Heraklio

Iraklion (known also as Heraklion or Herakleion) is the largest urban centre in Crete, the capital of the region and the economic centre of the island. Currently the population of the municipality of Heraklion is approximately 150.000 people. During the last 20 years the city has made also a remarkable progress in the academic and technological fields, becoming a very dynamic and developed town.

Heraklion‘s long history and cosmopolitan character is reflected to its rich cultural life, such as events from music & dance recitals to theatrical performances, to lectures, to art exhibitions and much more are hosted in the many private or public places that the city offers.
Among the most outstanding sights of Heraklion are the fortification walls that delimit the “old city”. History is very much alive in the old town, just like in most Greek cities.
The old Venetian Harbour leads to the old town’s centre.
The central square while surrounded by cafes, stores and restaurants, is dominated by the fountain of the Lions, built by Morozini the venetian governor in 1628. The Town Hall, is today housed in the Venetian Loggia, and next to it, the plateau and the cathedral of Agios Titos, an exceptional monument from the Byzantine era.

Municipality Facts:

• Area: 2,641 km sq
• Population: 305,490
• Airport: Kazantsakis International Airport
• Port: Heraklion Port

Municipality Main Attractions:

• Heraklion Archeological Museum
• Fortress of Koules
• Old Venetian Harbor
• The Palace of Knossos
• Phaestos Minoan Palace
• Agios Titos Church
• Cathedral of St. Minas
• The Lions Square
• Ammoudara Beach