Heraklion should be very beautiful, having experienced throughout its history moments of great glory and growth. However, earthquakes, bombings, and vandalism have leveled ornate buildings, and only a very few specimens, such as the Lion Fountain of Morosini, the former City Hall, and a few others have survived. The buildings of Ruga Maista (today Avenue of the Martyrs of Aug. 25) were completely destroyed when the Turks in 1669, after 23 years of siege – the longest lasting siege on the European history- occupied the city. In those days, the Venetians called the city Candia, probably from the Greek word ‘chandax’,for which the city was named due to the moat that surrounded the high walls built by the Arab Saracens. Conquering the island in 827, the Arabs built in the onetime port city serving Knossos, walls so well fortified that even today, almost 1,200 years later, their demolition was averted due to the high cost.
Heraklion today is the fourth most populous city in Greece and moves at a modern pace. The student population enhances the vitality of the city since the headquarters of the University of Crete are located there. The commercial center, the large bustling harbor, the famous fortress of Koules, where daily throngs of people enjoy a stroll, the lively nightlife, and the Archaeological Museum, and nearby Knossos are some of the features you will find here. Some say that the city has an ‘interesting’ plan, as it can be somewhat difficult to navigate. But if you get lost on the streets, the hospitable and courteous ‘Kastrini’ (as the natives call themselves) will provide you with help and advice. Heraklion improves itself continually, and today plays a new role, that of a modern Mediterranean city.