Heraklion, Crete - Greece | 03 Sep 2014
35.3333° N | 25.1333° E
Heraklion (or Heraclion also Iraklion) is one of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating and vibrant cities, the administrative capital of the island of Crete and its most populous city and one of Greece’s major urban and commercial centers. The City’s development begun in the 9th century AD, when Knossos – the ruins of which are located within close proximity of Heraklion – was the island’s most important centre. In later times, Heraklion was conquered by the Arabs, the Venetians and the Ottomans all of which left their marks on the City’s architecture, thus creating a beautiful amalgamation of civilizations. During the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, the city of Heraklion was one of the Olympic Cities and provided one of the venues for the football tournament. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum which is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece, and among the most important museums in Europe is a robust evidence of the city’s long and glorious history.