Saint Minas Holy Cathedral is Heraklion’s main Greek Orthodox cathedral, in the city centre near Kornarou Square. Built between 1862 and 1895, it is dedicated to Saint Minas, the city’s patron saint, and serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Crete. Inside, look for the painted ceiling, frescoes, stained glass, icons and chandeliers; the white marble iconostasis is another detail to notice. The cathedral stands beside a smaller, older church dedicated to the same saint, with cafés and shops around the nearby squares.
A cathedral dedicated to Heraklion’s patron saint
Saint Minas Cathedral is the main Orthodox cathedral in Heraklion and the seat of the Archbishop of Crete. It is dedicated to Saint Minas, the city’s patron saint. The cathedral stands in the city centre, near Kornarou Square, among streets leading towards the busy shopping area.
Construction began in 1862 and continued for about three decades. Work was interrupted by the Cretan Revolt of 1866 to 1869, and the cathedral was consecrated in 1896. Its scale makes it one of the largest churches in Greece and the largest contemporary Greek Orthodox cathedral on Crete.
The building has a cruciform plan, a dome and twin bell towers. A smaller, older church dedicated to Saint Minas stands nearby, so the square brings together two places of worship with the same patron saint.
Details to look for inside
The interior is decorated with frescoes, icons and religious paintings. Look up at the ceiling paintings and notice how the stained-glass windows bring colour into the church. Chandeliers hang above the main space, while the white marble iconostasis marks off the sanctuary.
Works by Mikail Damaskinos and other artists associated with the Cretan School are connected with the cathedral’s interior. Give yourself time to look at the individual icons as well as the larger painted surfaces. Fresh flowers are placed near the icon of Saint Minas, a quiet sign of the devotion shown to the cathedral’s patron.
This is a working Orthodox church, not a museum. Visitors can enter to view the interior, but should keep their voices low and treat worshippers and religious observances with respect.
The cathedral and its surroundings
The cathedral sits in a paved square, with cafés and local shops in the surrounding streets. The area is convenient for a pause before or after exploring central Heraklion, and the nearby squares have places to sit for coffee or a meal.
Agia Ekaterini church is less than a five-minute walk away. It has an older connection to learning in Heraklion: the church once served as a school attended by notable figures, including the painter El Greco. Morosini Fountain is also within walking distance through the city’s side streets.
The cathedral is particularly significant during Easter. Midnight celebrations bring the community together for an Orthodox observance; visitors who attend should follow the congregation’s lead and remain considerate during the service.
FAQ
Is Saint Minas Cathedral free to visit?
The cathedral is described as free to enter.
What should I see inside Saint Minas Cathedral?
Look for the frescoes, painted ceiling, stained glass, icons, chandeliers and white marble iconostasis.
Where is Saint Minas Cathedral?
It is in central Heraklion, near Kornarou Square, at Ag. Mina 25.
What can I visit near the cathedral?
The older church of Saint Minas is beside it, and Agia Ekaterini church is less than a five-minute walk away.
