Heraklion is the fourth largest city in Greece (with a population of 120 thousand people). It is located on the island of Crete and is the center of economic activity in the region. The tourist flow never stops in a country like Greece. Heraklion has an airport that handles about 15 percent of visitors to the country.
It is also a major population center of Crete and a central place in the Cretan-Mycenaean culture, which, in turn, represents the ancient center of European culture. Most likely, the city was founded in the 20th century BC. This is evidenced by a variety of archaeological finds.
Then Heraklion was settled by the Saracens in 824 AD. No wonder they chose a country like Greece. After all, Heraklion was protected by a moat, and its port was used as a refuge for pirates. The city in 961 was not lucky. The Byzantines captured it. Therefore, the local inhabitants - the Saracens - were exterminated, and the city was thoroughly burned and plundered.
The confluence of cultural currents and the impact of the Italian Renaissance spurred art in Crete, which is now called the Cretan Renaissance. Greece is famous for this cultural heritage.
Heraklion was besieged even by the Turks. This happened in 1645-1669, and such excesses continued for 22 whole years. To great sorrow, Heraklion fell at the end of the siege and later joined the Ottoman Empire. 1931 is famous for the fact that the city of Greece took into its "embrace". Heraklion, like all of Crete, was annexed to this country.
The rich history of the city has produced a whole series of valuable architectural monuments, most of which are in the archaeological museum. Five kilometers from the city limits is the well-known labyrinth palace. It was freed by archaeologists from a layer of centuries-old stratification and partially restored. Over the past ten years, other valuable monuments of ancient architecture have been found.
If you look through the eyes of a tourist at modern Heraklion, then on the central square, in addition to cafes and restaurants, you can admire the Fountain of Lions. It was erected by Venetian builders in 1628. Here you can also see the Town Hall, which is located in the Venetian house of the Loggia. The Turks also succeeded in construction. At the end of the market, they built the Kubes Fountain while they were converting the adjacent church into a mosque.
I would also like to highlight one thing that attracts everyone to Heraklion. Hotels provide here a diverse range of services that can satisfy even the most demanding guests. In the city you can find deluxe rooms, small rooms and youth hostels. Restaurants and cafes are calculatedon a variety of clients visiting Heraklion. Attractions and fill the city. The nightlife never stops here. Most establishments are open 24/7.
If you are planning a vacation, then know that Greece has never disappointed anyone. Therefore, feel free to choose Heraklion, your vacation will definitely take place at the highest level!
