V-Collections - Greek Memories

Heraklion

Iraklion is the largest urban centre in Crete, the capital of the region and the economic centre of the island. The first European civilisation, the Minoan civilisation, flourished on this land 5000 years ago. Currently the population of the municipality of Iraklion is approximately 150.000 people. It is a very dynamic and cosmopolitan town, particularly during the summer period when thousands of visitors can be seen shopping in the market or visiting the museums and other places of interest. During the last 20 years the city has made also a remarkable progress in the academic and technological fields.
History is very much alive in the old town of Heraklion, just like in most Greek cities.
From the old Venetian Harbour,  August 25th Str., 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, a building from the same era and next to it, the plateau and the cathedral of Agios Titos an exceptional monument from the Byzantine era. 
From the central square the street of the "Central Market" ends at "Kornarou Square" with the coffee house at "Koubes" a Turkish fountain and next to it the "Bembo fountain" built by a Venetian nobleman. To the left "Averof Str." leads to "Eleftherias sq." , Heraklion's main square where the Archaeological museum stands and to the right 'Kyrillou Loukareos Str" leads to Agios Minas cathedral and Agia Aikaterini Museum. 
All around the old part of the city, a visitor can walk following the Venetian walls that meet at the old port and "Koules", the fortress that dominates the old harbour of the city.