Saint Mark's Basilica

The church of St. Mark, dedicated to the patron saint of Venice was the official church of the Venetian city of Heraklion (Candia). Building began in 1239. When the city was conquered by the Turks, the frescoes of the church destroyed, the tower collapsed while in place, built minaret and the church became a mosque. After 1956 the church was restored from damage proxenithei had in recent years and has served as a space for cultural events. Today it houses the gallery of the Municipality of Heraklion where works of modern Cretan artists and hosts cultural events.