The emblematic fountain of Heraklion, a "meeting point" within the city centre, was originally constructed to solve the practical problem of water supply during the Venetian era. The names of many Venetian officials who served in Crete were linked to public works aimed at covering Candia’s water needs. One of the most typical examples is the aqueduct and the fountain constructed by Francesco Morosini which carried water from the village of Archanes to the city centre. The fountain was inaugurated in April 1628 and had particularly impressive decorative elements which included lions, dolphins, coats of arms. Also, the top of the fountain was dominated by a statue of Poseidon holding a trident. This is why it was often called the Fountain of the Giant (Fontana del Gigante). During the Ottoman period, the fountain remained in use but underwent several modifications: the statue of Poseidon was removed and in the mid-19th century a superstructure with an inscription dedicated to sultan Abdulmejid was added but was removed in 1900.