Monuments to visit Greece

The fountain was inaugurated in 1628 by the Venetian governor Francesco Morosini, hence its name, but it is best known as the "Fountain of the Lions", in Greek Liontaria. The water flows through the mouths of four lions, symbols of Venetian power, and the basins are decorated with representations of mythological scenes, carved in marble, where some classical figures such as tritons or nymphs can be found... This fountain was the first to bring water to the city of Heraklion, hence its current historical power. In spite of its appearance today rather banal, one can easily recognize that the work of its construction had to be considerable. The large statue of Poseidon, which occupied the centre of the fountain, was destroyed during the Turkish occupation. The square, where 25 Avgustou Street, the main pedestrian street leading down to the port, opens, is a very important cultural and tourist centre of Heraklion. But don't just look up at the four lions, also look under the fountain through the four hermetically sealed and lighted portholes: there you can see the foundations of the Venetian aqueduct. One of the emblematic places of Heraklion because of its history, the square of the Lions (or E. Venizelou) is not very impressive. However, it can be pleasant to have lunch in one of the taverns in the square where the fountain is located, especially those whose terraces on the first floor will give you a pleasant view of the surrounding animation.

The Methoni Citadel is one of the most beautiful Venetian citadels in the country. Closing off the western part of the bay, this citadel remains one of the best preserved in the whole Mediterranean. It is entered by a majestic stone bridge built in 1828 by the French. From the top of the famous Bourzi Tower, built by the Turks in the 16th century, you have a beautiful view of the mainland and the islands of Sapientza and Schiza. The rest of the citadel offers little to see, but you can always go for a walk on the ramparts or visit the defensive bastions.

On the northwest side of the Temple of the Olympiad is Hadrian's Gate, an impressive 18-metre high marble arch. Hadrian's gate was built in honour of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. It delineated the boundary between the ancient city of Theseus and the new Roman city that extended from the current Avenue Amalias to Illissos. It is a unique Romanesque arch, framed by two Corinthian columns. Above, the two statues of Theseus and Hadrian were erected on the same level.

This colonnade was built between 437 and 432 BC under Pericles to indicate that the Acropolis belonged to the people of Athens. The building was revolutionary for the time: it was the first propylée to present a façade in the form of a temple. The central part of the Propylaeas consists of two porticoes with six columns, one opening onto the inside of the sanctuary and the other onto the outside. The spaces between the columns served as a place of access for the faithful, while the central passage allowed animals to pass through during sacrifices.

The fortress of Koroni offers some beautiful opportunities for walks in an abundant vegetation and charming houses of simplicity and freshness. The view of the landscapes, the sea and the greenery remains unforgettable.

On the hill where the Acropolis was located, you will see the only surviving column of Apollo's Doric temple.

Chateau built in 1814 to control passages in the region. Ali Pasha's presence still haunts the places… a superb view of the Parga region and beautiful walls still well preserved.

Built in 1628 by F. Morosini, the Loggia, an emblematic building of the Venetian period, was the building where the nobility and the authorities of Candia gathered to discuss or consult each other on political, economic and commercial matters. Deprived of its functions during the Ottoman period and destroyed during the Second World War, it was scrupulously rebuilt in the same place. It is a beautiful building to visit on a walk. At the northern exit, the small Sacredo fountain has remained intact over time.

The ruins of the Venetian bridge used to cross the now dry torrent are admirable. A still visible work of art that would go almost unnoticed. The most symbolic figure of the entry or exit of Samaria.

Built in 1300 by Jean Orsini, it has been restored many times by the Venetians and the Ottomans.

It's the highest point on the island. Built in 1880 by the French Ottoman Lighthouse Company, it was the second most powerful lighthouse in the world at the time. Located at an altitude of 360 m, its light covered a distance of 42 miles. However, at the slightest fog, the lighthouse became completely ineffective. Recently renovated, it has been fitted with a café and a souvenir shop in an architectural style that can be controversial. Nevertheless, it is very pleasant to have a drink in front of the setting sun in this unique site.

In the middle of the mountains of Kythera, you will discover the remains of the island's former capital. The citadel, built in the 12th century by workers from the town of Monemvasia (Peloponnese), 216 m high on two gorges, was invisible from the sea. The terrible admiral of the Turkish fleet and former pirate Khayr ad-Dîn Barbarousse discovered it, besieged it and completely destroyed it in 1537. On the site, you will see the ruins of 80 houses and 20 churches. The church of Agia Varvara is still well preserved and deserves to be visited.

This islet is surmounted by a 15th century Venetian fortress that can be visited only on request. In 1423, the local Venetian lord Adam II San Ippolito asked the Venetian Senate for permission to build a castle - at his own expense - to protect the small island complex from piracy. Permission was granted and the castle was built. Some fortifications, cannons and two churches remain today.