Heraklion - Land Of Myths And Dreams

Author: George Papas

Heraklion (also known as (Iraklion or Iraklio), is the capital of Crete and a window to the world - the centre of its economy, commerce and development, as well as the heart of its tourism and cultural activities. 5km east of the city is the Heraklion International Airport, Greece's second largest and second busiest airport. The city is also a major port of call for cruise ships and cargo liners.

Heraklion is an interesting city famous for its historical monuments, as well as for its beauty. It attracts hordes of tourists from around the world. The old districts of Heraklion remind us of the old Turkish city, surrounded by the imposing Venetian walls. The modern district, however, extends beyond the fortress and gives the impression of a megalopolis.

The city boasts a large number of squares, such as Trion Kamaron (or Eleftheria Square), Eleftherios Venizelos, etc. Facing the harbour is the uninhabited island of Dia, which is occupied by rabbits. The locals' favourite promenade extends between Eleftheria Square and Bendenaki, i.e. the northern coastal section of the wall.

One of the city's best attractions is the internationally renowned Minoan Museum which is unique in the world because of the large number of Minoan artefacts. It houses the famous Knossos murals, the Agia Triada sarcophagus, the amazing snake goddesses, the Phaistos disc with the undecipherable Minoan scripture, etc.

SIGHTSEEING:

• The History Museum of Crete contains interesting religious and ethnological exhibits found on the island in the first Christian centuries and after.

• The Morosini Fountain is found in the central square of Heraklion and was built by Venetian General Fancisco Morosini. It is decorated by four lions. Abundant water runs from their four open mouths, while their backs support a large marble basin

• Koules is the Venetian castle located at the entrance of the harbour. It was built in 1523-1540. The three lions of St. Marc are found there.

• The Venetian walls of Hand aka: this is an important fortification work of the time. Its building took the Venetians 100 years. It is surrounded by 12 small fortresses, whose ruins have been preserved to this day.

In addition, there are many churches that have beautiful decoration and valuable hagiographies.

• The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the most important museums in the world. It is located near Eleftheria Square and has one of the largest and most important collections of Minoan exhibits.

• Agia Aikaterini, located on the same-named square, houses the Museum of Ecclesiastical Art with unique hagiographies from the Cretan School and ecclesiastical artefacts.

• On the same square is the Cathedral of Agios Minas, an imposing 19th-century building, while in front of it is the original church of Agios Minas, a medieval building with interesting decoration and icons.

• The Byzantine church of Agios Titos is located at the archaeological site of Gortyna. In one of its chapels, there are traces of 7th-century murals.

• Ancient Amnissos (the ancient port of Knossos). The region is closely linked to the mythology and history of Crete. Excavations brought to light a Minoan mansion dating back to around 1600 B.C.

• The Cave of Eileithyia, 1 km south of Amnissos, was a place of worship. According to mythology, this is where Hera gave birth to Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth.

• The archaeological site of Archanon, where a stone-built Minoan mansion was found.

• Anemospilia, the cave at the foot hills of Mount Juktas, where a human sacrifice was recently revealed, the only one to be related to Minoan Crete.

• The archaeological site at Malia is one of the most organised. It was inhabited since the Neolithic Age and has two palaces, both contemporary to the ones at Knossos and Phaistos.

• The archaeological site of Knossos: Just 5 km from Heraklion is the largest Minoan palace and one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece. The Palace of Knossos flourished for more than 3,000 years.

• The archaeological site of Phaistos: You will admire the old palace, which contains ruins of Hellenistic and Roman buildings, above those of the ancient city.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/greece-heraklion-land-of-myths-and-dreams-805360.html