The Enchanting Charm of Lions Square

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Yah sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Τι κάνεις;
  [Ti kanis?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσύ;
  [Kala. Esi?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;
  [Milate Agglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menou, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!Υγεία!
  [Yia]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosso, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fiye!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astinomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε γιατρό!
  [Kaleste giatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Ime arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agoraso...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kitao]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Borite na miosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (deka)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dio]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Επτά
  [Epta]
• 8Οκτώ
  [Okto]
• 9Εννιά
  [Ennia]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pu ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Borite na mou dixete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για ...);
  [Ena isitirio (ya ...)?]

Lion's Square, or 'Plateia Liontaria', is named after the impressive fountain featuring a marble lion that was constructed during the Venetian occupation of Crete in the late 16th century. This square served as a central meeting point for both locals and visitors, showcasing the architectural elegance of Venetian rule and reflecting the influence of Italian Renaissance art on the island.

During the 13th to 17th centuries, Heraklion was transformed under Venetian control, which included the establishment of Lion's Square as a focal point for civic life. The square was surrounded by important buildings such as the Church of St. Titus and the Venetian Loggia, promoting a vibrant urban culture that thrived in trade, art, and governance.

Following the fall of Heraklion to the Ottomans in 1669, Lion's Square continued to be a significant locale, although it underwent a transformation in character. The square became a melting pot of cultures, where the influences of Ottoman architecture and customs began to blend with the existing Venetian heritage, demonstrating the layered history of the city.

In the early 20th century, after Greece gained control of Crete, Lion's Square underwent renovations that aimed to restore its prominence as a cultural and social center. The square became a venue for public events, gatherings, and celebrations, contributing to the local identity and the revitalization of Heraklion's historical significance.

Today, Lion's Square remains a vibrant hub in Heraklion, surrounded by cafes, shops, and cultural landmarks. It acts as a testament to the city's rich history, where visitors can enjoy the blend of past and present. The square continues to host various cultural events and festivals, acting as a bridge between Heraklion's ancient history and its modern-day life.

Lions Square is centrally located in Heraklion, making it easily accessible from various neighborhoods. If you are coming from the airport, you can take the KTEL bus service that connects Heraklion Airport to the city center. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Local buses (lines 1, 2, 5, and 6) also connect Lions Square with other neighborhoods like Karteros and Phaistos. If you're coming from the ferry port, it's a short 15-minute walk to the square.

Lions Square is pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions within walking distance. Local buses operate frequently, connecting you to other parts of Heraklion. If you prefer cycling, bike rentals are available nearby, and there are designated bike lanes. Taxis are also readily available for longer distances or if you wish to explore further afield.

Lions Square is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated streets. The area around the old town can be crowded with tourists, which can attract pickpockets, so keep an eye on your belongings. While there are no specific high-crime areas, exercising caution is always wise.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is the University Hospital of Heraklion, located a short distance from Lions Square. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available, and many are open late.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites in the vicinity. Don't wear swimwear outside of the beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly in churches or monasteries. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Kalimera' (Good Morning). Eating & Drinking: Do try local Cretan delicacies at nearby tavernas. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it may be seen as impolite.

To experience Lions Square like a local, visit the cafes around the square for a traditional Greek coffee. Engage with local vendors at the nearby market for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Check out the local schedule for cultural events or festivals that may be happening during your visit. For a quieter experience, explore the narrow alleys leading away from the square, where you can find charming shops and hidden gems.