
There are a number of significant Neolithic and Minoan settlements, most notably the ancient palace complexes of Knossos and Phaistos.
The regional unit Heraklion is subdivided into 8 municipalities: Archanes-Asterousia, Phaistos, Gortyna, Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malevizi, Minoa Pediada and Viannos.
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
OLD VENETIAN HARBOUR
OLD VENETIAN HARBOUR
The old port is one of the favorite walk tours of the citizens, a picturesque romantic place …
FORTRESS OF KOULES
FORTRESS OF KOULES
It is one of the most familiar and beloved monuments of the city, and the symbol of Heraklion…
HERAKLION ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
HERAKLION ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
It is one of the greatest museums in Greece and the best in the world for Minoan art…
THE LIONS SQUARE
THE PALACE OF KNOSSOS
THE PALACE OF KNOSSOS
It is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is considered Europe’s oldest city…
PHAISTOS MINOAN PALACE
PHAISTOS MINOAN PALACE
Excavations by archaeologists have unearthed ruins of the Neolithic times (3.000 B.C.)…
CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MINAS
CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MINAS
The impressive Cathedral dominates the heart of Heraklion, being one of the largest churches of Greece…
AGIOS TITOS CHURCH
AGIOS TITOS CHURCH
The combination of a variety of architectural elements can be seen supporting its intricate history…
AMOUDARA BEACH
AMOUDARA BEACH
Features the longest beach in the prefecture and is perfect for sun seekers and sports enthusiasts…