St. Minas Cathedral Tours and Activities

St. Minas Cathedral featuring heritage architecture, religious aspects and a church or cathedral
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
Step away from the crowds and visit this grand cathedral, seen by many as a symbol of the Cretan revolution.

Stand in the quiet paved square outside St. Minas Cathedral the sheer size of the spectacular structure will take your breath away. Admire the clean lines and smooth curves and appreciate the symmetry of the stained-glass windows, the twin bell towers and the impressive arches. Step inside to see a wealth of art including ceiling paintings, frescoes and altar pieces. Enjoy the peaceful sense of space that this huge building creates or attend a service to hear the sound of thousands of voices singing together.

St. Minas is the patron saint of Heraklion the cathedral built in his name is appropriately grand. It was constructed between 1862 and 1895. With a capacity for 8,000 people, it is one of the largest religious buildings in Greece.

Stop outside the cathedral and appreciate the scale and symmetry of the building. Notice the blend of smooth columns, clean lines scored into the stonework and high arches. Note how the two bell towers peek over the roof on either side of the central dome.

Step inside and the cathedral seems to become even bigger. Note the artwork around the altar, which has been attributed to St. Kartakis.

Make your way around the space and you will see more artwork, with grand ceiling and wall paintings and simple stained-glass windows, all adding interest to the huge space. Make sure you visit the older St. Minas church in the same square. This was built in 1735 and has several original features. Stop for a while in the square and have a drink or a snack in one of the tavernas while enjoying the view of the spectacular cathedral.

St. Minas Cathedral is a short walk from the center of Heraklion. It is free to enter and is open daily.

Plan a trip to see St. Minas Cathedral

Nana Princess Suites, Villas & Spa
Ariadne Beach - Adults Only
Castello Infinity Suites - Adults Only
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near St. Minas Cathedral

GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel
GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel
5 out of 5
9, D. Beaufort Street, Heraklion, Crete Island
GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel
Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Aquila Atlantis Hotel
5 out of 5
2 Ygias Street, Heraklion, Crete Island
Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Atrion Hotel
Atrion Hotel
3 out of 5
9 Chronaki Street, Heraklion, Crete Island
Atrion Hotel
Dom Boutique Hotel
Dom Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
Almirou 14, Heraklion
Dom Boutique Hotel
Metropole Urban Hotel
Metropole Urban Hotel
4 out of 5
Agia Aikaterini Square, Heraklion
Metropole Urban Hotel
Iraklion Hotel
Iraklion Hotel
3 out of 5
Kalokairinou 128, Heraklion, Crete Island
Iraklion Hotel
Capsis Astoria Heraklion Hotel
Capsis Astoria Heraklion Hotel
4 out of 5
11 Eleftherias square, Heraklion, Crete Island
Capsis Astoria Heraklion Hotel
Marin Hotel
Marin Hotel
3 out of 5
46, Epimenidou Str., Heraklion, Crete
Marin Hotel
Kronos Hotel
Kronos Hotel
2 out of 5
2, Sof. Venizelou Str. and M. Agarathou, Heraklion, Crete Island
Kronos Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.