Heraklion Old Town

If you take a walk in Heraklion, start from the small port, close to the modern port. What you will see first is the Venetian fortress. The fortress was originally built by the Venetians and was named Rocca al Mare. He is now known by his Turkish name, Koules. For centuries it was used as protection against invaders, as well as the great walls and moats of the city. These are some of the largest city walls in Europe.

The fortress was also a prison for many Cretan guerrillas. Koules is built on two levels and offers a wonderful view of Heraklion from the walls. Today, the port itself hosts brightly colored fishing boats and lively taverns selling fresh fish.

Looking at the city you will see the strong arches that house boats under repair. They were used as arsenals for storing weapons and gunpowder. The biggest threat to the Venetian fortress of Heraklion was considered to have come from the city beach. In fact, many naval skirmishes took place on this coast. The view to the north overlooks the uninhabited island of Dia. Evidence from the ancient Minoan settlement (ca. 2700-1450 BC) was found by the diver, Jacques Cousteau.

The center of Minoan civilization and capital of Minoan Crete, Knossos, is located 5 km south of Heraklion. Knossos flourished for about two thousand years. It had large palace buildings, extensive laboratory facilities, luxurious stone caves and tombs. As an important center of trade and economy, Knossos maintained ties with most of the cities of the Eastern Mediterranean.