Most visitors to the Greek island of Crete tend to skip the capital city of Heraklion and head instead for one of its many renowned beaches, but beyond the sun and sand lies an exciting city with a wealth of historical and cultural gems to discover.
Venetian Fortress & Arsenal (Arsenali)
Much of Heraklion was damaged during World War II, leaving few reminders of Crete's Venetian era. What remains is an impressive fortress (Rocca al Mare, as it was known to the Venetians), arsenal and city walls, which were built during the 16th century to protect the city from the Turks.
Archaeological Museum
Heraklion's Archaeological Museum is one of the finest museums in all of Greece, with an impressive collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization, as well as those from ancient Greece and Rome. Some of the museum's star exhibits include the hall of frescoes,with finds from Knossos, Agia Triada and other palaces; the Ayia Triada Sarcophagus, an elaborately painted stone coffin that was perhaps made for a Minoan ruler; the Phaestos disc, which is embossed with hieroglyphics that are said to be the earliest known Minoan script; and several pieces of Minoan jewelry and figurines.
Historical Museum of Crete
The Historical Museum of Crete traces the island's history from early Christian times to the present day. Its collection includes ceramics and sculptures, stoneware, coins, jewelry, manuscripts, and much more. The Historical Museum's most famous exhibit is a painting by El Greco, the only one that remains in the artist's native Crete.
Museum of the Battle of Crete
The Museum of the Battle of Crete highlights Crete's role in World War II through a collection of photographs, documents, weapons, and uniforms.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum offers a fascinating look at Crete's landscape since Minoan times, with displays of the flora and fauna that can be found on the island. The Natural History Museum is especially popular with children.
Morosini Fountain
Named after a 17th century Doge of Venice, the Morosini Fountain sits in a small square in Herakion's old quarter. The fountain is adorned with carved stone lions, the symbol of St. Mark.
San Marco Basilica
At one time, San Marco Basilica (named for Venice's patron saint) was Heraklion's most important Venetian church, and all of the official ceremonies took place here. The building also served as a mosque but today functions as an exhibition center and conference hall.
Agia Ekaterini Church
Built by the Venetians in 1555, Agia Ekaterini once served as a monastic school and as one of the great schools of iconic painting. The church now houses a Museum of Religious Art that boasts the best collection of Cretan icons.
Agios Titos Church
The Basilika of Agios Titos (St. Titos) is one of Crete's most important monuments to Christianity. The church was originally built by the Byzantines in the 10th century and was converted by the Turks to a mosque before being reclaimed by the Orthodox church in 1925. The golden skull of St. Titos is on display inside the church.
Market
Greece is renowned for its colorful markets, and Heraklion's market does not disappoint, selling everything from olives to dried fruit to fresh seafood. The market is open every day except Sunday, but it is best to arrive early because most of the vendors pack up their stalls by midday.
For more information on things to see and do in Crete, see Rethymno's Top Sights, Crete's Best Day Trips or Mythical Sites of Crete.
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