Knossos Palace
One of the most impressive monuments of Cretan architecture is the Palace of Knossos. It is his image that adorns tourist brochures about Crete, postcards and souvenirs, so that anyone interested in this region has repeatedly encountered photos of this unique attraction.
Aquarium of Crete
Just east of Heraklion, between the towns of Kokkini Hani and Kato Gouves, there was once a large airbase. Today, the military personnel serving it have been replaced by zoologists, and the repair hangars are huge aquariums of the ultra—modern entertainment complex Cretaquarium.
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
To anyone, and it’s a sin for Greece to complain about the lack of archaeological heritage. Even the most modest provincial museum of local lore is likely to own an impressive collection of ancient artifacts.
Historical Museum of Crete
The relatively small size of Crete in the distant past was a tasty morsel for many powerful powers. Having such an excellent geographical position on the border of Europe, Asia and Africa! Once again passing from hand to hand of the new rulers, he absorbed the established orders like a sponge.
Kules Fortress
The massive walls of the medieval fortress of Kules, against which powerful sea waves beat, are perhaps the main symbol of Heraklion. The 500-year history of the “guardian of the Venetian Bay” is reflected not only in the museum’s exposition, located in dozens of its halls, but also in its past and current names.
Museum of Natural History of Crete
Crete is a relatively small island, but the richness of its nature was enough to create the largest Natural History Museum in the entire Mediterranean. The exhibition, housed in the building of a former electrical substation, is not limited to a boring demonstration of stuffed animals and herbariums.
The Museum of Fine Arts in Heraklion
The Church of St. Mark, built in the 13th century by Venetian Catholics, served as a mosque during the years of Turkish rule and even survived several earthquakes. After the expulsion of the Muslims, it was restored to its original form.
Cathedral of St. Mina
Heraklion is not only the administrative, but also the religious capital of Crete. There are dozens of temples in the city and surrounding areas, and the most important is the Cathedral of St. Mina. It does not impress seasoned tourists with its size, but, nevertheless, it is included in the list of the largest temples in Greece.
St. Titus Cathedral in Heraklion
The Heraklion Cathedral of St. Titus, the first Cretan Christian missionary, changed its confessional affiliation three times. It was erected in 960 by order of the commander Nikephoros Phokas, who expelled the Saracens from the island. At the beginning of the 13th century, Crete became Venetian, and the church became Catholic.