Heraklion• sights to see
Αξιοθέατα
The Minoan palace is the main site of interest at Knossos, an important city in antiquity, which was inhabited continuously from the Neolithic period until the 5th c. AD. The palace was built on the Kephala hill and had easy access to the sea and the Cretan interior. According to tradition, it was the seat of the wise king Minos. The Palace of Knossos is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur, and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros.
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Knossos
The Minoan palace is the main site of interest at Knossos, an important city in antiquity, which was inhabited continuously from the Neolithic period until the 5th c. AD. The palace was built on the Kephala hill and had easy access to the sea and the Cretan interior. According to tradition, it was the seat of the wise king Minos. The Palace of Knossos is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur, and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros.
The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of Greece’s most important museums, housing the world’s largest collection of Minoan artifacts. Located in the heart of Heraklion, the museum spans thousands of years of Cretan history, from the Neolithic period to the Roman era. The exhibits include frescoes, pottery, sculptures, jewelry, and the famous Phaistos Disc, offering a comprehensive look at the island’s ancient civilization. The museum’s collection provides invaluable insight into the Minoan culture, known for its advanced art and architecture. A visit to this museum is essential for anyone interested in the history and archaeology of Crete.
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Archäologisches Museum Iraklio
1 ChatzidakiThe Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of Greece’s most important museums, housing the world’s largest collection of Minoan artifacts. Located in the heart of Heraklion, the museum spans thousands of years of Cretan history, from the Neolithic period to the Roman era. The exhibits include frescoes, pottery, sculptures, jewelry, and the famous Phaistos Disc, offering a comprehensive look at the island’s ancient civilization. The museum’s collection provides invaluable insight into the Minoan culture, known for its advanced art and architecture. A visit to this museum is essential for anyone interested in the history and archaeology of Crete.
The Natural History Museum of Crete, located in Heraklion, offers a fascinating journey through the natural world of the Mediterranean. The museum features extensive exhibits on the region's diverse ecosystems, including flora, fauna, and geological formations. One of the highlights is the interactive earthquake simulation, which allows visitors to experience the sensation of an actual earthquake. The museum also has life-sized models of various animals, providing an educational and engaging experience for all ages. Additionally, the museum is involved in significant research and conservation efforts, contributing to the preservation of Crete's natural heritage.
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Naturhistorisches Museum von Kreta
Leoforos Sofokli VenizelouThe Natural History Museum of Crete, located in Heraklion, offers a fascinating journey through the natural world of the Mediterranean. The museum features extensive exhibits on the region's diverse ecosystems, including flora, fauna, and geological formations. One of the highlights is the interactive earthquake simulation, which allows visitors to experience the sensation of an actual earthquake. The museum also has life-sized models of various animals, providing an educational and engaging experience for all ages. Additionally, the museum is involved in significant research and conservation efforts, contributing to the preservation of Crete's natural heritage.
Guarding the Venetian harbour is a square-shaped fort built when the island was under the control of the Republic of Venice in the 16th century.
The fort’s upper level has a clear view of the harbour, while in the vaulted passageways below are cannons, hundreds of cannonballs, piles of amphorae, information panels and a brief film about the history of the fort.
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Festung Rocca a Mare
Guarding the Venetian harbour is a square-shaped fort built when the island was under the control of the Republic of Venice in the 16th century.
The fort’s upper level has a clear view of the harbour, while in the vaulted passageways below are cannons, hundreds of cannonballs, piles of amphorae, information panels and a brief film about the history of the fort.
Lions Square is one of the liveliest places in the centre of Heraklion. People pass through on their tour of the city, take the weight off at cafe tables, potter around the shops and line up for ice creams.
Rising from the lower basin is an octagonal pedestal with the four lions that give the square its name.
That basin below has eight lobes and has reliefs with images from Greek mythology like nymphs and the god Triton.
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Morosini Lions Fountain
Platia Eleftheriou VenizelouLions Square is one of the liveliest places in the centre of Heraklion. People pass through on their tour of the city, take the weight off at cafe tables, potter around the shops and line up for ice creams.
Rising from the lower basin is an octagonal pedestal with the four lions that give the square its name.
That basin below has eight lobes and has reliefs with images from Greek mythology like nymphs and the god Triton.
The Cretaquarium, located near Heraklion, is one of the largest and most modern aquariums in Europe. It showcases a diverse array of marine life from the Mediterranean Sea, including sharks, sea turtles, and colorful fish. The aquarium features over 60 tanks, offering visitors an up-close view of the vibrant underwater world. Interactive exhibits and informative displays provide insight into the marine ecosystem and the importance of ocean conservation. The Cretaquarium is a perfect destination for families and marine enthusiasts, offering a captivating experience that combines education with entertainment.
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Cretaquarium – Thalassocosmos
The Cretaquarium, located near Heraklion, is one of the largest and most modern aquariums in Europe. It showcases a diverse array of marine life from the Mediterranean Sea, including sharks, sea turtles, and colorful fish. The aquarium features over 60 tanks, offering visitors an up-close view of the vibrant underwater world. Interactive exhibits and informative displays provide insight into the marine ecosystem and the importance of ocean conservation. The Cretaquarium is a perfect destination for families and marine enthusiasts, offering a captivating experience that combines education with entertainment.
The tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, one of Greece's most celebrated writers and philosophers, is located on the Martinego Bastion, a high point on the old Venetian walls of Heraklion. The site is simple yet profound, reflecting Kazantzakis' humble spirit. A wooden cross marks the grave, and the epitaph reads his famous quote, "I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free." The location offers panoramic views of the city and the sea, making it a place of quiet reflection and homage to the author of "Zorba the Greek" and "The Last Temptation of Christ."
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Grabmonument von Kazantzakis
ΚρήτηςThe tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, one of Greece's most celebrated writers and philosophers, is located on the Martinego Bastion, a high point on the old Venetian walls of Heraklion. The site is simple yet profound, reflecting Kazantzakis' humble spirit. A wooden cross marks the grave, and the epitaph reads his famous quote, "I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free." The location offers panoramic views of the city and the sea, making it a place of quiet reflection and homage to the author of "Zorba the Greek" and "The Last Temptation of Christ."