Agios Minas Cathedral
Μητροπολιτικός Ναός Αγίου Μηνά
One of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in Greece, completed in 1895. Its twin bell towers and blue-and-white dome overlook the old town, and the older little Agios Minas Church stands beside it.
The cathedral is cross-shaped and built in Byzantine Revival style. It can hold about 8,000 people, and its interior is filled with gilded icons and frescoes. St Minas is the patron saint of Heraklion, and legend holds that he protected the city from massacre on several occasions. The small Agios Minas Church beside the cathedral dates from the 18th century and contains an exquisite carved wooden iconostasis. Admission is free, but shoulders and knees must be covered. It is about a 5-minute walk from Lions Square.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:00–13:00 and 17:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- 1866 Street Market
- Lions Square, Morosini Fountain & Venetian Loggia
- Historical Museum of Crete
- Church of Saint Titus
- Venetian Walls & Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis
- Natural History Museum of Crete
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- Koules Fortress (Rocca a Mare)