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 of the region. The flow of tourists never stops in a country like Greece. Heraklion has an airport, which passes through itself about 15 percent of visitors to the country.
It is also a large settlement of Crete and a central place in the Crete-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.
Heraklion was then settled by the Saracens in 824 A.D. 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 unlucky. He was captured by the Byzantines. Therefore, the locals - the Saracens - were exterminated, and the city was thoroughly burned and plundered.
The merging of cultural flows and the impact of the Italian Renaissance spurred art on Crete, which is now called the Cretan Revival. Greece is famous for this cultural heritage.
Heraklion was besieged even by the Turks. This happened in the years 1645-1669, and such outrage continued for 22 years. To great sorrow, Heraklion at the end of the siege fell and subsequently joined the Ottoman Empire. The year 1931 is famous for the fact that Greece took over into its "embrace". Heraklion, like the whole 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 famous labyrinth palace. It was liberated by archaeologists from a layer of centuries-old strata 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 on modern Heraklion, then in the central square, in addition to cafes and restaurants, you can admire the Fountain of Lviv. It was erected by Venetian builders in 1628. Here you can see the Town Hall, which is located in the Venetian house of Loggia. The Turks also succeeded in the construction. At the end of the market, they built the Kubes fountain when they remade the neighboring 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 designed for a variety of customers who have visited Heraklion. Sightseeing and fill the city. Night life never subsides here. Most establishments work around the clock.
If you are planning a vacation, then know that Greece has not disappointed anyone yet. Therefore, feel free to choose Heraklion, the rest will certainly be held at the highest level!