Cathedral of St. Minas, Heraklion
Cathedral of St. Minas
Cathedral of St. Minas
4.5
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The area
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Restaurants
541 within 3 miles
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322
0.2 mi$$$$ • Mediterranean • Greek • Healthy
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99
216 ft$ • Mediterranean • Greek • Healthy
Kayabee Mezedopoleíon
123
390 ft$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Greek • Grill
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112
0.2 miMediterranean • Barbecue • Greek • Vegan Options
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0.3 mi$ • Mediterranean • European • Greek
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0.3 mi$ • Pizza • Fast Food • International
Ntoré Gastronomy & Symposia
574
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Greek
Apiri greek_eatery
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Attractions
67 within 6 miles
Statue Ioannis Sotiris Alexakis
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Church and the Museum of St. Aikaterini
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Morosini Fountain (Lion's Fountain)
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Turkish Pumphouse
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0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Bembo Fountain
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Agios Titos Church
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0.3 miChurches & Cathedrals
Historical Museum of Crete
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0.3 miHistory Museums
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
470 reviews
Excellent
257
Very good
173
Average
37
Poor
3
Terrible
0
David D
Devon, UK16,740 contributions
Couples
Friday 28th August we were sightseeing and exploring Heraklion.
It took a bit of figuring out what was going on here but finally figured it out that there were 2 churches here.
Firstly there was a small Church falling into disrepair and was fenced off so it was not possible to enter. This is dedicated to Saint Minas and the Presentation of Christ to the Temple (known as small Saint Minas)
On the north side of this church (outside) there was a bomb on display. It was dropped next to the Church, by the Germans during the bombing of Heraklion in 1941. It was considered a miracle that the bomb never exploded.
It's neighbour is a larger newer Cathedral dedicated to Saint Minas, the Patron Saint of Heraklion, whose feast is celebrated on November 11th.
Building of the Cathedral commenced in 1862 and was completed in 1895.
The two bell/clock towers dominate the skyline and can be seen some way off.
One of the most eye catching features of the inside is the massive ornate chandelier suspended from the dome and it's gallery.
The walls, ceiling and dome are covered with painted images of religious images and figures.
All the features of the Cathedral combine to create a spectacular sight. It really is a must see in Heraklion.
It took a bit of figuring out what was going on here but finally figured it out that there were 2 churches here.
Firstly there was a small Church falling into disrepair and was fenced off so it was not possible to enter. This is dedicated to Saint Minas and the Presentation of Christ to the Temple (known as small Saint Minas)
On the north side of this church (outside) there was a bomb on display. It was dropped next to the Church, by the Germans during the bombing of Heraklion in 1941. It was considered a miracle that the bomb never exploded.
It's neighbour is a larger newer Cathedral dedicated to Saint Minas, the Patron Saint of Heraklion, whose feast is celebrated on November 11th.
Building of the Cathedral commenced in 1862 and was completed in 1895.
The two bell/clock towers dominate the skyline and can be seen some way off.
One of the most eye catching features of the inside is the massive ornate chandelier suspended from the dome and it's gallery.
The walls, ceiling and dome are covered with painted images of religious images and figures.
All the features of the Cathedral combine to create a spectacular sight. It really is a must see in Heraklion.
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Florian254
Norddeutschland1,387 contributions
I never expected a church with such an impressive interior in Heraklion, but here you are. Only a 5-10 minute walk from the lions place (just up the bazaar street and turn right into the fish street and continue for 300 m) this is really impressive inside. A lot of details to enjoy but the overall impression is very aweinspriring.
Even if you only have 15 min left, just do it.
Even if you only have 15 min left, just do it.
Written October 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deryn H
Waterlooville, UK2,222 contributions
We found this cathedral only by chance as we were heading back to our car, near the waterfront. It wasn't mentioned in our tourist leaflet. The outside is very solid and robust and inside it is very beautiful. It has the most lovely painted ceilings and wonderful use of light through the stained glass. There is also a massive light hanging down near the altar. There was a service taking place when we visited.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eliza
36 contributions
An imposing cathedral outside and in. It is perfectly preserved and stands majestic to sight.
Although it is a must-see for me, tourists should no forget that it is a place of worship amd should be treated like one, with the utmost respect.
Although it is a must-see for me, tourists should no forget that it is a place of worship amd should be treated like one, with the utmost respect.
Written November 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Savvas_Dr
Limassol City, Cyprus429 contributions
It was built over the time period of 1862-1895. The construction was interrupted during the Cretan Revolution of 1866–1869. The church has a cruciform architecture with a central dome. The floor plan of the church has external maximum dimensions 43,20 m length and 29.50 width. A small and old church of Agios Minas is located in proximity of the cathedral and a surface area of 1,350 m2 and it is the largest cathedral in Crete and one of the largest in Greece. An old and small church dedicated to Agios Minas is located in the proximity of the cathedral.
Written November 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
paterakisz
Heraklion, Greece20 contributions
Family
Worth a quick visit. Located in the centre. Next to it is the Christian museum St Aikaterini. Negative is that outside are Roma, not Greek Gypsy beggars that have proffesion to ask for charity...
Written March 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mrbox
Cornwall, UK243 contributions
Couples
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and no doubt there is always someone who has seen bigger and better. This is a place of special interest to me, as two of my friends were married here. It is small for a cathedral, but there are some lovely frescos and icon examples.
The occupying forces planted a bomb to blow the place up during world war two, in order to demoralise the people. It didn't explode, and all it did was to strenghthen the resolve. Hence the bomb on display outside. Worth a look if you like this kind of thing.
The occupying forces planted a bomb to blow the place up during world war two, in order to demoralise the people. It didn't explode, and all it did was to strenghthen the resolve. Hence the bomb on display outside. Worth a look if you like this kind of thing.
Written October 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TERRAvelista
London, UK16,779 contributions
Solo
I reached the cathedral walking some good 10min away from the madness of Morosini fountain square with all it's tourists to be welcome by some good Cretan calm and closed shops unlike the shops with booming music located near Morosini fountain.
Due to the late afternoon, everything was quiet in Ekaterini square where the cathedral is located and almost no people inside. Loved it!!!
Due to the late afternoon, everything was quiet in Ekaterini square where the cathedral is located and almost no people inside. Loved it!!!
Written June 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Albatross199
British Columbia, Canada457 contributions
Couples
While Agios Minas (Cathedral of St. Minas) is not a very old cathedral (built 1862-1895), it is a very fine example of the style in which churches and cathedrals are built and decorated in Greece.With a capacity of 8,000 people it is also one of the largest cathedrals in Greece.
Written June 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Graham B
Devizes, UK41,482 contributions
Couples
We always make for Ekaterina Square whenever we visit Iraklion; it's a peaceful enclave in a bustling city and you would never believe you were just a hundred yards or so from the noise and traffic.
The square has a few restaurants and some benches beneath jacaranda trees from where the exterior of St Minas' can be seen in all its glory. There are also two much smaller churches in the square and together, they make an imposing sight.
The cathedral isn't especially old, having been constructed in the 19th century. Alongside it, you'll find the tiny, original church of Agios Minas which is usually locked although you can ask for the key in the cathedral. At the opposite side of the square is the church of Agia Ekaterina which houses a museum and the best collection of religious icons in Crete.
So, although the cathedral dominates the square by its sheer size, the other two churches are way more interesting, and much older. A lovely, shady spot to sit and while away half an hour or so before returning to the noise of Iraklion.
The square has a few restaurants and some benches beneath jacaranda trees from where the exterior of St Minas' can be seen in all its glory. There are also two much smaller churches in the square and together, they make an imposing sight.
The cathedral isn't especially old, having been constructed in the 19th century. Alongside it, you'll find the tiny, original church of Agios Minas which is usually locked although you can ask for the key in the cathedral. At the opposite side of the square is the church of Agia Ekaterina which houses a museum and the best collection of religious icons in Crete.
So, although the cathedral dominates the square by its sheer size, the other two churches are way more interesting, and much older. A lovely, shady spot to sit and while away half an hour or so before returning to the noise of Iraklion.
Written September 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
alan n
Southampton, UK307 contributions
We are due to fly home tomorrow from Heraklion and want to see Knossos and Agios Minas. We will be in shorts for the Knossos tour, is this acceptable in the cathedral?
paterakisz
Heraklion, Greece20 contributions
Yes, surely, do not change clothes. A thing I don't like is that there are some gipsy beggars outside (they are not Greek). There is combined ticket to see the archaeological museum also. Due to the heat of August, prefer first the Knossos palace which is open air and later the archaeological museum which is indoors with good air conditioning. If you have kids go for the natural history museum.
Maria Rona B
12 contributions
Hi, anyone knows the hours of operation? Like what days it is open and the duration of time?
llaurence702
Austin, TX
My grandmother got married at this Cathedral on August 14th 1960. My sister is coming to Greece to get married in late May of this year and I was wondering if it would be possible for my sister to come and recreate one of her wedding photos as one my wedding presents to her, is that even possible?
Isabelle D
7 contributions
Quelles sont les meilleurs horaires pour la visiter svp merci
François Pageau
Montreal, Canada574 contributions
Elle semble ouverte en tout temps puisqu'elle est encore utilisée comme site religieux. Je vous conseille le matin avant midi. Bonne visite
GINNIELincolnshire
Boston, UK257 contributions
What time do we need to be there on Sunday morning?
What time is the service on Good Friday and Easter Saturday evenings?
Chatzidakis - L... F
Heraklion Prefecture, Greece7 contributions
Every Sunday the service starts at 7:00 and lasts until 10:00 am
On Good Friday the service starts at 20:00 and on Easter Saturday the service starts at 22:30.
On Good Friday it is very impressive because they carry the epitaph around the city and the epitaphs from St. Minas and St Titos meet in the Lions' square. Don't miss it!
On both days the service lasts many hours and especially on Saturday it finishes after 00:30.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cathedral of St. Minas
- We recommend booking Cathedral of St. Minas tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 8 Cathedral of St. Minas tours on Tripadvisor
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- (0.09 mi) CITY COMFORT APARTMENT IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
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