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Statue of Erotokritos: A Symbol of Cretan Romance

A timeless monument in Heraklion's Kornarou Square, celebrating Crete's epic poem of love, Erotokritos, and its cultural heritage.

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The Statue of Erotokritos, located in Kornarou Square in Heraklion, Crete, commemorates the epic poem 'Erotokritos' by Vitsentzos Kornaros, a tale of love and valor. The statue depicts Erotokritos and his beloved Aretousa, capturing their timeless romance and serving as a cultural landmark in the heart of the city.

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Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy better lighting for photographs.
  • Check local event schedules to experience cultural performances in the square near the statue.
  • Explore the nearby Bembo Fountain and Turkish sebil to appreciate the square's layered history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Heraklion city center, such as Lion Square (also known as Liondaria), walk east along Daidalou Street. Continue onto Kornarou Square, where the Statue of Erotokritos is located. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes and is free.

  • Public Transport

    From Heraklion Port or the KTEL bus station, take a local bus (numbers 12, 23, 06, 07, 08, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 31) to Kornarou Square. The bus fare is approximately €1.50 - €2.00. The statue is a short walk from the bus stop.

  • Taxi

    From Heraklion Airport, a taxi to Kornarou Square costs approximately €16 during the day and slightly more at night. The journey takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are readily available at the airport taxi rank. From other locations in Heraklion, taxi fares start at a base fare of €1.80, with a rate of €0.90 per km within city limits. A short taxi ride within the city center should cost around €6-€11.

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Discover more about Statue of Erotokritos

The Statue of Erotokritos stands proudly in Kornarou Square, a vibrant hub in Heraklion, Crete. This monument celebrates the rich literary tradition of the island, immortalizing the characters from the 17th-century Cretan epic poem 'Erotokritos' by Vitsentzos Kornaros. The poem, often compared to 'Romeo and Juliet', tells the story of the nobleman Erotokritos and his love for Princess Aretousa. The statue itself portrays Erotokritos on horseback bidding farewell to Aretousa, capturing a dramatic moment of their romance. Created by sculptor Yannis Parmakelis, the statue is designed with multiple poses to express movement and emotion. The surrounding Kornarou Square, named after the poet, provides a lively gathering place for locals and tourists, with cafes and shops adding to the atmosphere. Kornarou Square has a rich history, having been the site of a monastery during Venetian rule and later a mosque during Turkish rule. Today, the square also features the Bembo Fountain, a Venetian-era fountain, and a Turkish sebil (philanthropic fountain). Visiting the Statue of Erotokritos offers a glimpse into Cretan culture, with the square often hosting local events and performances. The statue is more than a monument; it's a cultural touchstone that embodies love, heroism, and the artistic spirit of Crete.

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