Sights of Heraklion
Lato Boutique hotel has excellent prime location right in the center of Heraklion city, being ideally convenient base for visiting the most important sights of the city.
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the most important and significant museums in Greece. The museum was built during the years 1937-1940 and hosts 20 rooms with exhibits originating exclusively from Crete. These exhibits come mostly from central and eastern Crete and cover a history of 5.500 years. The exhibits are presented following the chronological evolution of the Minoan civilisation. Information :
Historical Museum of Crete
It was founded in 1953 by the Society of Cretan Historical Studies. It is housed in a three storey neoclassical building owned by Kalokairinos family and constitutes another important element of Cretan history and tradition. It comprises 12 rooms showing the evolution of Cretan civilisation from the Christian period until the 20th century. It includes pictures, historical heirlooms, books, maps, Cretan costumes and many other exhibits depicting in the best way the Crete of the past.Information :
Natural History Museum of Crete
In the Natural History Museum of Crete, visitors may familiarize themselves with the natural wealth of Crete and mainland Greece. Among others, the purpose is to understand the relation between the old civilisations and the natural environment, to get to know the impressive past, the future of Crete and the Mediterranean through the fossils, rocks and minerals presented. Information :
Museum of Visual Arts
The Heraklion Museum of Visual Arts (METH) was established in 2000 by K. Schizakis and is a meeting place for fruitful discussions between creators and art enthusiasts. It is a place of intellectual development, cultivation, education and entertainment. Important events in art's most particular aspects are organized and hosted in the museum.
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Koules Fortress
'The Venice of the East', as it was described during the Venetian rule, is the trademark of the medieval city of Heraklion. Koules Fortress was built in 1523-1540 offering a spectacular view to the Cretan sea and is the vigilant guard that protects the city of Heraklion.
Tomb of N. Kazantzakis
The tomb of the most beloved writer of Crete is located on the southern part of the Venetian Walls, on the tower Martinengo. Its wooden cross bears his famous quote: 'I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free'. Offering a view to the entire city of Heraklion, this part of the city makes clear that no homage will ever be enough for this great man.
Palace of King Minos at Knossos
Knossos is the most important and majestic creation of the Minoan Civilisation, a sacred cultural heritage of Greece and a world renowned monument. Located 5 km southeast of Heraklion, the Minoan Palace of Knossos, expanding over a surface of 22.000 m2, is visited by thousand tourists and locals, wishing to make a thrilling journey back to Crete's past. Information: (0030) 2810 231940, 2810226470
Minoan Palace of Phaistos
Located 63 km south-west of Heraklion, the ruins of Phaistos palace are the second most significant palace complex of Minoan Crete and unique cradle of cultural wealth. The old and the new palace, the royal living accommodations, the storage areas, the workshops etc. stand out from the monuments of Phaistos archaeological site. The most important finding displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is the famous 'Phaistos Disc'.Information: (0030) 28920 42315
Gortyn
With a history of thousands of years, Gortyn, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and erstwhile capital of Crete in the past, welcomes us. 45 minutes from Heraklion, the beating heart of the story by the famous Praetorium. Near the plates with the laws of Gortyn, the Roman theater and baths, the Temple of Apollo, the surviving ancient coins and in each find and exhibit maximum cultural value. Gortyn other outside the ruins of St. Titus, who was one of the first churches of Christendom.
Palace of Archanes
One of the most important palace centers of the Minoan period is located in Archanes. It was discovered during the excavations in the 60s.Information: (0030) 2810 752712
Aquarium of Crete (Cretaquarium )
The large Cretaquarium, 15 km east of Heraklion (located at the former American Base in Gournes) offers its visitors a great view to the Mediterranean's sea wealth. Those wishing to live the magical experience of the silent world of the sea are welcome to come 'face to face' with hundreds of species and thousands of sea organisms.Information: (0030) 2810 337788
