EnglishGreekDeutschFrenchItalianRussian
Crete TOURnet: Home Guida di Creta Crete Geography Iraklio Prefecture

Iraklio Prefecture

Le Corna Taurine del Palazzo di Knossos
Le Corna Taurine del Palazzo di Knossos
The prefecture of Iraklion is the largest in area, has the greatest population and the highest per capita income of Crete. There are seven provinces (eparhies) in this prefecture: Malevizi, Temenos, and Pediada on the north coast and Pirgiotisa, Kainourio, Monofatsi, and Viannos in the centre and on the south coast. The main cities are Iraklion, Limin Hersonisou, Timbaki, Ano Viannos, Matala, and Mires.
The northwestern area of the prefecture of Iraklion is comprised of the three provinces of Malevizi, Temenos, and Pediada. The main city is Iraklion. This area is the largest of grape - producing areas of Crete and its main products are sultana raisins, Malevizi (Malmsey) wine, and table grapes (Rosaki). In these valleys Sir Arthur Evans, the British archaeologist, excavated the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the remains of a great civilization.
A low mountain range rises in the middle of the prefecture and descends into the Mesara Plain. These fertile plains have been cultivated for thousands of years and have important Minoan, Greek, and Roman archaeological sites -- Festos, Agia Triada, and Gortyn are the major ones. The imposing peak of Psiloritis, 2,456 metres above sea level, is visible from almost all points of the prefecture of Iraklion. It is especially impressive during the winter months when it is snow-capped.
The prefecture of Iraklion has many cultural and historical features to offer the visitor. The finest collection of Minoan artefacts in the world and the sites of one of history's greatest civilizations may be of interest as well as the numerous Byzantine churches and Venetian castles and fountains.
The historical aspects combine with the scenic landscapes of mountains, valleys, and sea to make this a beautiful and fascinating area. The beaches of Agia Pelagia and Limin Hersonisou on the north coast and Matala and Kali Limenes on the south coast will attract the visitor with their warm, clear seas. There are many fine restaurants and tavernas offering Cretan specialities throughout the area.
The eastern part of the Iraklion prefecture has some major resorts near the sea (Limin Hersonisou), some major archaeological sites (Malia), and many important Byzantine churches.
The southern area of the prefecture of Iraklion includes the four provinces of Pirgiotisa, Kainourio, Monofatsi, and Viannos. The most prominent physical feature here is the Pediada Mesaras. It stretches east from Timbaki to Ano Viannos. The plain is between the low mountain ranges of the south and north. The main products of Mesara are cereals, olives, and fruits. and cultivation goes on year-round, aided by the use of hothouses to increase productivity.

Foto di Iraklio Prefecture:


La cittadina di Limin Hersònisou ed il suo ancoraggio
La cittadina di Limin Hersònisou ed il suo ancoraggio
Pithari e ripostigli nei magazzini, Knossos
Pithari e ripostigli nei magazzini, Knossos
La Pianura di Mesarà
La Pianura di Mesarà
Il famoso Codice di Gortyn del V secolo a.C.
Il famoso Codice di Gortyn del V secolo a.C.
La baia ed il paese di Agìa Pelagìa, Iraklion
La baia ed il paese di Agìa Pelagìa, Iraklion
La chiesa di Agios Fanourios, Monastero di Varsamònero
La chiesa di Agios Fanourios, Monastero di Varsamònero
Squisito pendente d'oro proveniente da Malia
Squisito pendente d'oro proveniente da Malia
La fontana veneziana del Monastero di Vrondisi
La fontana veneziana del Monastero di Vrondisi
La Grande Scalinata di Malia
La Grande Scalinata di Malia
La Corte Centrale a Festos e la Grotta di Kamares sul Monte Psiloritis
La Corte Centrale a Festos e la Grotta di Kamares sul Monte Psiloritis
La Dea dei Serpenti di Knossos
La Dea dei Serpenti di Knossos
Le Corna Taurine del Palazzo di Knossos
Le Corna Taurine del Palazzo di Knossos