CRETE TRAVEL GUIDE

Crete Travel Guide
Irakleio
Top 10 Sights
1
Archaeological Museum
Irakleio’s Archaeological Museum is one of the
finest in Greece, with finds from ancient Minoan, Greek
and Roman cities (see Irakleio, Irakleio Archaeological
Museum).
2
Venetian Fortress (Koules)
The massive walls of the square fortress – the most
imposing historic building in Irakleio – were strengthened
by the Venetians as the Turkish threat grew during the
16th century.
Venetian Arsenal
The great wooden
war-galleys that gave Venice
its maritime supremacy were
built and repaired in vaulted
arcades on the harbourfront
opposite the fortress.
Wooden fishing boats are
still hauled up here for maintenance.
4
Historical Museum of Crete
The museum’s proudest possession is the only
painting by El Greco to have been retained in the artist’s
native Crete. There are also some lovely stone pieces
(see Historical Museum).
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5
Morosini Fountain
Carved stone lions, the
symbol of St Mark, decorate
a small fountain in the hub of
Irakleio’s old quarter. It is
named after a great
17th-century Doge of Venice.
Sadly, it is often dry.
A massive medieval fortress still guards the harbour
where the galleys of the Serene Republic of Venice once
moored. Centuries-old churches and drinking fountains
are other reminders of Irakleio’s Venetian era. Busy
open-air markets and the island’s most fascinating
museum are also attractions. Find a café table on one of
the recently restored central squares and watch the busy
everyday life of a small Greek town, or browse the
markets for Cretan antiques and delicacies to take home.
For a morning’s walk in Irakleio (see A Morning in
Irakleio)
6 Market
The old market has
striped awnings and
counters piled high with
everything from live snails to
a myriad varieties of olive .
Museum of Religious
Art
The world’s finest collection
of Cretan icons is displayed
in a pretty 15thcentury
church. Colourful, glowing
depictions of saints and
martyrs,some of them in
elaborate silver frames, adorn the walls. There are three
works by Michailis Damaskinos: the Adoration of the
Magi, Last Supper , and Christ Appearing to the Holy
Women .
8
Natural History Museum
Offers an impression of the Cretan landscape in
Minoan times, before the importation of palm trees,
eucalyptus and bougainvillea. There are also stuffed
animals, fossils and crystals.
9
Museum of the Battle of Crete
This small collection highlights the German invasion
of 1941 and the Cretan resistance to German occupation
from 1941–45. There are photographs, documents,
weapons and uniforms.
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Top 10