Liopyrakis Megaron

The “Liopyrakis Megaron” is undoubtedly the most important example of the romantic neoclassical style in Heraklion. It is a work of the architect Dimitris Kyriakou. Its construction began at the end of the first decade of the 20th century. It was one of the most luxurious mansions that were constructed in the first two decades in a very central street, the 25th of August Avenue.

The construction of these mansions, which composed an attractive architectural set, gave the street a new, European style. These mansions, which were built next to each other, caused the Venetian Ruga Maistra, known during the Ottoman rule as Vizier Casci, “to be scornfully named the Avenue of Deceit” or “the Avenue of Fallacy”, because it gave a false impression to the visitor concerning the appearance of the city behind it.

The first floor is more decorated than the ground floor, which remains simple. The second floor has reduced height and is simpler in style than the first floor. The second floor is interrupted at three points. As a result, very interesting architectural effects are created.