Church of Agios Titos — Attraction in Municipality of Heraklion

HOLY CHURCH OF AGIOS TITUS

The first temple of Apostolos Titos in Khandaka was a single-aisled corridor. When, at the beginning of the Venetian rule on the island in 1210, the Latin Archbishop was installed in the temple, it seems that some modifications were made to the building. A circular skylight was opened to the facade and a belfry tower was added before the mid-15th century and rebuilt. This temple was destroyed before the middle of the 15th century and rebuilt. The second building inaugurated by the Latin Archbishop of Crete Fantino Dandoloon January 3, 1446, it was a three-aisled, wooden-roofed basilica, adorned with rare marbles, holy Tables and chapels. This building, which suffered minor damage during the earthquake of 1508 without losing its magnificence, was destroyed by fire on April 3, 1544. The sacred relics and relics of the church were saved from the fire, including the Cara of Saint Titus and the icon of Panagia Mesopanditissa . In 1557, another church was rebuilt, of the same style as the previous one and equally magnificent. The traveler Kootwyck in 1598 calls it "pulcherrima et vetustis operis basilica". With the fall of Khandaka to the Turks in 1669, the relics of the temple fled to Venice. The temple underwent extensive conversions to function as a mosque, known as the Vizier Mosque , named after the Conqueror of Khandaq Zadeh Fazil...

Probably the oldest church in Heraklion, the initial building was erected in the 10th century after the reconquest of Crete by the Byzantine General Nikiforos Fokas in 961 AD. The church was destroyed twice by earthquake and once by fire in the 14th and 15th century. It was rebuilt without any architectural changes and lived on as the main Catholic Church in Heraklion. Prominent locals were buried in the churchyard during the Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish period.

As soon as the town fell to the Turks, the church was converted into a mosque. After the last destruction by the 1856 earthquake, the church was rebuilt from scratch by the architect K. Mousi as it stands today. It was concluded in 1872, a building of neoclassical nature with intense eclecticism and many oriental features as it was initially intended to be a mosque.

Titus was St. Paul’s disciple, the first bishop on Crete and guardian of the island. Titus’ skull was given back by the Venetians and is kept in a small chapel to the north of the nave...

The Holy Cathedral of Saint Titus is one of the most important religious and historical landmarks in Heraklion. Located just a short walk from the city’s bustling shopping streets, the cathedral stands out with its grand stone façade and peaceful courtyard. Originally built during the Byzantine era and later reconstructed under Venetian and Ottoman rule, the church has seen many transformations. Today, it serves as the spiritual heart of the city and houses relics of Saint Titus, the patron saint of Crete. Inside, the high ceilings, stained glass, and chandeliers create a reverent, tranquil atmosphere. It’s free to enter, and visitors are welcome to take quiet time for reflection or admire the architectural beauty. The church is still active, with regular services and special celebrations, particularly on the feast day of Saint Titus in August. The surrounding square offers benches and shade, making it a lovely place to rest. Photography is allowed, but visitors should dress modestly and behave...