A Stroll through the layers of Heraklion's Historical Treasures

Heraklion, once known as Candia, is a historical layer cake waiting to be uncovered by you. Join me as we wander through the centuries, naming some key figures and exploring both well-known and hidden gems. Stroll along the coastline to the fort in the old harbor. From the remaining Venetian shipyards, you can already enjoy a stunning view of the Koules harbor fort. In the heart of the city, the main square is now called Venizelou Square, but you probably know it better as Lion Square, named after the famous fountain. During this tour, you will also learn about: - The 1866 Market Street, named after an event in Crete that caused a significant stir: the self-sacrifice at the Arkadi Monastery. - The statue of Rotókritos and Aretousa, which represents the themes of love, honor, friendship, and courage, and how it visualizes a romantic Cretan poem called *Erotókritos*. - How, in 1966, the skull of Saint Titus was brought back from St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice to Heraklion, and how it is now displayed in the church. - That the city of Heraklion won an award for the most successful restoration of a historical building, its Venetian Loggia. - The schoolchildren who, while singing, unloaded a ship and transported its cargo to the Agios Minas Church via a human chain. - The miraculous story of the bomb that failed to explode thanks to Saint Minas himself. - The renaming of Liberty Square, once the training ground for the Venetian mercenary army and therefore better known as *Campo Marzio* or *Piazza d'Armi*. - On that same square, the story of former Prime Minister Venizelos, a man of great importance for the island's independence. At the Archaeological Museum, you are free to spend as much time as you wish admiring the artifacts from Knossos and other Cretan excavations displayed there. You will end the tour at the monument of three prominent Cretans: Kazantzakis, El Greco, and Kornaros. From there, you can take the bus across the street to any destination you wish, such as the excavation site of Knossos to explore the former Minoan Palace.

Price: £7.99 from VoiceMap