Heraklion (/hᵻˈrækliən/, Greek: Ηράκλειο, Irákleio, pronounced [iˈraklio], Turkish: Kandiye, Italian: Candia) is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete. It is the fourth largest city in Greece. Heraklion urban area has a population about 225,574 people. It is the commercial and tourist center of the island, with its history and traditions.

Heraklion is close to the ruins of the palace of Knossos, which in Minoan times was the largest centre of population on Crete. Knossos might well have had a port at the site of Heraklion as early as 2000 BC.

In the photo: the sight of Heraklion, the fortress of Kules, preserved from the time of the Venetian period. It was built to protect the coastal zone from attacks by invaders. In 1523-1540 the fortress was rebuilt due to a devastating earthquake that left only fragments of walls from it. After the erection, it has survived in this form to the present day. The area of ​​its buildings is 3600 sq.m. The walls built in the rock give the fortress the majesty and reliability of the construction. The previously built mosque was reconstructed into a lighthouse, standing to this day.