Built on the north coast of
the island, Heraklion, with a population of 200,000 inhabitants, is the largest
city in Crete and ranks fourth in the whole of the country.
Its old walls,
the most important monument surviving from the Venetian era, depict the city's
adventurous past.
History connects the place with antiquity and...Europe. It was in Crete that , according to Greek Mythology, Zeus - the father of Gods - brought the beautiful young lady called Europa from Phoenicia with whom he had fallen in love. Their romance gave birth to a son, Minos, whose name was carried by all subsequent kings of Crete.
During the Minoan era, Heraklion was probably a port town for Knossos, the cradle of Minoan Civilization (2000-1450 B.C.). Ancient historians such as Strabo made reference to Heraklion. In his writings (of the first century A.D.) he refers to the port town of Knossos as Herakleium, obviously named so in honour of Hercules (Heracles) who had come over to Crete to capture a wild bull (the seventh of his Twelve Labours).
The most important events in
the history of the city are the following: Visitors to Heraklion almost invariably visit the Minoan
antiquities. The Archaeological Museum
of Heraklion
exhibits findings from the Neolithic period (5000 BC) to the Roman period (4th
century AD) and it is unique in the world for the variety of its exhibits. There is also an excellent
Historical and Ethnographic Museum which exhibits relics from the post-Roman
period, Byzantine, Venetian, Turkish and Modern Greek periods. For those who love literature,
Heraklion is connected with the name of Nikos Kazantzakis, one of the most
famous Greek writers of the 20th century. He was born and raised in this town
where he lived for several years. He is buried at the promontory of the Venetian
walls, not far from the centre of the city. Contemporary Heraklion is a
cosmopolitan city, the third port of the country and one of the major
Mediterranean harbours. Its ideal location (at the crossroad of East and West)
and its mild climate, made the city - as well as the whole island - a major
tourist centre. The city hosts cultural activities with a local, European and
International dimension and appeal: art exhibitions, theatre performances,
cultural events, internationall conferences, scientific meetings, etc. Leisure Another very popular choice is
going out for a raki, a traditional Greek white spirit. You can have this in
special taverns called "rakadika" (a general name) which also offer a variety of
traditional Greek snacks. Music clubs and bars are
rather widespread in Heraklion. The same goes for cinemas. There are in town two
poster-stands especially for cinemas; one is to be found at Eleftherias Square
and the other at Dikeosinis avenue. During spring and summer there
are various cultural events. Local theatrical groups are competing every April,
in the "port theater" situated opposite the Chania-Rethymnon station. During the winter season there
are two major theater-halls: the "Simple Theater" (Aplo Theatro) at 35
Dimokratias tel: 243630 and the "Theatrical Scene" of Heraklion (Theatriki Skini
herakliou) at Knossou avenue. You may find information about cultural activities
from posters and on the local radio. The city of Heraklion runs a
youth centre called "Youth Multicentre" (Polykentro Neoleas). It operates as a
cultural and amusement centre and shelters the needs of young people to express
themselves. It is also a popular meeting point. Places of interest in
Heraklion are generally within walking distance from the city centre. The major Greek banks are all
situated on the "25th of August" street. Addresses of Banks: Alpha Credit Bank - 94, 25th August str. Area code for the city of
Heraklion - 081 Cost of
Living Living expenses
are estimated follows:
- accommodation 60,000 drh (~200 EURO) Climate
The weather in Crete is
generally warm (warmer than the mainland in the winter and cooler and drier in
the summer).
- During the 9th century AD the Arabs occupied Crete and founded at the
site of Heraklion a new city called Rabdh al Khandak (Castle
of the) - the name "Handakas" is still used by the older residents of
Heraklion.
- In the 10th century the Byzantines took control of the island
and managed to stay in power till the beginning of the 13th century.
-
During the 13th century (1204) the city fell in the hands of the Venetians.
The Venetian period covers four and a half centuries and was a period of great
progress for the city in terms of trade, architecture, literature and art. The
world famous painter Dominicos Theotocopoulos (El Greco) was born in Heraklion
(Fodele) where he first began painting. Many Venetian monuments still remain
in Heraklion, such as the old wall, which surround the old part of the city,
the port fortress (Koules), the Loggia, Morozini's fountain, etc.
- After
the legendary siege of Heraklion by the Turks (it started in 1648 and lasted
for about 25 years) the Venetians were forced to surrender and thus, the
period of Turkish rule started.
- Cretans revolted many times against the
Ottoman Turks, in 1770, 1821, 1866 and 1895. In 1898 the island of Crete was
granted a status of autonomy by the Ottoman Empire and in 1912, the island was
finally united with Greece.
On
the outskirts of Heraklion (5km from the city centre) lie the reconstructed
remains of the Knossos Palace
first discovered by the British archaelogist Sir Arthur
Evans in 1900.
An interesting place to visit is
the museum dedicated to him at his ancestral village of Myrtia (15km from
Heraklion).
Greek
people enjoy going out for a coffee at almost any time of the day. In that
respect, there are many Cafeterias offering a wide range of coffee, snacks and
pastry.
The most popular cafes are situated at Korai, Perdikari and Chandakos
streets.
The most popular of them are situated at Pireos
square near St. Demetrios church. Others are situated at Anopoleos, Renieri,
Chandakos and Ag. Titou Streets.
There ar four cinemas in Heraklion:
"Astoria" at Eleftherias Square, "Vintsenzos Cornaros" at Malikouti street,
"Kronos" at Nireos street and "Studio" at Ikarou & Herodotou avenue.
At
"Vintsenzos Cornaros" and "Studio" you are entitled to a reduced price ticket
with a student-card.
From
early July till late August the summer festival takes place. This is held at
"Kazantzakis" theater, which is situated at the park near the new gate.
Some
of the events included in the festival are ballet and theatrical performances,
classical , traditional, and modern music concerts.
It includes a coffee bar, 4
Internet PC's, a small library (for indoor use only), a board ofadvertisementss,
an expedition hall, and a small yard at the patio of the building.
The halls
are used for various cultural events mainly organized and addressed to young
people and, of course, to students.
The prices are low and the entrance to
the cultural events is free. The "Multicentre" is situated at the ground floor
of the Androgeo Public Building at Androgeo str.
Branches of them as well as
other Banks can be found in other parts of the town. Banks are open to the
public from 8.00 to 13.30 p.m.
Ionian
Bank - 44, 25th August str.
Commercial Bank - 66, 25th August
str.
National Bank - 35, 25th August str.
General Bank -
Four Martiron Square
Tourist Office (EOT) - 228203
Police Emergency -
100
Post Office - 234468
Taxi - 210102/124
Airport
- 228402 / 220294
Fire Emergency - 199
Hospitals -
Apollonio 229713; Venizelio 237502; University Hospital 392111
- catering 45,000
drh (~150 EURO, self-catered)
- bus-fares 12,000 drh (~45 EURO)
- other
expenses 50,000 drh (~165 EURO)
Below is a list of the average temperatures
April and May - 18C
June and July -
25C
August and September - 26C
October and November -
18C
December -
13C