Martinengo Bastion, Heraklion Travel Guide

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Explore Heraklion's largest Venetian bastion, offering panoramic views and the poignant tomb of author Nikos Kazantzakis.

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Martinengo Bastion

The Martinengo Bastion, the largest of Heraklion's Venetian-era bastions, offers panoramic city views and houses the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, author of 'Zorba the Greek'. It's a historical landmark where military architecture meets literary legacy.

A brief summary to Martinengo Bastion

Ενετικά Τείχη, Heraklion, 713 05, GR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Martinengo Bastion.

Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven stone surfaces while exploring the bastion.
Visit in the late afternoon for the best light for photography and to avoid the midday heat.
Take a moment to reflect at the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis and appreciate the inspiring epitaph.

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Explore Martinengo Bastion on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Martinengo Bastion, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Heraklion city center (e.g., Lion Square), walk south along pedestrian streets like Daedalou Street. Continue towards the Venetian Walls; the Martinengo Bastion is a prominent feature on the southeastern part of the wall. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes and is mostly flat.
Public Transport

Several city buses serve areas near the Venetian Walls. Check local bus routes (KTEL) for the nearest stop to Martinengo Bastion. From the bus stop, follow signs towards the bastion. A bus ticket purchased from a kiosk costs approximately €1.20-€2.00. Buying a ticket on the bus will cost more.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Heraklion. Ask the driver to take you to 'Martinengo Bastion' or the 'Tomb of Kazantzakis' on the Venetian Walls. A short taxi ride from the city center will cost approximately €6-€11. Note that there is also a pre-booking fee of €4.00.

Discover more about Martinengo Bastion

Martinengo Bastion, the southernmost and largest of the seven bastions that once formed the formidable Venetian walls of Heraklion, stands as a testament to the city's strategic importance and rich history. Named in honor of Gabriele Tadini di Martinengo, a distinguished Venetian military engineer who oversaw fortification work in Crete in 1519, the bastion was designed to withstand heavy cannon fire and provide a commanding view of the surrounding area.Constructed in the 16th century, the bastion is a prime example of Renaissance military architecture. Its heart-shaped plan, with an acute angle, features two 'piazza bassa' and a cavalier, defining the southeast and highest part of the fortification. The design allowed for a wide field of fire, and its thick walls were built to absorb the impact of attacks. The bastion utilized materials from older ruins, including ancient Greek and Roman sites.Today, Martinengo Bastion is renowned as the final resting place of Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957), one of Greece's most celebrated authors. Known for novels such as 'Zorba the Greek' and 'The Last Temptation of Christ,' Kazantzakis's tomb, marked by a simple cross, is a pilgrimage site for admirers. His epitaph, 'I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free,' encapsulates his philosophical spirit. The tomb is located on the highest point of the Venetian fortification.Visitors can explore the bastion's grounds, enjoy panoramic views of Heraklion, and reflect on the history and literary significance of this unique landmark. The site also offers a glimpse into the tragic fate of Cretan Jews, who were held prisoner near the bastion in 1944 before being deported. The Martinengo Bastion is a historical site where visitors can wander through history and enjoy the beautiful views of the city.