Venetian Heraklion and the unique Archaeological Museum
Our tour enables us to find out more of the important period of Venetian rule and explore the jewels in the crown of the capital Heraklion’s wonderful structures including the ‘Koules’ fortress, Venetian Loggia, Basilica of St Mark, medieval monastery of St Catherine and the Cathedral of Agios Minas.
The Venetian Loggia is an especially eye- catching and beautiful structure that still functions as the Town Hall of Heraklion. It was built in 1620 and was a place for Venetian nobleman to gather. The fortifications of Heraklion surround the old city. They were first constructed in the Middle Ages but they were completely rebuilt by the Republic of Venice and resisted the Ottoman Turkish forces for 22 years in the 1600s. They are among the best preserved city walls in the Mediterranean.