Kornarou Square: A Crossroads of History and Culture

Kornarou Square, also known as Valide Tzami (Valide Mosque), is a historical landmark in the heart of Heraklion, Crete. Named after the renowned Cretan poet Vitsentzos Kornaros, the square encapsulates a rich tapestry of Venetian and Ottoman history. During the Venetian era, the square was the site of the San Salvatore monastery, constructed in the late 13th century. Under Ottoman rule, the monastery was converted into a mosque dedicated to the Sultan's mother, Valide. The square's layered history also includes a period when the temple housed refugees in 1922 and later served as the city's first high school for girls until the 1960s. Today, Kornarou Square is adorned with the Bembo Fountain, a Venetian fountain built in the 16th century that marked the first time the city of Chandax was supplied with water from an outside source. Nearby stands an Ottoman Sebil, a public fountain built in 1776 by Hadji Ibrahim Aga to provide fresh water to travelers. The square also features a bronze statue of Erotokritos on horseback, a tribute to Kornaros' famous poem. Visitors can enjoy the square's lively atmosphere, with cafes and shops surrounding the area. It serves as a meeting point for locals and tourists alike, offering a blend of historical appreciation and modern-day relaxation.