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Bust of Yuri Gagarin, Heraklion

A tribute to the first human in space, symbolizing a monumental leap in space exploration and Greek-Russian friendship.

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A monument honoring Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, located on Sofokli Venizelou Avenue in Heraklion, Crete. The bust commemorates the historic flight and symbolizes Greek-Russian friendship.

A brief summary to Προτομή Γιούρι Γκαγκάριν

  • Leof. Sofokli Venizelou, Heraklion, 713 04, GR

Local tips

  • Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along Sofokli Venizelou Avenue to enjoy the waterfront views.
  • Look for the olive trees planted by cosmonauts in the nearby Cosmonauts Park, symbolizing Greek-Russian friendship.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Bust of Yuri Gagarin is located on Leof. Sofokli Venizelou, a main thoroughfare in Heraklion, making it easily accessible on foot from many points in the city center. From the Lion Square (Morosini Fountain), walk east along the avenue, with the sea on your right. The bust is situated along the waterfront promenade.

  • Public Transport

    The local bus network in Heraklion provides access to the area around the bust. Several bus lines serve stops along Leof. Sofokli Venizelou. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. A one-way ticket for urban routes in Heraklion costs approximately €1.20-€1.60.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Heraklion. A short taxi ride to the Bust of Yuri Gagarin from the city center will typically cost between €6 and €11, depending on the distance and traffic. Taxi fares in Heraklion start at €4.00, with a per-kilometer charge of approximately €0.90 during the day.

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Discover more about Προτομή Γιούρι Γκαγκάριν

The Bust of Yuri Gagarin stands as a tribute to the pioneering cosmonaut who was the first human to journey into space. Located on Leof. Sofokli Venizelou in Heraklion, Crete, the monument serves as a reminder of this pivotal moment in space exploration. The bust was gifted to the people of Greece by the «Dialogue of Cultures – United World» Fund, with support from TEZ TOUR Greece, and was unveiled on September 30, 2016. The opening ceremony was a festive event, complete with an orchestra performance and attended by notable figures, including the Mayor of Heraklion, representatives from the Russian Embassy, and Russian cosmonauts. It marked not only the 55th anniversary of Gagarin's flight but also the cross-cultural year between Russia and Greece. The monument has become a point of interest for tourists and locals alike, symbolizing the strong ties between Heraklion and Russia. In Cosmonauts Park, near the bust, cosmonauts have planted olive trees, a symbol of Greece, further solidifying the bond between the two nations.

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