The historic centre of Heraklion city is defined by the Venetian walls, which is the largest fortification of the eastern Mediterranean area.

Their construction began in the early 13^th century by the Venetians, at a time when the existing Byzantine walls were no longer suitable to protect the city and its constantly growing population. Construction took place in two stages and was completed in the early 17^th century according to the new “Bastion system”. Their outer perimeter featured a deep trench and other smaller defensive works and forts. Their landward parts include seven Bastions (Sabionara Bastion, Vitturi Bastion, Bastion of Jesus, Martinengo Bastion, Bethlehem Bastion, Pantokratoras Bastion and Agios Andreas Bastion) and nine Gates  (Sabionara Gate, Agios Georgios Gate, Gate of Jesus, Martinengo Gate, Bethlehem Gate, Pantokratoras Gate, Agios Andreas Gate, Dermatas Gate and the Port (or Dock) Gate). Thanks to its new walls, the city of Candia (the name of Heraklion at the time), managed to withstand the siege by the Ottoman army for more than 20 years (1648 - 1669). In the following centuries its perimeter underwent various interventions in order for the city needs to be met - demolitions, road openings, filling works - without however suffering irreparable damages.

At present, the Venetian Walls are still standing proudly separating the old city from its new neighbourhoods and their Gates and Bastions host contemporary cultural events. The tomb of Kazantzakis, Ergotelis stadium, Nikos Kazantzakis and Manos Hatzidakis open-air garden theatres and the permanent exhibitions are found within the Venetian walls… Being accessible to the public they provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the city and of the nearby mountains.