The Cathedral of Saint Titus, located in the heart of Heraklion, is a significant monument of Crete’s religious and architectural heritage. It was founded in 961 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Nikephoros Phokas and dedicated to Saint Titus, the island’s first bishop.
Originally built as a three-aisled basilica stretching 170 meters in length, it was among the largest churches in Greece. Over the centuries, the cathedral suffered extensive damage from earthquakes and fires in the 14th and 15th centuries but was later reconstructed and served as a Catholic cathedral during the Venetian rule. The Ottomans converted it into a mosque, but after another devastating earthquake in 1856, it was rebuilt in a neoclassical style with Oriental influences. In 1920, the minaret was demolished, and by 1925, the church was restored as a Christian place of worship.
Saint Titus was a disciple of the Apostle Paul and one of the Seventy Apostles. He accompanied Paul on several missionary journeys and was ordained as the Bishop of Crete during Paul’s fourth mission.
The architectural style of the cathedral blends Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influences.
Inside, visitors can admire traditional religious relics, murals, and icons depicting Christian and biblical themes.
