the ports are controlled by the Turks, but the four Great Powers on the island decide to open them with mixed personnel. The Turks revolt and the British decide to send a platoon to safely escort the officials to the customs. The mob attacks and kills the officials and 18 British soldiers on the waterfront.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Try fish and seafood appetizers, such as fried calamari, seafood pasta or risotto, and grilled octopus at one of the many fish restaurants, while enjoying the magnificent view of the Cretan sea.
- Choose one of the cafes or hotel roof gardens for a coffee or a dessert with a view of the Venetian harbor and the majestic fortress Rocca a mare.
2. 25TH AUGUST STREET
Walk along the most beautiful pedestrian street of Heraklion, which connects the Venetian harbour with the Lions’ Square. Along it, there are magnificent neoclassical buildings that today house banks, tourist shops and businesses; you will also see monuments such as the church of St. Titus and the Venetian Loggia. During the Venetian rule the street was called Ruga Maistra, while later the Ottomans called it Vezir Charsi. A somewhat more interesting name that was unofficially given to it later, was “Illusion Street”, because the magnificent neoclassical buildings misled visitors coming from the port, giving them the impression of a wealthy city. The current name of the street is due to the tragic events that occurred on August 25, 1898, the feast day of Saint Titus, when the Ottomans slaughtered hundreds of Christian Cretans, 17 British soldiers and the vice-consul of England, Lysimachos Kalokerinos, while several houses and shops were looted.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Do not miss to drink your coffee at the famous Lions’ Square, where the Venetian fountain stands, and accompany your coffee with a dessert or traditional bougatsa!
- Try the famous souvlaki or gyros wrapped in pita bread at one of the grill shops located at Lions Square, while watching the passers-by.
- Enjoy your coffee or a dessert in a café along 25th August Street or at St. Titus Square, watching the passers-by and living the rhythm of the city!
- You can enjoy delicious dishes based on traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the restaurants on St. Titus Street or near Theotokopoulos Park.
3. TEMPLE OF ST. TITUS
As you walk down the street of 25th August, you will find the imposing Church of St. Titus, the first bishop of Crete. With the recovery of the island by Nikiforos Fokas in 961, the seat of the bishopric is transferred from Gortyn to Chandax, which was the capital by then. It must have been then, when the first Orthodox church of Saint Titus was built, aiming at reviving the Christian faith. When the Venetians occupied Crete, they installed a Latin archbishop in the Orthodox bishopric, turning the church of St. Titus into a Latin bishopric. The church was renovated in the middle of the 15th century, but subsequent disasters caused by earthquakes and fires resulted in it being rebuilt around 1557. During the Turkish conquest, the Church of St. Titus was converted into a mosque, which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1856 and was rebuilt in its present form as an Ottoman mosque. The minaret of St. Titus was demolished in the 1920s, when the last Muslims left Heraklion with the exchange of populations. Today, the church operates under the orthodox doctrine after renovation works carried out in 1925 by the Church of Crete and is dedicated to the equal-to-the-apostles Titus.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Do not miss to drink your coffee at the famous Lions’ Square, where the Venetian fountain stands, and accompany your coffee with a dessert or traditional bougatsa!
- Try the famous souvlaki or gyros wrapped in pita bread at one of the grill shops located at Lions Square, while watching the passers-by.
- Enjoy your coffee or a dessert in a café along 25th August Street or at St. Titus Square, watching the passers-by and living the rhythm of the city!
- You can enjoy delicious dishes based on traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the restaurants on St. Titus Street or near Theotokopoulos Park.
- You can enjoy delicious dishes based on traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the meze bar at korai Square or in Milatou Street.
4. LOGGIA
As you walk along 25th August Street, in the heart of Heraklion, you will come across an elegant Venetian building (the fourth building in a row, the previous ones had been destroyed) built in 1626-1628 by Francesco Morosini. Nobles and Lords gathered in the building and spent their free time while discussing various issues (economic, commercial, political, etc.) which concerned the city. The external side of the building has 82 metopes adorned with coats of arms and emblems, while on the ground floor there is a patio. In the early 20th century, the dilapidated building began to be demolished without any diligence, as it had been deemed dangerous. The reconstruction of the monument and its connection to the Armeria (armoury) through a patio began again after the end of the Second World War. Currently, it houses Services of the Municipality of Heraklion.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Do not miss to drink your coffee at the famous Lions’ Square, where the Venetian fountain stands, and accompany your coffee with a dessert or traditional bougatsa!
- Try the famous souvlaki or gyros wrapped in pita bread at one of the grill shops located at Lions Square, while watching the passers-by.
- Enjoy your coffee or a dessert in a café along 25th August Street or at St. Titus Square, watching the passers-by and living the rhythm of the city!
- You can enjoy delicious dishes based on traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the restaurants on St. Titus Street or near Theotokopoulos Park.
5. SAINT MARK BASILICA
In the heart of the center of Heraklion you will find St. Mark’s Basilica. The Basilica of St. Mark is a church that was built in the first years of Venetian rule (1239) and was the place where the official assumption of the duties of the rulers and officials took place. After the Turkish conquest (1669), the temple was converted into a mosque until 1915. The building was renovated after 1956 and today serves as a Municipal Art Gallery.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Do not miss to drink your coffee at the famous Lions’ Square, where the Venetian fountain stands, and accompany your coffee with a dessert or traditional bougatsa!
- Try the famous souvlaki or gyros wrapped in pita bread at one of the grill shops located at Lions Square, while watching the passers-by.
- Enjoy your coffee or a dessert in a café along 25th August Street or at St. Titus Square, watching the passers-by and living the rhythm of the city!
- You can enjoy delicious dishes based on traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the restaurants on St. Titus Street or near Theotokopoulos Park.
6. MOROSINI FOUNTAIN
Visit the famous Lions’ square which is located in the heart of the city and is a popular meeting point for the locals. In its center, you will see the Morosini Fountain, one of the most beautiful Venetian monuments inspired by Francesco Morosini, which is preserved in very good condition. Its construction was not due to aesthetic, but to practical reasons, since it aimed at transporting abundant, drinking water from Mount Youchtas to Heraklion through a 15 km long pipeline. The fountain reservoir is located on a circular base and consists of eight lobes, facilitating the simultaneous service of more people. The outer surfaces of the fountain lobes are decorated with relief themes relating to the liquid element that have been drawn from Greek mythology, such as Tritons, Dolphins, mythological monsters and sea demons. In the center of the fountain on a high eight-sided pedestal stand four lions, symbolizing the power of the Venetians.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Do not miss to drink your coffee at the famous Lions’ Square, where the Venetian fountain stands and accompany your coffee with a dessert or traditional bougatsa!
- Try the famous souvlaki or gyros wrapped in pita bread at one of the grill shops located at Lions Square, while watching the passers-by.
- Enjoy your coffee or a dessert in a café along 25th August Street or at St. Titus Square, watching the passers-by and living the rhythm of the city!
- You can enjoy delicious dishes based on traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the restaurants on St. Titus Street or near Theotokopoulos Park.
7. SAINT CATHERINE OF SINAI
Northeast of the Metropolitan Church of St. Minas, there is the Church of Saint Catherine of Sinai. The church was founded during the second Byzantine period and was a spiritual and artistic center from 15th to the 17th century. Nowadays, the church of Saint Catherine is an exhibition hall of the Archdiocese of Crete with representative artworks of the Cretan renaissance, among which Michael Damascene’s portable icons stand out. In front of the church, the homonymous Square stretches, which apart from several cafes is also an ideal choice for children, offering plenty of space for playing. A typical feature of the square are the pigeons gathering on it, which you can feed.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Enjoy your coffee or a dessert in one of the cafes located on St. Catherine Square, watching the passers-by and living the rhythm of the city.
- Try traditional Cretan food in one of the restaurants or taverns located in the nearby cobbled alleys, which are full of life especially in the evening.
8. METROPOLITAN CHURCH OF ST. MINAS
Saint Minas is the patron saint of the city of Heraklion; the cathedral named after the saint is the seat of the Archbishop of Crete. The memory of the saint is celebrated on November 11 and is a public holiday for the city. Next to the cathedral, is the small church of St. Minas and the Church of St. Catherine. The plans were drawn up by the architect Athanasios Moussis; works for its construction began in 1862, were interrupted during the Cretan Revolution and were completed in 1895. The site on which it was built was a garden belonging to a Turkish family and was purchased by the cathedral construction committee. Finally, it is worth noting that during WWII the temple was not damaged by the bombing of the Germans, as the bombs that fell on it failed to explode, which was attributed to a miracle. One of these bombs is currently located on the north side of the temple.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Enjoy your coffee or a dessert in one of the cafes located on St. Catherine Square, watching the passers-by and living the rhythm of the city.
- Try traditional Cretan food in one of the restaurants or taverns located in the nearby cobbled alleys, which are full of life especially in the evening.
9. CHURCH OF SAINT MATTHEW
Visit the orthodox church of St. Matthew, which dates back to the second Byzantine period. During the Turkish occupation, it was granted to the Sinai monks in exchange for the Monastery of St. Catherine, which was converted into a mosque. Nowadays, the church hosts a collection of icons with important works of the Cretan School, such as “The Crucifixion” by Georgios Kastroflakas (1752) and “St. Titus and Scenes from the Life of the 10 Martyrs” by Ioannis Kornaros (1773).
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Descend towards the area of “Lakkos” (the Pit), where you will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional food and appetizers, such as pork shank or “Kapriko” in the taverns and cafes of the area, which in the summer months put their tables on the pedestrian street, giving life to this old neighborhood of the city!
DERMATAS BAY - ELEFTHERIAS SQUARE ROUTE
Follow the route from the gate of St. George to the Historical Museum. Admire some of the city’s Venetian monuments, the Morosini Fountain, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Loggia. Wander the busy shopping streets, mingle with the locals and experience their daily life. Visit the city’s Archaeological or Historical Museum and travel to the distant past through their exhibits!
1. ST. GEORGE GATE- CHANIALIS FOUNTAIN
Visit the surviving exit of the Venetian gate of St. George, also known as Maroulas gate or Lazareto gate, which led to the eastern provinces of the city, the suburb of Maroulas and the Quarantine Station (Lazareto). The gate has been designed by Giulio Savorgnan and was dedicated to the soldier Saint George, depicted as a horseman on a round plate that was originally fitted over the central portal of the entrance of the gate, which was unfortunately demolished in 1917.
Nowadays, the relief decorative representation of St. George is kept in the Historical Museum of the city. Behind the modern gate begins a 43 m long tunnel, where exhibitions are often hosted.
Right next to the gate, the Chanialis fountain has been transferred and walled in. The top of the arched structure is decorated with representations of plants, and the hydrant is located in the interior of a decorated frame. The water was concentrated in a marble basin with similar relief decoration.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Enjoy your coffee or dessert in one of the cafes around Eleftherias Square.
- You should also visit a restaurant at Megaron Ntore and enjoy your food or drink with a view of the port of Heraklion.
- If you love fast food, try a souvlaki or gyros wrapped in pita bread at one of the grill houses located at Daskalogianni Square.
2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, housed in a 27-room building, in the heart of the city of Heraklion. Archaeological findings from all over Crete have been gathered here, covering the history of the island for more than 5500 years. A dominant position is occupied by the treasures of the Minoan culture, such as the snake goddesses, the bull’s head rhyton, the Kamares ware vases, the famous frescoes of the Prince with the Lilies and the bull-leaping, the Phaistos Disc, the Ring of Minos, and the double-headed axe of Arkalochori. The collection of Minoan antiquities is in fact the most important in the world and the museum is rightly considered the museum of Minoan culture par excellence.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Opposite the Archaeological Museum, enjoy your coffee or dessert in one of the cafes located at Eleftherias Square, observing the passers-by and living in the pulse of the city.
- You can also visit a restaurant at Megaron Ntore and enjoy your food or drink with a view of the port of Heraklion.
- If you love fast food, try a souvlaki or gyros wrapped in pita bread at one of the steakhouses located at Daskalogianni Square.
3. ELEFTHERIAS SQUARE
Visit the largest square in the city, which is truly buzzing with life at all hours of the day and night. It is a key meeting point both for older people who enjoy their coffee in the cafes located around it and for young people, who engage in activities such as skateboarding. On the Square you will see the statue dedicated to the Unknown Soldier, the modern gate of St. Georgios, as well as the neoclassical building, where the Region of Crete is housed. A variety of events and exhibitions are organized at Eleftherias Square, and during the Christmas season, it turns into a small Christmas village.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Enjoy your coffee or dessert in one of the cafes around Eleftherias Square.
- You should also visit a restaurant at Megaron Ntore and enjoy your food or drink with a view of the port of Heraklion.
- If you love fast food, try a souvlaki or gyros wrapped in pita bread at one of the grillhouses located at Daskalogianni Square.
4. DAIDALOU STREET
Walk along the paved Daidalou Street, which starts from Eleftherias Square and ends at the famous Lions’ square. It is one of the best known and most frequented shopping streets of the city, where you will have the opportunity to meet from street vendors to branded shops. The name of the street comes from Daedalus and his son Icarus, who according to mythology, were the first aviators in the history of humankind.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Enjoy your coffee or dessert in a café along Androgeo Street, watching the passers-by and living the rhythm of the city!
- You can enjoy delicious dishes based on traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the meze taverns at korai Square or in Milatou Street.
5. MOROSINI FOUNTAIN
Visit the famous Lions’ square, which is located in the heart of the city and is a popular meeting point for the locals. In its center, you will see the Morosini Fountain, one of the most beautiful Venetian monuments inspired by Francesco Morosini, which is preserved in very good condition. Its construction was not due to aesthetic, but to practical reasons, since it aimed at transporting abundant, drinking water from Mount Youchtas to Heraklion through a 15 km long pipeline. The fountain reservoir is located on a circular base and consists of eight lobes, facilitating the simultaneous service of more people. The outer surfaces of the fountain lobes are decorated with relief themes relating to the liquid element that have been drawn from Greek mythology, such as Tritons, Dolphins, mythological monsters and sea demons. In the center of the fountain on a high eight-sided pedestal stand four lions, symbolizing the power of the Venetians.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Do not miss to drink your coffee at the famous Lions’ Square, where the Venetian fountain stands and accompany your coffee with a dessert or traditional bougatsa!
- Try the famous souvlaki or gyros wrapped in pita bread at one of the grill shops located at Lions Square, while watching the passers-by.
- Enjoy your coffee or a dessert in a café along 25th August Street or at St. Titus Square, watching the passers-by and living the rhythm of the city!
- You can enjoy delicious dishes based on traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the restaurants on St. Titus Street or near Theotokopoulos Park.
6. SAINT MARK BASILICA
In the heart of the center of Heraklion you will find St. Mark’s Basilica. The Basilica of St. Mark is a church that was built in the first years of Venetian rule (1239) and was the place where the official assumption of the duties of the rulers and officials took place. After the Turkish conquest (1669), the temple was converted into a mosque until 1915. The building was renovated after 1956 and today serves as a Municipal Art Gallery.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Enjoy your coffee or a dessert in a café along 25th August Street or at St. Titus Square, watching the passers-by and living the rhythm of the city!
- You can enjoy delicious dishes based on traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the restaurants on St. Titus Street or near Theotokopoulos Park.
- Try the famous souvlaki or gyros wrapped in pita bread at one of the grill shops located at Lions Square, while watching the passers-by.
- Do not miss to drink your coffee at the famous Lions’ Square where the Venetian fountain stands and accompany your coffee with a dessert or traditional bougatsa!
7. LOGGIA
As you walk along 25th August Street, in the heart of Heraklion, you will come across an elegant Venetian building (the fourth building in a row, the previous ones had been destroyed) built in 1626-1628 by Francesco Morosini. Nobles and Lords gathered in the building and spent their free time while discussing various issues, (economic, commercial, political, etc.) which concerned the city. The external side of the building has 82 metopes adorned with coats of arms andemblems, while on the ground floor there is a patio. In the early 20th century, the dilapidated building began to be demolished without any diligence, as it had been deemed dangerous. The reconstruction of the monument and its connection to the Armeria (armoury) through a patio began again after the end of the Second World War. Currently, it houses Services of the Municipality of Heraklion.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Enjoy your coffee or a dessert in a café along 25th August Street or at St. Titus Square, watching the passers-by and living the rhythm of the city!
- You can enjoy delicious dishes based on traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the restaurants on St. Titus Street or near Theotokopoulos Park.
- Try the famous souvlaki or gyros wrapped in pita bread at one of the grill shops located at Lions Square, while watching the passers-by.
- Do not miss to drink your coffee at the famous Lions’ Square, where the Venetian fountain stands, and accompany your coffee with a dessert or traditional bougatsa!
8. CHANDAKOS STREET
Walk on the pedestrian Chandakos Street that starts at the Lions’ square and ends at the coastal avenue of the city. Along it, you will find beautiful neoclassical buildings, shops, as well as cafes. The name of the street is due to the “ḫandaq” – the moat which had been built during the Arab period, (824-961 Α.D.) when the city had been walled by the Arabs, giving it at the same time its name, Rabd al-Handaq – Chandax-Chandakas, or Fortress of the moat.
Food in the surrounding area
- Wander through the intersecting alleys that you will find in the middle of the pedestrian street and enjoy delicious dishes based on the traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the restaurants.
- Do not forget to try hot chocolate or have your coffee accompanied with a chocolate dessert in one of the cafes you will meet along the pedestrian street!
9. HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Visit the Historical Museum of Crete which will provide an overview of the island’s art history from the first Christian times to the 20th century. The periodic exhibitions range from Byzantine to modern art, highlighting personalities of Greece’s leading writers and presenting major historical events. Among the museum’s collections you will find the collection of Nikos Kazantzakis’ personal belongings from the house he kept in France, two paintings by the great Cretan painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco), a numismatic collection, as well as others, with sculptures and ceramic objects from Heraklion and other areas of the island.
Suggestions for dining in the surrounding area
- Taste traditional Cretan cuisine in one of the taverns located at the Historical Museum Square, with a view to the sea.
- At the intersection of Chandakos street and the coastal avenue, you can try exquisite meat or seafood dishes.
- Sit in the cafeteria opposite the Historical Museum either for a coffee accompanied by dessert or for a meal, and enjoy the magnificent view of the Cretan Sea.
- You can also have coffee and dessert on the terrace or in the garden of the Historical Museum, in a comfortable and safe environment, enjoying the magnificent view of the Cretan Sea.
MAP OF HERAKLION
ΧΑΡΤΗΣ ΗΡΑΚΛΕΙΟΥ
CULTURAL ROUTES
Venetian Gates Route
