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Since the Neolithic times, a settlement has existed in the same site where Heraklion stands today. This settlement was one of the ports of the great city of Knossos during Minoan and Roman times.
In 824 AD the Saracens captured this settlement and named it El Khandak (= moat) because of the strong walls they built to protect the city, surrounded by a deep moat.
The Byzantine Empire took the city in 961 AD. After 1204, when the Crusaders occupied Constantinople, they gave Crete to Boniface of Monferrat who sold it to Venice. The Venetian rule began in 1204 and lasted until 1699, during which period the town was renamed Candia and flourished. It became a centre of art and learning, and many artists and scholars took refuge there after the fall of Constantinople in 1453.
In 1462 the Venetians fortified the city by buildings a huge wall of a triangular shape, with a length of 4 kilometres and seven bastions.
It was also during Venetian times that the harbour was built as well as plenty of architectural marvels such as splendid buildings, fountains, squares and churches. It was a time of prosperity for the city and art and literature had a great development.
After 21 years of close siege, one of the longest sieges in history, the town had to surrender to the Turks in 1669. They changed the name of Candia and renamed it Megalo Kastro (Big Castle) and its destroyed fortification were repaired. But Turkish occupation was strongly resented by the Cretan population. They organised continuous guerrillas and revolutionary movements against their oppressors. To avenge themselves, the Turks made various reprisals against the Cretan, and sometimes great massacres were effectuated (like in 1828 and in 1898). The town fell into the darkness of slavery and its prosperity vanished.
In 1913 Heraklion, like the rest of Crete, was united with the newly built and free Greek State. After that the town of Heraklion grew in size.
During World War II, the Germans occupied the island and the city and the Cretans participated to various resistance movements against fascism. During the Battle of Crete the Germans bombed the city, causing great damages. After the war the city was rebuilt and developed rapidly during the last decades.
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Because of the spectacular development the town has experienced since the last decades after World War II and its destruction by the German forces, Heraklion is facing the usual problems of a quickly built modern town such as chaotic constructions, traffic jams, lack of parking problem and impersonal neighbourhoods.
These elements make Heraklion a busy town that has nothing in common with the beautiful towns of Chania, Rethymno and Agios Nikolaos. However, some fine corners and buildings have still been preserved, creating a pleasant atmosphere and bringing back memories of the town’s glorious past.
The fast development of Heraklion have made it a city that houses many institutes and laboratories. The Science and Technology Park of Heraklion, established in 1993, is such an example. |
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Worth-seeing
places in Heraklion |
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Old Port: it is located on the left of the modern harbour and was, during the Venetian period, an important commercial, trade and military centre. It is well-preserved and ideal for pleasant evening walks. |
The
Venetians Walls: these walls are one of the most important Venetian fortifications in Greece. Seven ramparts still stand today as well as two of the four gates.
The first and oldest gate is called Pantocrator Gate because it has a carved bust of God Pantocrator on its exterior face, and a medallion with the same bust on its interior face with the inscription OMNIPOTENTS (Pantocrator in Latin).This Gate is the Chania Gate because from it the city communicated with the western Crete. The winged Lion of Saint Mark is carved in relief on marble on its exterior face.
The New Gate is on the southern side and has a decoration, the name of the governor Mocenigo and the date of its construction (1587) on its inside face. Near the gate, the space has been transformed in an outdoor modern theatre.
On the southernmost end, within the walls, one can find the rampart of Martinengo. On a flat hill lies the grave of the famous Cretan writer Nikos Kazantzakis, with the plaque where are inscribed his famous words: “I hope nothing, I fear nothing, I am free”. |
The
Venetian Fortress of Heraklion
or Koules: this castle was built at the entrance of the old Venetian port as a protection form pirate raids. It is open to public and a beautiful outdoor theatre has been built on its top.
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The
Loggia: this rectangular, two-storey building is the most elegant of the Venetian building of Heraklion town. It was built between 1626 and 1628 by the General Francesco Morosini and used to be a place of nobility’s meetings and recreation. The building that visitors can admire today is a restoration of the old building which was destroyed. It houses the Town Hall. |
The
Morosini Fountain:
this beautiful fountain is situated in the middle of Venizelos square and was built during the Venetian times by the General Morosini. The square is a miniature of the Square of Saint Mark in Venice and was the centre of the Venetian city Candia. The water of the fountain was brought by an aqueduct.
This superb fountain has a central basin which stands on the backs of four lions. The water pours into 8 basins which are intercommunicating, forming a giant flower, and decorated with carved scenes from Greek mythology. |
The
Bembo Fountain: this fountain stands on Kornaros square and is the oldest fountain of Crete. It was named after the Venetian who built it and adorned it with reliefs of Venetian coats of arms and Roman statues. Pilasters and columns are decorating its façade. |
The
Building of the public services:
the barracks of Saint George used to stand in this building which was built by the Venetians during the 16th century. The barracks were destroyed and rebuilt by the Turks. The old Venetian gate can still be seen.
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The
Vikelian Library: this
library was founded in 1910
and its first books were a donation
of Demetrios Vikelas. Today
this beautiful library houses
about 80.000 books. |
The
Municipal Market: this picturesque market is a bustling and colourful outdoor place where all kind of Cretan goods can be bought such as excellent nuts, mouth-watering fruits, wonderfully smelling herbs, colourful spices, tasty cheeses, local meat, etc. |
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