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Kornarou Square: A Crossroads of History and Culture

Discover Kornarou Square in Heraklion: where Venetian fountains meet Ottoman relics in a vibrant hub of Cretan history and culture.

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Kornarou Square in Heraklion is a vibrant hub where Venetian and Ottoman influences meet. Named after the Cretan poet Vitsentzos Kornaros, it features the Bembo Fountain and a Turkish sebil, offering a glimpse into the city's layered past.

A brief summary to Kornarou Square

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and grab breakfast at a local café.
  • Explore the surrounding streets for unique shops and local artisan goods.
  • Look out for local events or performances that may be scheduled in the square.
  • Bring your camera to capture the architecture and vibrant life of the square.
  • Try local pastries from nearby bakeries.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Kornarou Square is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from many points in Heraklion. From Lions Square (Eleftheriou Venizelou Square), walk east along Daidalou Street, then turn right onto Vitsentzou Kornarou Street. The square will be on your left. This walk is approximately 5 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines stop near Kornarou Square. From Heraklion Airport, take a direct bus to Heraklion city. The bus from the airport to the city center costs approximately €1-€2. Get off at the bus stop near Kornarou Square. The bus ride takes approximately 10-15 minutes. From the Central Bus Station, you can take bus lines 02, 06, 09, 10, 11, 12, or 15 to Kornarou Square. The cost is approximately €1.20.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Heraklion. A taxi from Heraklion Airport to Kornarou Square typically costs between €10-€13 and takes about 4 minutes. From the port, a taxi to Kornarou Square is approximately €18.

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Discover more about Kornarou Square

Kornarou Square, also known as Valide Tzami (Valide Mosque), is a historical landmark in the heart of Heraklion, Crete. The square is named after Vitsentzos Kornaros, a leading figure of the Cretan Renaissance and writer of the poem “Erotokritos”. This bustling square encapsulates the essence of Heraklion's rich history and serves as a vibrant meeting point for locals and tourists alike. During the Venetian rule, the monastery of San Salvatore stood where the square is today. Constructed in the late 13th century by the Augustinian friars, it was the only purely Gothic church in all of Crete. However, during the Turkish occupation, the monastery was converted into a mosque dedicated to Valide, the Sultan's mother, giving the square its alternative name. The building later served as a shelter for refugees and a school before being demolished in 1970. Today, Kornarou Square is adorned with the Bembo Fountain, a Venetian fountain built in 1588 that once supplied the city with spring water. Nearby stands an Ottoman sebil, a public fountain constructed in 1776 by Hadji Ibrahim Aga to provide fresh water to travelers. The square also features a bronze statue of Erotokritos on horseback, bidding farewell to his beloved Aretousa, commemorating Kornaros' famous poem. Surrounded by shops and cafes, Kornarou Square offers a place to relax and soak in the atmosphere. Its central location makes it a convenient starting point for exploring other nearby attractions, including museums and ancient ruins.

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