museum
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
One of the greatest museums in Europe, housing the world's finest collection of Minoan art and artifacts from Crete's Bronze Age palaces.
1 km · about 5 min drive
Crete, Greece · Europe
Irákleion is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Vassilies, 4km from Palace of Knossos.
Irákleion is a city located in Crete, Greece. With a population of 137,154, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Irákleion sits in Greece, where you drive on the right. It's in the Europe/Athens time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Irákleion to your route.
The Battle of Heraklion was part of the Battle of Crete, fought during World War II on the Greek island of Crete between 20 and 30 May 1941. British, Australian and Greek forces of 14th Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier Brian Chappel, defended Heraklion port and airfield against a German paratrooper attack byRead more
the 1st Parachute Regiment of the 7th Air Division, commanded by Colonel Bruno Bräuer.
The attack on Heraklion during the afternoon of 20 May was one of four airborne assaults on Crete that day, following German attacks against Maleme airfield and the main port of Chania in the west of Crete in the morning. The aircraft that dropped the morning attackers were scheduled to drop the 1st Regiment over Heraklion later the same day. Confusion and delays at the airfields in mainland Greece meant that the assault was launched without direct air support, and over several hours rather than simultaneously; some units were still at the airfields by the end of the day. Those German units dropping near Heraklion suffered very high casualties, both from ground fire and upon landing. Those dropping further away were severely hampered by armed Cretan civilians. The initial German attack failed; when it was renewed the next day it failed again. The fighting then settled into a stalemate.
A battalion of the German 5th Mountain Division was supposed to reinforce the paratroopers at Heraklion by sea, bringing with it artillery and anti-aircraft guns. It was delayed en route, diverted to Maleme, then intercepted by a British naval squadron and scattered. The German overall commander, Lieutenant-general Kurt Student, concentrated all resources on the battle for Maleme airfield, which the Germans won. The Allied Commander-in-Chief Middle East, General Archibald Wavell, ordered an evacuation of Crete on 27 May and the 14th Brigade was taken off by Allied warships on the night of 28/29 May. During the return to Alexandria two destroyers were sunk, two cruisers badly damaged, more than 440 Allied servicemen killed, over 250 wounded and 165 taken prisoner. Due to their heavy losses on Crete the Germans attempted no further large-scale airborne operations during the war.
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Irákleion offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Irákleion is located in Crete, Greece, Europe. The coordinates are 35.3279 latitude, 25.1434 longitude.
Irákleion has a population of approximately 137,154 people, making it a city in Greece.
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Essential numbers in Greece
Tourist police (English-speaking): 171.
Full driving guide for Greece4 notable places within an hour's drive.
museum
One of the greatest museums in Europe, housing the world's finest collection of Minoan art and artifacts from Crete's Bronze Age palaces.
1 km · about 5 min drive
ancient ruins
The largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and ceremonial center of the Minoan civilization, associated with the myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur.
4 km · about 5 min drive
landmark
Mediterranean-focused aquarium in Crete showcasing the rich marine biodiversity of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
13 km · about 25 min drive
castle
A fortified islet off Crete with Venetian ramparts, once a leper colony, now one of Greece's most atmospheric historical sites.
54 km · about 60 min drive
April to October
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