Contents
The city of Heraklion is located in the heart of Crete, because historically played a significant role in the life and development of the island. For his many years the city changed its name more than once: first Heraklion, then Khandakas, Candia, finally, Heraklion again.
28.08.2013
Текущее название города было присвоено ему в 1922 году.
Modern Heraklion – large industrial, commercial and agricultural center. Moreover, the city is The largest communications center of Crete. It is closely related to others. cities of the country and establishes foreign economic contacts. The long history of Heraklion contributed to the active development cultural traditions. However, the newest neighborhoods are not yet represent weighty cultural values, more like ordinary greek cities.
However, part of the city, framed by the famous Venetian walls, preserves many bright, original places and monuments, testifying to the wealth of urban history. They will surround you with all sides, you just have to go through the city gates. Before of today only 2 of the 4 gates have survived: the Chania Gate (or Pantocrator Gate) on the west side, new gate – the gate Jesus at the south end of the wall.
By the way, the southern part boasts a bastion Martinengo the courtyard of the temple – the highest peak of the castle, and, therefore, most unapproachable and inaccessible.
Here are the ashes of Nikos Kazantzakis, where the stone slab echoed the winged saying: “I hope for nothing, I don’t I’m afraid I’m free. ”
The center of the old town decorates Venizelos Square with a fountain Frost He acquaints with the many monuments of antiquity, among which ancient churches, beautiful fountains, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Venetian lotion. However, the highlight of the cultural program Tourists will visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Here collected one of the world’s rarest collections, consisting of unique antiques found in Knossos, Gortyn, Phaistos, Arhanes. There are in the city and the Historical Ethnographic Museum, and also monuments of church art.
Video: Mouzenidis Travel
Here also lie the ruins of the ancient city of Amnisos, existed in the Minoan era, as well as an amazing villa, famous for its impressive frescoes. Nearby is the notorious the cave of Ilythia. According to legend, in 1545 she served as a sanctuary for fertility goddess. As for the legendary personalities, in the village Fodele was born El Greco – without exaggeration one of most famous artists of the Renaissance. Village houses are good remember his real name – Domenikos Theotokopoulos.
A special attraction of Heraklion was the crest snails preparing in different ways. In rakadika you can enjoy traditional snacks (mezedes), delicious cheeses, olives and baked potatoes specially cooked in wooden ovens. Attract lovers of gastronomic tourism and traditional Cretan sweets, for example, calicounia. She can find almost anywhere in Crete.
Returning to the sights, it should be mentioned that that in antiquity the city was surrounded by magnificent residences and luxurious palaces And the Minoan civilization that flourished in Crete in 3000-1200 yy BC, according to merit is considered one of the most important and bright periods in the formation of modern Greece.
The times of the Minoan period allowed hundreds of cities to grow, making them important centers of civilization. The most famous are Arhanes, Zakros, Gortis, Knossos, Malia and Festos. Unfortunately, most of them were repeatedly destroyed earthquakes and natural disasters. However they were restored, becoming more magnificent and stately.
The golden age of the Minoan period (from 1700 to 1450 BC) left a mark on the city in the form of rapid development of art. AT memory we got a rich cultural heritage along with most important unique finds. So Knossos became a territory. most significant excavations in Crete. Here found the ruins of the luxurious and famous Minoan palace. The castle was built about 2000 BC, destroyed – 300 years later. Palace soon restored, according to tradition making it even more impressive.
Heraklion Map
Photo: rekomania.ru, Tez Tour, photozoomer.ru
