Lions Square & Morosini Fountain

Overview

Overview

Lions Square is a popular Heraklion meeting point. Here visitors cross paths with locals on their way to work, to meet friends, or go shopping. Although the official name is Eleftherios Venizelos Square (after the former prime minister), the area is known as Lions Square thanks to the four stone lions gracing the ornate Morosini fountain.

The Basics
Most visitors to Heraklion eventually find themselves in buzzing Lions Square, lined with cafes and restaurants. The square has quite a history. During Arab rule (AD 900-1,000) it was home to the biggest slave market in the eastern Mediterranean. Under Venetian rule (13th-17th centuries), it housed the palace of the Venetian duke of Crete. The stone fountain designed by Francesco Morosini was installed then to bring fresh drinking water via a 9-mile (15-kilometer) aqueduct.

Most tours of Heraklion make their way through Lions Square—given its importance to city life and its central location—and offer insight on its history, too.

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Visitors can learn more about the square and its history on a guided walking tour.
  • The square is closed to vehicular traffic.
  • For an authentic Cretan experience, stop at one of the cafes for coffee and baklava—a sweet pastry soaked in honey.

How to Get There

Lions Square is in central Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete. It is easily accessible on foot from the waterfront and other downtown points. The main bus station is about a 10-minute walk.

When to Get There
A public place, Lions Square is open 24 hours a day. It’s busy at all hours—from local workers grabbing coffee before work to young people snacking on souvlaki after a night out. It’s a good place to grab a quick bite in between shopping and sightseeing.

Visit St. Mark’s Basilica
Just down from Morosini fountain is Heraklion’s own St. Mark’s Basilica. Named for the patron saint of Venice, it was built in the 13th century, during the Venetian rule of Crete. Today it houses the Municipal Art Gallery, which shows work by local artists as well as historical artifacts from the island.
Info

Address

Pl. El. Venizelou
Heraklion, Crete

Categories

Sights & Landmarks

Business Hours

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City Square

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