Millions of tourists visit Greek resorts every year, and very often the first city they go to is Heraklion. Crete is the most popular island for travelers. The picturesque nature, favorable climatic conditions contribute to the popularity, because the sun shines here almost all year round. A mysterious ancient history also plays a significant role, because many people want to open the veil of secrets, feel like a hero of myths and legends.
Initially, the city of Heraklion was named after Hercules. Crete at different times was under the control of different peoples. In the VII century, the city was captured by the Saracens and renamed it Rabd al-Kandak, which means “serf moat”. Arabs made it the capital of the island. In the 9th century, the city passed into the hands of the Byzantines, they sacked it, took out all the wealth. To do this, they needed about 300 ships. In 1210, Heraklion was captured by the Venetians, and from this period its heyday began. At this time, the largest number of works and architectural monuments were created, culture developed.
Today, Heraklion has become not just the capital of the island, but the cultural and tourist center. Crete annually receives hundreds of thousands of tourists who want to touch the history of ancient civilization, get acquainted with its cultural heritage. The island is covered with myths and legends, each building found by archeologists artifact is fraught with some sort of mystery.
Knossos Palace is located a few kilometers from Heraklion, researchers were able to restore part of its corridors, cellars, halls. This building resembles a labyrinth, it is devoid of any symmetry. To move around it, people had to thoroughly study the building. Therefore, the
myth of the Minotaur was invented
. Having been here, you can imagine the monster, the hero of Theseus and the
thread of Ariadne.At one time, many foreign archaeologists traveled to Heraklion for interesting and unique artifacts. Crete hides the innumerable riches of many civilizations buried in the earth. Archaeologists tried by hook or by crook to remove the things found during excavations from the country, but the city authorities in every way prevented this. As a result, a beautiful Archaeological Museum with a rich exhibition appeared in Heraklion. Here you can find the finds of the Minoan period, frescoes, everyday objects, ceramics, statues, weapons.
The History Museum will introduce visitors to how Crete lived in different eras. Heraklion attractions are mainly architectural and cultural. For example, in the museum you can get acquainted with works of art, historical documents, works of famous icon painters, including El Greco. Enthusiasm and surprise are caused by the Martiningo and Kules fortresses, cathedrals, churches, narrow streets, and Venetian fountains.
Nobody will leave home without gifts, in the city there is an abundance of both small shops and chic shops, a variety of goods affects the market quarter, reminiscent of oriental bazaars. All tourists who want to have a great rest, enjoy the view of amazing nature and learn something new about ancient times should go to the address: Greece, Crete, Heraklion. There are hotels for every taste and budget, tourists can stay at Galaxy, Atrion, Kronos, Castro, Agapi Beach and others. The time spent on the island will be remembered for a long time.