Heraklion or Iraklion (Greek: Ηράκλειο), is the largest city and the capital of Crete. Its name is also spelled Herakleion (transliteration of ancient / Katharevousa name), or Iraklio, with other variants. For centuries, it was called Candia (Greek: Χάνδαξ or Χάνδακας, Turkish: Kandiye).
Its Archaeological Museum holds the remains of the 3000-year old Minoan civilization, which grew aroud the nearby legendary palace of Knossos (of Minotaur fame), as well as Byzantine churches and a well-preserved Venetian wall and fortress from the 15th century.
Heraklion is the capital of Heraklion Prefecture and it has an International airport named after the writer Nikos Kazantzakis. The ruins of Knossos, which were excavated and restored by Arthur Evans, are nearby.
Heraklion is an important shipping port and ferry dock. The public can take ferries and boats from Heraklion to a multitude of destinations including Thira, Rhodes, Egypt, Haifa and mainland Greece.
Located in the middle of the island, all roads lead to Heraklion. Heraklion has a busy harbour and very busy airport and usually is the starting point of travels to Crete and nearby islands.
Places to See
Landmarks:
- The Minoan Palace of Knossos it the site of the most important and best known Minoan palace complex in Crete. It is located some 5 km south of Heraklion. According to tradition, Knossos was the seat of the legendary Cretan king Minos. The Palace is also connected with further legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur, as well as the story of Daidalos and Ikaros.
- Venetian Walls
- Loggia (Greek: Λότζια)
- Lions Square (Greek: Πλατεία Λεόντων)
Museums and Galleries:
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum, open summer daily 8am-7.30pm, closed 1 January, 25 March, Easter, 1 May, 25-26 December, includes admission to Knossos Palace - houses the most important and representative finds from Minoan civilisation and excavations across the island of Crete. Highlights include statues of the Snake Goddesses, the famous Bull-Leaping Fresco, the enigmatic and mysterious Phaistos Disk, and Minoan seals and jewellery. Also includes a number of finds from Classical Greek and Roman periods.
- Museum of the Battle for Crete and National Resistance - recounts the tale of Cretan and Allied resistance against Nazi invaders in World War II
Museum of Natural History and Historical Museum