On the eastern side of the square opposite the fountain was the San Marco Basilica. Earthquakes damaged the original building of 1239 and the Turks transformed it into a mosque, as which it remained until 1915. Now, after extensive renovations, it is an exhibition hall. The original church belonged to the Venetian Dukes. The Venetian nobility who died in Iraklion were buried here. San Marco Basilica was the most important Venetian church of Iraklion (instead of the cathedral) and all the official ceremonies took place here.