By Nicolas Bard

In the heart of the city of Heraklion and specifically in Eleftherios Venizelos Square, also known as Lion Square, is the beautiful fountain Morosini.

It is considered one of the most iconic Venetian monuments of Chandaka and is preserved in very good condition.

The water of the fountain came from the Yuchtas Mountain in Archanes, with a 15km aqueduct arriving in Heraklion. Today, the water of the fountain comes from a water supply water recycling placed by the Municipality of Heraklion in the monument and is not drinking. But it was once a source of life for the city of Heraklion, and today it is a famous attraction and a favorite meeting point.

The inauguration of the fountain took place on April 25, 1628, on the day of St. Mark’s feast, which was then a patron saint of the city. The project was inspired by Francis Morosini, who gave the fountain his name. At that time there was a big problem of water scarcity in the city of Heraklion, and in order to solve this, the Venetians built pipes that transported water from Yuchta.

Thus, outside the city and beyond Knossos, where the ancient labyrinth was, at the site of Agia Irini in Spilia, the Venetian water bridge was built, which transported the water of Utah to the center of the city and operated as a aqueduct. Until the 17th century, the city was only watered by wells with brackish water, small fountains and water tanks, which collected rainwater. From sources we know that in 1639 there were 1,270 wells in Heraklion and 273 tanks!

The octal shape of the tank is due to the increase in its circumference to get more people.

Five people could stand in each semicircle, that is, throughout the fountain forty at the same time, dip their containers and fill them. There were no taps. The themes of the embossed performances in the lobes are inspired by Greek mythology, and especially by the seafood world. The fountain lobes are decorated with tritones, dolphins and nymphs, mythical beings associated with the liquid element. In the center of the fountain, on a high eight -sided pedestal, four proud lions sit, which runs water from their mouths. The lion is often found in fountains, as it is an animal that is not related to water, but in this case it was used as a symbol of the Venetian power.

At the top of the fountain was a supernatural marble statue of the god Neptune, a high quality work made by a local artist.

This statue is not preserved today, and it is unknown to us when and how it was destroyed or removed. Also, during the Turkish occupation, the fountain suffered serious lesions and processes, and was renamed a “Abdul Mejit” fountain.

In 1900 the monument was restored in its original form and today it is a true ornament for the city of Heraklion, which reflects the great history of the place. If you are in the city, whatever stroll you choose to do, you will surely pass in front of this special monument.

While the sun is falling, the sky is painted in vibrant colors and the shops around the fountain light the lights and create a highly atmospheric setting, which seems to be out of a postcard.