Kornarou Square, Heraklion Travel Guide

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Discover Kornarou Square in Heraklion: where Venetian fountains meet Ottoman history, in a vibrant hub of Cretan culture and local life.

Kornarou Square in Heraklion is a vibrant hub where Venetian and Ottoman influences meet. It features the Bembo Fountain, a Venetian relic, and an Ottoman Sebil, offering a glimpse into the city's diverse past. The square is a popular gathering spot, reflecting the heart of Heraklion's local life.

A brief summary to Kornarou Square

Heraklion, 712 01, GR
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From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and grab breakfast at a local café.
Explore the surrounding streets for unique shops and local artisan goods.
Bring your camera to capture the beautiful architecture and vibrant life of the square.
Try the local pastries from nearby bakeries; they are a must-have when visiting the square.

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Getting There

Walking

Kornarou Square is easily accessible on foot from most central Heraklion locations. From Eleftherias Square, walk south along 25th August Street, then turn left onto Vitsentzou Kornarou Square. The square is located at the end of the central market. No costs involved.
Public Transport

Several bus lines stop near Kornarou Square. From Heraklion Airport, take a direct bus to Heraklion. From the port, numerous bus lines will take you to Kornarou Square. Purchase tickets at kiosks near bus stops for €1.20 - €2.00, or on the bus for a higher price.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Heraklion. A taxi from Heraklion Airport to Kornarou Square typically costs €10-€13 and takes approximately 4 minutes. From the port, expect to pay around €18.

Discover more about Kornarou Square

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.