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Church of Saint Titus, Heraklion

4.6
Church · Tourist Spot
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Overlooking the eponymous square, Church of Saint Titus is dedicated to the island's first bishop, whose skull was once kept in the temple. Originally built as an Orthodox church by a 10th-century Byzantine emperor who liberated the island from the Arabs, the church was turned first into a Catholic temple by the Venetians and then into a mosque by the Ottomans. The present building owes its eclectic appearance to the Ottoman architect Athanasios Mousis, who rebuilt it after the earthquake of 1856. Make Church of Saint Titus part of your personalized Heraklion itinerary using our Heraklion online trip maker.
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Church of Saint Titus reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
807 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • The church is a church. I enjoy visiting places of worship of all faiths. However, may not be of interest to everyone. However worth a stop. 
    The church is a church. I enjoy visiting places of worship of all faiths. However, may not be of interest to everyone. However worth a stop.  more »
  • This church has a long history and dominates the square where it is located. It had Byzantine origins, was then converted to a Catholic church by the Venetians and turned into a mosque by the... 
    This church has a long history and dominates the square where it is located. It had Byzantine origins, was then converted to a Catholic church by the Venetians and turned into a mosque by the...  more »
  • This church is old and beautiful. There are nice stained glass windows here. Very relaxing atmosphere. 
    This church is old and beautiful. There are nice stained glass windows here. Very relaxing atmosphere.  more »
Google
  • It's a beautiful church with very calming atmosphere, especially if you go right after walking on busy streets of Heraklion. Do not rush it, take time to look on every detail there is in the church, since interior is very beautiful, there are icons, big candleabrum on ceeling and colorful mosaic glasses on the windows that give off beautiful reflection on the wall
  • Very beautiful big church at the middle of city center ,there are a big square in the front and smaller at the back which is beautiful with trees around.The church is one of the biggest at Heraleion with beautiful painting inside.the feeling inside is one off a kind . beautiful place.
  • I am a fan of orthodox churches, the ikons, decorations and the such. This church was one a mosque, the Mihrab and fountain niches can still be seen in the walls, although the main Mihrab has since been painted to resemble that of a byzantine apse. The stained glass windows are a genuine treat... Pro tip: go in the evening when the sun nears the horizon and watch as coloured dapples of light hit the church in various places, playing with the buffed silver and gold of the ikons. Moreover, the skull of St Titus himself is kept in a special Chapel on the left of the church upon entering. So a holy place indeed. Take the time to meander through the ikons, admire the paintings, ex votos, and religious atmospheres that pervade the dappled coloured hall. Sit and reflect and absorb. It is a beautiful beautiful space.
  • Beautiful church. I attended during mass, very special ceremony. You feel that you can understand the culture on a deeper level. I felt welcomed, enjoyed the experience.
  • Greek orthodox church with very interesting history connected to the history of the island. Dedicated to a local saint who helped spreading the Christianity to Crete, and who was also a member of famous old Cretan family

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