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St. Minas Cathedral

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St. Minas Cathedral

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.

Guide to Exploring St. Minas Cathedral

Morosini Fountain

Don’t miss this ornate fountain in Heraklion’s central square, which once brought daily drinking water to thousands of inhabitants.
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Koules Fortress

The prominent symbol of Heraklion, this imposing fortress by the harbor has protected the city for over 500 years.
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Palace of Malia

Stroll around one of the best-preserved Minoan palaces in the country and learn how this ancient civilization lived.
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Natural History Museum of Crete

Don’t miss the chance to learn about Crete’s unique natural environment at this excellent modern museum.
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Heraklion Loggia

Take a look around this stunning Venetian monument, also the site of the Heraklion town hall. 
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Palace of Phaistos

Explore the ruins of this once-glorious palace. Imagine it in its heyday as royals and courtiers moved around its spacious rooms.
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Heraklion Port

Spend an afternoon wandering around this ancient harbor and admiring the fortress and ancient walls or take a trip to one of the nearby islands.
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Heraklion Archaeological Museum

One of Europe’s most important museums has five millennia of Cretan history on display, including the exceptional Minoan exhibit.
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Palace of Knossos

Take a tour around one of Europe’s most spectacular archaeological sites, where Greek myths have been made and great treasures discovered.
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Historical Museum of Crete

Trace the history of this ancient town through its numerous periods and discover traditional art and fascinating stories.
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Bembo Fountain

Be sure to visit this ancient drinking fountain that served Heraklion for several centuries.
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Cretaquarium

Discover the enchanting world that lives beneath the sea when you visit one of Europe’s finest aquariums.
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Museum of El Greco

The birthplace of one of Greece’s most famous artists displays reproductions of his works. Learn about his life and artistic career.
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Venetian Walls

Take a walk around Heraklion’s ancient fortifications, which protected the old city from invasion for centuries.
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St. Mark's Basilica

One of the most important Venetian monuments in Heraklion, this former cathedral now houses the city’s Municipal Art Gallery.
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Map

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