Eleftherias Square, Square and pedestrian zone in Heraklion, Greece
Eleftherias Square is the main square and pedestrian zone in the center of Heraklion, on the island of Crete. It is paved with marble, lined with benches, and features metal pylons shaped like ship masts; the Heraklion Archaeological Museum stands on its eastern side, and a neoclassical building housing regional government offices borders it as well.
During Venetian rule, the site served as a drill ground for mercenary troops and was called Campo Marzio, or Piazza d'Armi. Under Ottoman rule it became known as St. George Square, and a three-arched aqueduct was built there to supply water to the city.
The name "Eleftherias" means "liberty" in Greek, and the square has long carried that meaning for the people of Heraklion. On commemorative days, residents gather around the Monument to the Unknown Soldier at its center to lay flowers.
The square sits in the heart of Heraklion and is easy to reach on foot from most points in the city center. Pedestrian streets branch off directly from it toward the city's main shopping areas, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding neighborhood.
Beneath the square, the Venetians built underground grain stores to feed the city during a siege. They also dug large water cisterns in the same area, meant to keep the population supplied during emergencies.
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