Ierapetra mosque

The Ierapetra mosque is a place of worship with a square floor plan, wooden hipped roof covered in tiles, and a minaret at its northwestern corner. The building sits in the town near other landmarks from different periods of history.

It was built in 1891 and replaced a previous church dedicated to Saint John that stood during the Turkish rule of Ierapetra. This change reflects the religious transformation of the town during that era.

The interior displays a prayer niche with carved panels bearing Arabic verses that reflect the religious practice of worshippers who used this space. Visitors can observe how the room was arranged for daily prayers.

The building sits in the town within walking distance of Fort Kalés and Roman ruins, making it easy to visit alongside other sites. You can explore the location during the day as part of a walk through town.

The minaret was damaged during a strong earthquake in 1953 and lost its upper section, yet the lower two balconies remain standing today. The tower visibly bears the mark of this seismic event that affected the region.

Location: Ierapetra Municipality

Inception: 1891

GPS coordinates: 35.00556,25.73577

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:25