
Majestic Venetian shipyards in Heraklion's Old Port, showcasing centuries of maritime history and architectural grandeur.

Must-see attractions
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Best light for viewing architecture

Best light for viewing architecture

Must-see attractions
Majestic Venetian shipyards in Heraklion's Old Port, showcasing centuries of maritime history and architectural grandeur.
"Impressive structures worth a quick look, a beautiful piece of architecture."
While access is limited due to restoration, the exterior views are stunning. Perfect for photos!
Take a moment to read the historical information boards for context on their past use.
4.3 · 234 reviews
Historical Landmark
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Heraklion Old Port
Massive stone arches that once housed Venetian ships. A testament to maritime history.
Sidewalk near the Arsenals
Learn about the past with informative boards featuring historical images and details.
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While access is limited due to restoration, the exterior views are stunning. Perfect for photos!
Take a moment to read the historical information boards for context on their past use.
Combine your visit with a walk around the charming Old Port of Heraklion.
Hello! Myself and my boyfriend are visiting Crete in September. We’re planning on staying in Chania for a week, before getting the ferry from Heraklion to Santorini for 3 nights. The ferry is at 05:15am however from Heraklion, and from what I gather there are no night buses for…
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While access is limited due to restoration, the exterior views are stunning. Perfect for photos!
Take a moment to read the historical information boards for context on their past use.
Combine your visit with a walk around the charming Old Port of Heraklion.
Visitors find the Heraklion Arsenals to be impressive historical structures, even while undergoing restoration. They are noted for their significant Venetian architecture and importance to the city's maritime past. While access is limited, their presence in the Old Port is considered a worthwhile sight for those interested in history.
"Great to see restaurantion works taking place! These are the most prominent structures that still stand and Heraklion is famous for! Really great to see!
They have some info boards with some pictures of what the port looked like all those centuries ago, it looked amazing!"
Fábio
"Beautiful piece of architecture. Couldn’t walk through them, but even from the sidewalk, they stand out!"
Amen
"Historical landmark. No access to the public. Looks like it is going under renovations. There is an information board with the history described on it. Very interesting if you're into that type of thing."
Jesse Skura
The Heraklion Arsenals are located in the Old Port of Heraklion. They are easily accessible on foot from the city center. If arriving by car, look for parking near the port area.
Yes, local buses frequently serve the area around the Old Port. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient routes from your accommodation.
No, the Heraklion Arsenals are visible from the public promenade along the Old Port. There is no admission fee to view them from the outside.
Currently, public access inside the Arsenals is restricted due to ongoing restoration work. Visitors can admire them from the exterior.
As they are viewed from the promenade, there are no specific opening hours. They are accessible whenever the Old Port area is open to the public, typically all day.
Golden hour around sunrise and sunset offers beautiful lighting for dramatic shots. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good visibility.
The promenade along the waterfront provides excellent vantage points. Try framing them with the sea or the Venetian fortress in the background.
These structures were built by the Venetians in the 16th century to construct and repair their naval fleet. They were crucial for maintaining Venetian dominance at sea.
They are a prime example of Venetian military architecture, characterized by their robust stone construction, high arches, and impressive scale designed for shipbuilding.
'Neoria' is derived from the Greek word for 'new', referring to these newly constructed shipyards during the Venetian period.
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