Description of the attraction
Kornaru Square is one of the most popular spots in Heraklion city. The square got its name in honor of the great Cretan poet Viszeno Kornaros, who is a representative of the Cretan Renaissance.
The oldest surviving fountain in the city, dating back to the 16th century and known as the "Bembo Fountain", is located in Piazza Cornaru. The fountain is named after the Venetian Gianmatteo Bembo who built it. The fountain is made from pieces of ancient marble (presumably from fragments of a Roman sarcophagus). The facade of the building with columns and pilasters is decorated with embossed Venetian coats of arms. In the center of the fountain is a headless Roman statue of a man brought from Ierapetra.
Next to the fountain there is a sculptural composition: a bronze statue of the equestrian Erotokritus and his beloved Aretusa (heroes of the famous poem "Erotokrit" by Visenzo Kornaros, which is considered one of his best works). The sculpture is made in full size.
During the Venetian domination, the now destroyed Cathedral of Christ the Savior (Spassky Cathedral) was located on the site of the modern sculptural composition. It was a majestic elongated structure that managed to withstand despite the numerous earthquakes that repeatedly destroyed Heraklion. Later, during the Ottoman Empire, the church, like most Venetian architectural masterpieces, was converted into a mosque dedicated to Walida Sultan. In 1960, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was destroyed.
There is also an old Turkish gazebo in the square, which has been converted into a cozy coffee shop. Here you can relax, admire the Venetian fountain and enjoy delicious coffee.
