NOMOS IRAKLEIOY

IRAKLEIO KRITIS

Population (according to 2021 census): 156.842

History

Heraklion: From Herakleia to the Modern Largest Urban Center of Crete

The Centuries-Long Journey of Heraklion: From the Port of Knossos to the Modern Metropolis

Αρχαιολογικός χώρος της Κνωσού: Η ναυαρχίδα του Μινωϊκού Πολιτισμού
Η πανοραμική άποψη του Ηρακλείου

-Heraklion, the largest city of Crete and the capital of the region, is a place with a rich history, vibrant traditions, and unique tourist attractions. It has a long and eventful past, marked by various names and historical periods that have shaped its identity. -According to Strabo, the present-day city of Heraklion occupies the site of the ancient port of Knossos, known as Herakleia. This name was preserved during the Roman and early Byzantine periods. Later, during the Byzantine era, the settlement was fortified with walls and became known as Kastro (Castle). -In 824 AD, the Arabs conquered Crete and chose Kastro as their capital. They strengthened it with walls and a large moat (in Arabic khandak), from which the city took the name Handakas. The Arabs used Handakas as a base for pirate raids throughout the Mediterranean, and the city became the largest slave market in the eastern Mediterranean. -Arab rule ended in 961 AD when the Byzantine general Nikephoros Phokas besieged and captured the city, putting an end to the scourge of piracy. -After the Crusaders captured Constantinople, the Venetians acquired Crete. They renamed the city Candia and made it the capital of the “Kingdom of Candia.” This was a period of great growth and prosperity. The Venetians built the impressive Venetian Walls (1462–1562), considered among the most advanced fortifications of their time. They also constructed many mansions, fountains, aqueducts, and public buildings, such as the Morosini Fountain and the Loggia. During this period, Candia became an important center of cultural and artistic activity, influenced by the Renaissance. -The Ottoman siege of the city lasted 21 years (1648–1669), the longest siege in world history. After its capture, the city declined. Many Christian buildings were destroyed or converted into mosques. Nevertheless, the Cretans continued to rebel. -In 1822, the city was renamed Herakleia again, and later the name Heraklion was established. In 1913, together with the rest of Crete, it was incorporated into the Free Greek State. During the German Occupation (1941–1944), the city offered fierce resistance. Today, Heraklion is the largest urban center of Crete and a modern, dynamic destination with a rich cultural heritage.

Traditions

Cretan Lyra, Mantinada, and Pentozalis: The Living Tradition of Heraklion

The Deep Roots of Cretan Identity: Music, Dance, and Dress

-Tradition in Heraklion, as throughout Crete, is deeply rooted in the island’s history and culture. It consists of a vibrant blend of customs, music, dance, and gastronomy, passed down from generation to generation. -Music and dance are an integral part of Cretan identity. The main traditional instruments are the Cretan lyra and the laouto (lute). The lyra is the leading instrument, while the laouto provides rhythmic accompaniment. Other instruments include the mandolin, the violin, and the askobandoura (a type of bagpipe). Cretan dances are dynamic and full of passion. The most famous ones are the Pentozalis, Sousta, and Syrtos Haniotikos. -The mantinada is one of the most well-known poetic forms, consisting of rhyming couplets written in fifteen-syllable verse, often improvised to express feelings of love, sorrow, or satire. The rizitika songs are another important type, usually performed without musical accompaniment, and sung during various social occasions. -The Cretan traditional costume, both male and female, symbolizes the pride and bravery of the Cretan people. The male attire includes the vraka (traditional trousers), meitani (vest), shirt, stivania (high leather boots), and sariki (embroidered headscarf). The female costume includes an embroidered dress, apron, meitani or salamarka (vest), and a silk headscarf. It is worth noting that the costume varies from region to region (e.g., Sfakian, Anogeian).

Local products

The Flavors of Heraklion: The Signature Products of the Cretan Diet

Gastronomic Tradition in Heraklion: Cretan Rusks, PDO Graviera, and the Ritual of Raki

-The Cretan land is renowned for its products, which form the foundation of the famous Cretan diet. -Graviera of Crete is one of Greece’s most celebrated cheeses, holding a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). It is made from sheep’s milk or a blend of sheep’s and goat’s milk and aged for at least three months. Its flavor is sweet and slightly salty, with a rich aroma. -Anthotyros is a soft, fresh cheese similar to myzithra. It can be consumed fresh or dried, the latter giving it a firmer texture suitable for grating. -Cretan rusks (paximadia), usually made from barley, are a staple of Cretan cuisine. They are famous for their long shelf life and high nutritional value. -Extra virgin Cretan olive oil is world-renowned for its exceptional quality and health benefits. It represents a significant part of Heraklion’s agricultural production. -Olives, especially the Koroneiki variety, are harvested and preserved in brine for consumption. -Tsikoudia or Raki is the traditional Cretan spirit, distilled from grape pomace (the remains after pressing grapes). Its production is a deeply social ritual known as kazania, usually held in autumn. -The Heraklion region has a long winemaking tradition, with notable indigenous grape varieties such as Vidiano, Liatiko, Mandilaria, and Kotsifali. The area hosts many award-winning wineries that welcome visitors for tours and tastings.

Tourism

Heraklion: History, Culture, and Unique Landmarks

From the Minoan Palace of Knossos to the Venetian Fortress of Koules

Κρήνη Μοροζίνι: Τα Λιοντάρια που βρυχώνται

-Heraklion is an ideal destination to combine history, culture, nature, and entertainment. -The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the most important museums in Greece, housing exhibits from the Neolithic to the Roman period, and especially from the Minoan civilization. Here, visitors can admire the Phaistos Disc and the Snake Goddess. -About five kilometers south of the city lies the Palace of Knossos, the center of the Minoan civilization, the most popular archaeological site in Crete, and one of the most famous in Greece and the entire Mediterranean. -The Venetian Fortress of Koules stands as an imposing structure at the entrance of Heraklion’s old harbor and is also known by its Venetian name, Rocca al Mare. -Another impressive landmark is the Morosini Fountain (commonly known as The Lions), a beautifully ornate Venetian fountain featuring four lion sculptures, located in Eleftheriou Venizelou Square — one of the city’s main meeting points. -The Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, the renowned author and literary figure, is located on the Martinengo Bastion of the Venetian Walls and offers a panoramic view of the city. -The Cretaquarium is a popular attraction that hosts more than 2,000 species of Mediterranean marine life.