A Journey Back in Time — Beginning the Day with a Leisurely Walk in Heraklion
It was my second morning on Crete after leaving Santorini. The weather wasn’t perfectly clear, and the streets still felt sleepy. I decided to start the day like a local — walking slowly along the seaside to feel the rhythm of the city.
Today was Epiphany, practically a holiday, and though it wasn’t very early, most of the shops remained closed. Perhaps they wouldn’t open at all that day.
📍 @25is Avgustou (25th of August Street)
This is one of Heraklion’s main commercial streets — a lively route on most days. Even though nearly all the shops were closed, walking through the quiet street offered a sense of calm and a chance to feel the city’s atmosphere more intimately.
🏰 @Rocca a Mare Fortress (Koules / Venetian Fortress)
Hours: 08:00 – 15:00
Admission: about €2
I didn’t go inside that morning — just passed by the outer walls. A massive Greek flag hung from a crane nearby, but on my way back, it was already gone.
The fortress, known as Rocca a Mare or Koules, was built by the Venetians in the 16th century to protect the harbor entrance. Even today, it stands as one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Its thick stone walls, cannons, and rooftop viewpoint overlook the sea and harbor — a reminder of Heraklion’s long maritime history.
⛰️ From the Fortress to the Lighthouse
The walk from the fortress to the lighthouse is about 2 km. There are benches along the way to rest and enjoy the sea view, and I think I even spotted a public restroom.
A small episode from the walk — a fish had jumped out of the water and was flapping desperately on the hot pavement. I didn’t have anything to lift it with, but a young mother passing by with a stroller and her dog calmly picked it up with a tissue and released it back into the sea. Sadly, perhaps from the heat, it floated up again shortly after. I wondered if we’d reached it just a little sooner, would it have survived?
The sound of the waves and the soft winter breeze made this a lovely spot to pause. It must be crowded in summer, but on a quiet day like this, it was perfect.
⛪ @Agios Titos Church
“Agios” means Saint in Greek, and this church is dedicated to Saint Titus — a disciple of Saint Paul and the first bishop of Crete.
The church was first built around the 10th century. Over time, it served many faiths: a Catholic cathedral under Venetian rule, a mosque during Ottoman occupation, and later restored as a Greek Orthodox church.
Its architecture reflects classic Byzantine elements, and the interior glows with gilded icons and hanging lamps. Visitors often stop to pray or simply sit in silence — a serene escape in the middle of the city.
🏛️ @City Hall Square / Kallergon & Dikeosinis Streets
Kallergon and Dikeosinis are among Heraklion’s main pedestrian streets, leading to Piazza Venizelou, the City Hall Square.
At its heart stands the Bembo Fountain, commissioned by Venetian governor Gian Matteo Bembo between 1552 and 1554. The fountain combines Gothic and Renaissance elements, and in its center stands a headless Roman statue — a curious but striking detail.
During the Venetian era, the fountain was Heraklion’s main water source and a gathering place for merchants and townspeople. Later, under Ottoman rule, a Turkish sebil (public water kiosk) was added nearby. Today, the square is filled with cafés and benches — perfect for people-watching and taking a break.
🍦 @Davinci Gelato
Because of Crete’s mild Mediterranean climate, it’s entirely possible to eat ice cream outdoors even in January. Something that would be nearly impossible back home in Korea!
🌳 @El Greco Park
This park honors Domenikos Theotokopoulos, better known as El Greco — the famed painter who was born on Crete before moving to Spain. His statue stands surrounded by trees and open lawns, offering a green pocket of calm in the center of the city.
It’s a pleasant place to stroll, sit, or snap a few photos — one of those simple urban spots that makes you slow down and breathe.
🚶 Streets of Milatou ~ Dedalou ~ Kornarou ~ Handakos
These connected streets form one of Heraklion’s liveliest districts, full of cafés, restaurants, and bars. Many places were closed that day, but the walk itself was enjoyable.
If we had come a bit later, I imagine we’d have sat in a cozy café with a cup of coffee, watching people pass by.
⛲ @Bembo Fountain (Again)
We’d missed it the previous day, so seeing the Bembo Fountain this time felt rewarding. Built between 1552 and 1554 by Gian Matteo Bembo, it remains one of Heraklion’s classic Venetian relics.
The headless Roman statue at its center was originally brought from Ierapetra in southern Crete. The water reservoir that once supplied the fountain has long been removed, so it no longer runs — but it still marks the square’s focal point.
During the Venetian era, this was the city’s first organized water system, later maintained under Ottoman rule as a vital public resource. Today, cafés surround the fountain, and it remains one of the most photographed spots in central Heraklion.
🌃 Evening by the Sea and Stars
As night fell, we returned to the coast. The sky was astonishingly clear — stars and even the Pleiades cluster faintly visible to the naked eye. My phone camera couldn’t quite capture what my eyes could see.
There weren’t many streetlights, so we didn’t walk too far. Instead, we sat on a bench overlooking the dark, calm sea — a quiet, perfect way to end the day.
댓글
댓글 쓰기