Description of the attraction
Lion's Square is located in the heart of Heraklion city. Officially, it bears the name "Eleftherios Venizelos Square" in honor of the famous Greek politician, but this name did not catch on with the locals. Lion Square is the busiest and one of the most important parts of the city; life here rages 24 hours a day.
The highlight of the square is the famous Venetian Morosini fountain, built in the 17th century. Since there were no springs in Heraklion, the inhabitants used wells and rainwater. The construction of this fountain made it possible to solve the problem of supplying the city with drinking water (up to 1000 barrels per day). The water supply was organized through a 15-kilometer aqueduct from a spring in the Yukhtas mountains. The work lasted 14 months and on April 25, 1628, on the day of St. Mark (patron saint of Venice), the fountain was opened.
The pool of the fountain stands on a circular base and is shaped like a flower of eight petals. In the center, on a pedestal, sit four marble lions, water flowing out of their mouths. Previously, the top of the fountain housed a marble statue of Poseidon with a trident (a masterpiece by a local artist), but unfortunately it has not survived to this day. The pool of the fountain is decorated with sculptural compositions with scenes from Greek mythology. Once upon a time on the site of the fountain there was a Roman sculpture of Neptune.
Historical sources state that during the period of Arab rule (9-10 centuries), Lion's Square was the largest slave market in the eastern Mediterranean. In the Byzantine period (10-13th centuries) it was the seat of the Byzantine ruler of Heraklion. In the 13-17 centuries, the square was occupied by the Palazzo Ducale, where the Venetian duke and two of his advisers decided the fate of Heraklion and its inhabitants. There was a granary opposite the palace. After the conquest of the island by the Turks, the Vizier and his retinue were housed in the Palazzo Ducale.
Today, there are many cozy cafes and restaurants on the square, where you can have a great rest. And many shops and souvenir shops will delight guests of the city with interesting purchases.
