It is cross-shaped and has four straight pillars, two impressively tall bell-towers and a magnificent dome. Beside it stands the old and lovely church of Saint Minas.
| The
Church of Saint Catherine |
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The church of Saint Catherine (Agia Ekaterini in Greek) is situated on the town of Heraklion and is worth-seeing for the wonderful and valuable icons it houses which have been painted by Michail Damaskinos, one of the most important representative painters of the Cretan School.
This church stands on Venizelos (or Krini) square in Heraklion Town and is one of the largest churches in Greece. The Venetians built this impressive edifice and dedicated it to Saint Mark, their patron. The Turks turned it into a mosque and added a minaret on it. The church was restored to its initial aspect in 1956 and is now used as a Literary Institute and as an exhibition hall for copies of Byzantine frescoes. It also has a concert hall.
| The
Church of Saint Titus |
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This church stands on a square of the same name in Heraklion Town and is dedicated to Saint Titus, patron of the island.
It is a beautiful monument that blends elements of Western and Eastern architecture and, and that was first built in during the Byzantine period.
The Venetians used it as a Catholic Cathedral, changing |
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This church is an impressive example of Byzantine architecture and is located just outside the village of Arkalochori, south-east of Heraklion Town.
It is a wonderful church built in cross-shape, with walls made of stone and a tiles roof.
This architectural masterpiece houses some interesting and valuable frescoes.
| The
Church of Profitis Ilias |
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This church is the trademark of Arkalochori (a village located south-east of Heraklion).
It is a lovely whitewashed church with spare lines, which stands on the top of the hill were excavations brought to life an ancient cave that was one a place of worship.
| The
church of Panagia Kera (Our Lady) |
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This church stands in the village of Kroussonas, on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis, South-west of Heraklion.
It is the oldest church of the village, and it stands behind the also old Church of Agios Charalambos where some Albanian Turks were burned in 1822.
The hole in the roof is still visible.
The bell of Panagia Kera was a donation from a Russian princess and used to contained gold and silver.
This bell was melted down and was replaced by a smaller and commoner one. |
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south-west of Heraklion, on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis.
It is worth-seeing for the breathtaking panoramic view it offers and for its beautiful 15th century fountain carved in relief, which embellishes its entrance.
More information: Click
here
| Monastery
of Valsamonerou or Valsamoneri |
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This abandoned 14th-15th century monastery stands in the village of Vorizia, 52 kilometres south-west of Heraklion and had a church dedicated to Agios Phanourios, housing some incredible 15th century frescoes which are pure artistic masterpiece and unique examples of the Cretan School.
More information: click
here
More churches and monasteries can be found all around the prefecture of Heraklion, such as the 14th century Saint Nicholas Monastery, the 14th century Monastery of Panagia Odigitria (Guiding Virgin Mary), or the 17th century Monastery of Apezanon (or Apezanes), all located in the area of Messara, south-west of Heraklion Town.
Some more are located nearby the village of Vori (60 kilometres south of Heraklion), such as the Church of Saint George dating from the 10th century, the Church of John the Baptist dating form the 10th-12th century and the 15th century Monastery of Kardiotissa which all have wonderful and valuable frescoes. |
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