THE AREA

Heraklion is an attractive Mediterranean city with a rich cultural heritage. The first European civilisation, the Minoan civilisation, flourished on this land 5000 years ago. For centuries it was and still is, the metropolis of Crete. Visitors discover many places of interest, and enjoy its cheerful, bustling atmosphere.

Below are some useful links for your reference

Hellenic Ministry of Culture [www.culture.gr]

Official Heraklion City web site [www.heraklion-city.gr]

Archaeological sites of interest
Knossos Palace
Festos Palace
Gortyna

Monuments
Venetian fortification walls
Venetian Loggia, Town Hall
Basilica of San Marco, originally built by the Venetians in 1239 AD
Morosini's Venetian Fountain- Fountain of the Four Lions, built in 1629 AD, it supplied the water system of the city, built in 1629 AD
La Rocca al mare (Koules), the fortress in the sea, one of the most impressive Mediterranean fortresses
Martinengo Rampart-Kazantzakis's grave, panoramic view of Heraklion

Museums
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
Historical Museum of Crete, featuring two of El Greco's paintings, a detailed model of Heraklion during the 1600s and Kazantzakis' study room
Natural History Museum of Crete [www.nhmc.uoc.gr]
Nikos Kazantzakis Museum, Myrtia village

Sights
Cretaquarium, Aquarium in Gouves [www.cretaquarium.gr]
Chronakis house
Village of Archanes

Churches
Aghios Minas, Cathedral church of Heraklion
Aghios Titos, one of the most beautiful churches in Crete
Aghia Aikaterini (Church of Sinai), featuring a collection of Byzantine icons of the Cretan School