Heraklion is the capital of Crete. It is a city that is full of history, shaped by the Venetian and Ottoman empires. The city’s streets and squares perfectly demonstrate these powerful empires’ influence on the island. One of the most interesting aspects of Crete’s architectural history is its ornate fountains.
From Lions Square to small corners behind the museum, many of these fountains are more than decorative; they are monuments that tell stories of past heroes and empires. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most iconic fountains Heraklion, including the Morosini Fountain Heraklion (often called the Lion Fountain Heraklion), the Renaissance Bembo Fountain Heraklion, the lesser-known Priuli Fountain, and many more.
Historical sources of Heraklion
Water management has a major role in the development and sustainability of the city of Heraklion. As the largest city in Crete, with a major port in the eastern Mediterranean, Heraklion required reliable drinking water. This led to the creation of aqueduct systems and then, beautifully made fountains in Heraklion. Many of these fountains are still functioning today.
During Venetian rule from 1205 to 1669, the authorities invested a lot in civic architecture. This included the construction of aqueducts and public fountains to move fresh spring water from the countryside into the city. The Morosini Fountain was fed by a 15-kilometre aqueduct bringing water from the Archanes springs. This was a major win for Venetian engineering and innovation for the time.
Later, under Ottoman rule, from 1669 to 1898, the water infrastructure grew with the addition of sebils. The Bembo Fountain and Ottoman Sebil in Kornarou Square are the perfect examples of these types of fountain structures.
The main role of fountains Heraklion was to support urban life but also to symbolise artistic structures depicting historical and theological significance.
Bembo Fountain and the Ottoman Sebil of Kornarou
Found within Kornarou Square, the Bembo Fountain, Heraklion, is a great example of Renaissance and Gothic architecture. It’s adorned with a Roman statue and framed by decorated columns. It is the oldest fountain in Heraklion, built between 1552 and 1554 under Captain Gian Matteo Bembo. It was the first to channel spring water into the city from an aqueduct.
Next to it is a Sebil. This is a domed Ottoman water kiosk built after the city’s fall to the Ottomans in 1669.
Priuli Fountain
Known locally as Fontana Nuova, the Priuli Fountain is near the Dermata Gate within Heraklion’s old town. It was built around 1666 by Venetian General Antonio Priuli during the siege of Candia (the old name of Heraklion). The fountain has Corinthian-style columns and a triangular pediment.
Yenicar Aga Fountain
Located on Ikarou Avenue, the Yenicar Aga Fountain is a good example of Ottoman architecture with a touch of Venetian decorative influences. Built in the 17th century during the early Ottoman period, the fountain is framed by an arched niche with elegant reliefs and calligraphic inscriptions. It functions today as a public water fountain.
Fontana Morosini
Located in Lions Square, the Morosini Fountain Heraklion, also known as Lion Fountain, is one of the city’s most recognisable fountains. This is a Venetian-era fountain with large lions spouting water into a large basin. They are surrounded by mythical sea creatures and coats of arms. It was commissioned by General Francesco Morosini and completed in 1628.
Idomenea Fountain
Tucked behind the Historical Museum of Crete, the Idomenea Fountain is a hidden fountain worth seeing. Built in the late 17th century, it originally was in front of the house of Dr. Idomeneas Markatatis (an important member of society at the time). The fountain has two columns supporting a marble slab, with decorative reliefs and inscriptions.
Heraklion historic fountains walking tour
Are you eager to walk around Heraklion and see all of its beautiful fountains? Here is an easy-to-follow walking tour that will take you from Lion’s Square to Koules Fortress. The total walking time takes approximately 1.5 – 2 hours (depending on your walking speed).
Begin your tour in the heart of the city at Lions Square. Morosini Fountain is located here and is surrounded by cafés and shops. It is the perfect place to start exploring the city’s rich history. Next, walk just 3 minutes southeast along 1821 Street until you reach Kornarou Square. Here you will see the Bembo Fountain. Heraklion’s oldest fountain, adorned with Gothic columns and Roman touches. Just beside it stands the Ottoman sebil.
From here, continue about 7 minutes south down Evans Street. Once you reach the Dermata Gate, you’ll find the Priuli Fountain (also called Fontana Nuova). Built during the Siege of Candia in 1666. This Heraklion fountain is the perfect reflection of classical Venetian architecture. Afterwards, make your way 10 minutes east along Ikarou Avenue, towards the sea. Keep an eye out on your left for the Yenicar Aga Fountain. Famous for its beautiful decoration, it served as a public fountain during Ottoman rule.
Finally, loop back 8 minutes west to the Historical Museum of Crete. Just behind it, you’ll find the Idomenea Fountain. You can end your walk with a much-deserved break at a seaside café, or why not go a bit further to Koules Fortress?
Why you should discover the fountains of Heraklion
Heraklion’s fountains showcase so much of the city’s history. It might seem like an overlooked monument, but fountains mean so much to the livelihood of any civilisation.
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