Description of the attraction
The Cathedral of Saint Mina is one of the main Orthodox cathedrals in the city of Heraklion and one of the largest temples in Greece (it can accommodate up to 8000 people). Saint Mina is considered the patron saint of the city, and November 11 (Saint Mina's Day) is recognized as a public holiday and declared an official day off.
St Mina's Cathedral is located in Venizelow Square. To the right of the temple is the abode of the Cretan Archbishop, and to the left is the small authentic church of St. Mina, which was built in 1735 and is the ancestor of the current cathedral. During the years of the Turkish occupation, the Small Cathedral housed the Cathedral of the Metropolitan of Crete, and today it houses a museum of icons and various church utensils.
The construction of the cathedral began in 1862 under the direction of the architect Athanasius Mousiss and lasted 33 years (with a break in 1866-1883). According to legend, gold, silver and bronze coins of different countries were laid in the foundation under the altar part. The cathedral is a three-aisled sand-colored structure in the form of an equal-pointed cross with a majestic red dome and two belfries. Inside, the majestic domes are painted with traditional Byzantine frescoes. The cathedral is also equipped with benches.
Saint Mina's Cathedral was opened in 1895 with great pomp and consecrated by Metropolitan Timothy Kastriinoyannis in honor of Saint Mina. Despite the ongoing Turkish occupation, the celebration lasted for three days.
An interesting fact is that during the Second World War, on May 23, 1941, during the heavy bombing of Heraklion, a bomb fell on the roof of the cathedral but did not explode. Local residents believe that the reason for this is the intercession of Saint Mina. Despite the high veneration of this saint, the name “Mina” is very rare in Heraklion, as it is associated with deprivation among the locals.
