Agios Minas Cathedral, Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Heraklion, Greece
Agios Minas Cathedral is an Eastern Orthodox church in central Heraklion featuring a prominent central dome that rises above its cruciform layout. The structure blends traditional Byzantine design with Greek architectural elements and occupies a major plaza at the heart of the city.
Construction began in 1862 but faced delays during the Cretan Revolution from 1866 to 1869. The cathedral was finally completed in 1895 after decades of interrupted work.
The interior holds religious frescoes and icons that reflect Orthodox Christian tradition and faith. Visitors can sense how this space remains central to the spiritual life of local believers.
The cathedral sits on a large central plaza and is easy to reach on foot or by public transit. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing when entering and be respectful of ongoing worship.
A smaller church dedicated to Saint Minas stands next to the main building and once served as the original seat of the Metropolitan of Crete under Ottoman rule. This older chapel shows how the religious community first used a more modest structure before the grand cathedral was built.
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