Point of interest

Morosini Lions Fountain

Name: Morosini Lions Fountain
Address: Platia Eleftheriou Venizelou, Iraklio, GR

119 locals recommend,

Tips from locals

Nikolaos

February 15, 2022

Point of reference and meeting of the city centre

Kostis

October 5, 2021

Lions square OR Μorosini Venetian fountain: is dating from 1628, this fountain, surrounded by mature trees and cafés, is the center of action in the old city. You must try the bougatsa at Phyllosophies cafe !! (costs around 2 - 3 euro) Heraklion had always had a water shortage problem and that’s why, in 1627, the Venetian Francesco Morosini decided on a public project that would resolve the issue once and for all. Morosini fountain at lions square was a colossal project, which was completed in 14 months and was 15 kilometers long, for transfering water from the springs of mount Youchtas. Good to know:Nobody was allowed to plant trees at a distance of 10 feet, so as not to damage the channel. Morosini minted special coins depicting Zeus pouring water from Youktas Mountain. DO NOT FORGET TO VISIT: the Karydaki Aqueduct and water bridge: Where is it? near to Fortetsa location, 5km south of us, really close to Knossos Palace. In the area there is a remainder of the 15km long Venetian aqueduct that brought water to Iraklion. You can see the imposing Venetian aqueduct of Morosini at position Karydaki, which crosses the river that runs through Sylamos Gorge and ends at Knossos. Plus: If you cross the bridge you can visit the ruined church of Panagia Karydakiani monastery, on the opposite site. On the bridge there is an inscription with the date 1627. The aqueducts of Candia watered Heraklion till 1927!

Rafaela

July 11, 2021

The Morosini Fountain is at the center of Heraklion's Old Town, not far from the Loggia. It's an ideal place to orient yourself as you explore the warren of streets in the surrounding area.