Morosini Fountain, Venetian fountain in central Heraklion, Greece
The Morosini Fountain is a Venetian structure in central Heraklion with four stone lions that channel water through their mouths into eight surrounding marble basins carved with mythological figures. The lions and basins are arranged on a raised platform designed to be visible from all directions.
Francesco Morosini commissioned this fountain in 1629 to deliver fresh water to Heraklion residents through an extensive underground aqueduct network. The system was a technical achievement of its era and made the location essential infrastructure for the growing city.
The fountain occupies Lions Square, where residents regularly stop by nearby cafes and restaurants to spend time together. The location serves as a social hub where you can observe how people move through the city and gather in public space.
You can view the original Venetian aqueduct foundations through four illuminated viewing ports positioned beneath the fountain structure. This allows you to examine the historical water system while standing at ground level around the monument.
A statue of Poseidon originally crowned the fountain but was destroyed during the Ottoman period, leaving only an empty base at the top. This missing sculpture is a reminder of the site's complex past and lost artwork.
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