Heraklion (Irakleio) is the capital of Crete and Greece's fifth city. Founded by the Arabs in the 9th century as Chandax, under Venice it became wealthy Candia, which gave its name to the whole island. In 1669 it fell to the Ottomans after a 21-year siege, one of the longest in history. Today it is a dynamic city with a pedestrian centre full of cafés and shops.
What to see
| Place | Why |
|---|---|
| Archaeological Museum | The world's most important museum of Minoan civilisation: Knossos frescoes, the Phaistos Disc, the snake goddesses, the bull's-head rhyton, Minoan gold |
| Venetian walls | Massive bastions about 4 km long, among the best preserved in the Mediterranean |
| Kazantzakis's tomb | On the Martinengo bastion, with the epitaph "I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free" |
| Koules fortress | The Venetian castle guarding the old harbour |
| Morosini fountain | The 1628 lion fountain in Morosini Square, the heart of the city |
| Venetian Loggia and San Marco | Elegant Venetian buildings, now the town hall and an exhibition hall |
| Church of St Catherine | Icons of the Cretan school, including works by Michael Damaskinos |
| Historical Museum of Crete | From Byzantine Crete to the 20th century, with two paintings by El Greco |
| 1866 Street | The market, with cheese, herbs, honey and spices |
Knossos and day trips
Just 5 km away is the palace of Knossos, reached by city bus. From Heraklion it is easy to visit Phaistos and Gortyn, the Lasithi plateau, Mount Psiloritis and beaches on the north and south coasts.
Getting there
Nikos Kazantzakis Airport is 5 km from the centre, linked by bus and taxi; in the coming years it will be replaced by the new Kastelli airport, under construction. The port has overnight and fast ferries to Piraeus and connections with Santorini, Mykonos, Paros and other Cyclades. See airports of Crete.
See also Crete and Kazantzakis and Greek literature.