Church of Agios Titos

The Church of Agios Titos, located in the center of Heraklion on 25th August Street, is a significant historical and religious site dating back to the 10th century. Originally a Byzantine church, it has undergone transformations under Venetian and Ottoman rule, now serving as a Greek Orthodox church. Visitors admire its impressive blend of architectural styles and venerate the relics of Saint Titus, the patron saint of Crete, housed inside.

The original Church was built in 961 AD in Heraklion; that has the skull of Agios Titos, an icon of the Virgin Mary, and some other important relics transferred from Gortyn, where the Church was located before being diminished by an earthquake. The church has an interesting history; it was built as a Catholic Church under Venetian rule, but it was converted into a mosque under Ottoman rule. Since 1925, the church has been restored to its original form and is a holy place for worshipping. There are cafes and other places to rest in a square beside the church. White-washed walls and fully marbled floors keep the Church airy and cool. Worshippers light candles and pray in this orthodox church.