Visit St. Minas Cathedral to see firsthand its impressive arched exterior, admire the stained-glass windows and enjoy beautiful art pieces.
One of the largest religious buildings in all of Greece, St. Minas Cathedral can hold some 8,000 people. The cathedral’s vast scale is matched by its impressive design, which combines smooth columns and high arches with some lovely stonework. Two large bell towers stand on either side of one central dome, conjuring a memorable sense of symmetry. Take your time to admire the cathedral from the paved square out the front, and imagine the impact that this imposing structure must surely have had when it was unveiled.
Enter the cathedral to experience the grandeur of its well-appointed interior. Take in the impressive ceiling, wall paintings, and stained-glass windows. Appreciate the artwork around the altar, which is a sound example of Byzantine-style icon painting.
Head outside to the square for a drink and a snack at one the area’s tavernas, enjoying stellar views of the cathedral from a somewhat more relaxed point of view. Don’t miss the older St. Minas Church, the smaller predecessor of St. Minas Cathedral, which dates back to 1735.
St. Minas Cathedral was built between 1862 and 1895 and dedicated to St. Minas, the patron saint of the city. According to the legend, Minas was a cavalry officer in the Roman army who quit when the Romans were ordered to arrest and torture Christians. Minas later lived as a hermit until he went down to the city and proclaimed his Christian faith, which resulted in his dreadful martyrdom. The story of St. Minas resounded with the people of Heraklion during the Turkish occupation, when acts of violence against Christians were known to occur, so Minas has been honoured as the city’s saint since then.
St. Minas Cathedral is an easy walk from central Heraklion. The cathedral is open every day, and there is no charge for admission.
