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Priuli Fountain: A Venetian Echo in Heraklion

Discover the Priuli Fountain in Heraklion: a historic Venetian fountain with a blend of Renaissance architecture and cultural influences.

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The Priuli Fountain, or Fontana Nuova, is a historical landmark in Heraklion, Crete, constructed in 1666 by Venetian governor Antonio Priuli. It provided a vital water source during the Ottoman siege and showcases a blend of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, complete with an Arabic inscription, reflecting the island's diverse cultural influences.

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Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
  • Take time to observe the Arabic inscriptions on the fountain, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of Crete.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby Venetian-era landmarks like the Morosini Fountain for a comprehensive historical experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Priuli Fountain is located on Delimarkou Street in Heraklion, behind the Bodossakeio Primary School and opposite the Venetian Dermatas Gate. From Lion's Square (Morosini Fountain), walk east along 25th August Street, then turn left onto Kalokerinou Street. Continue onto Evans Street, then turn right onto Delimarkou Street. The fountain will be on your left. Walking time is approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Heraklion Archaeological Museum, walk to the nearby bus stop and take a local city bus towards the city center. Get off at a stop near Lion's Square (Morosini Fountain) and follow the walking directions. A single bus fare within Zone A (most of the city center) is approximately €1.20 if purchased at a ticket booth or €2 if purchased on the bus. From there, follow the walking directions.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Heraklion. A short taxi ride from the port or airport to the city center will cost approximately €15-€20. Ask the driver to take you to Delimarkou Street, near the Bodossakeio Primary School. Taxi fares within the city center typically start at €1.80, with a rate of €0.90 per kilometer. Expect to pay around €6-€11 for a 5-10 km trip.

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Nestled in the heart of Heraklion, Crete, the Priuli Fountain, also known as Fontana Nuova, stands as a testament to the city's rich Venetian past. Constructed in 1666 by the Venetian governor Antonio Priuli, the fountain provided a crucial water source during the prolonged Ottoman siege of Candia (Heraklion) from 1648 to 1669. The Ottomans had cut off the water supply to the Morosini Fountain, leaving the city in dire straits, until Priuli identified a new water source within the city walls. Located on Delimarkou Street, behind the Bodossakeio Primary School and near the Venetian Dermatas Gate, the Priuli Fountain is a captivating blend of Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. The fountain features four columns and Corinthian pilasters, crowned by a triangular pediment. Niches on either side of the columns display elaborate relief decorations. A Turkish inscription on the fountain references Houssein Hajji Pasha, who renovated the fountain and restored its water supply during the Ottoman period. Legend has it that during the siege, a fearless citizen named Deli-Markos repeatedly escaped Ottoman imprisonment, leading them to believe he was invincible. They supposedly built him into the fountain with heavy chains. Locals say that whenever danger approaches, Deli-Markos awakens within the fountain, trying to break free and protect the city. Today, the Priuli Fountain is a reminder of Heraklion's resilience and the diverse cultural influences that have shaped its identity.

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