Things to see and do Héraklion

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.

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.

Looking south of the city, you will see that a mountain range dominated by Mount Yiouchtas is cut out in the shape of a human profile. According to a legend, it is Zeus who, resting there, would have fallen asleep there. With a fauna rich in birds (44 species) and an important, but not yet studied in detail, flora on the mountain grows eleven endemic species, two of which are very rare. Every year, on 6 August, a religious ceremony takes place in the small chapel perched above. You can go there from Heraklion via Archanes.

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