Ierapetra town

Ierapetra lies 30 km south of Agios Nikolaos, near the narrowest part of Crete, and is the southernmost town in Greece.

Ierapetra is a modern and lively coastal town whose economy is based mainly on agriculture and tourism. The fertile plain surrounding the town produces large quantities of early-season vegetables, much of which are exported to European markets. Ierapetra also offers well-developed tourist facilities, with hotels of all sizes, restaurants, cafés and attractive beaches. Its seafront promenade is the liveliest part of the town, particularly on summer evenings.

The modern town stands on the site of ancient Hierapytna. Throughout its long history, the settlement was associated with names such as Kyrva, Kamiros, Pytna and Hierapytna. Its strategic position near the narrowest part of Crete and opposite the coast of North Africa encouraged the development of trade and navigation.

One of Hierapytna’s principal rivals in eastern Crete was Praisos, which it destroyed in 155 BC. The city gradually acquired one of the largest territories of any Cretan city-state, extending from the area of Tsoutsouras to Xerokambos. It later competed with the powerful city of Itanos, near present-day Vai.

During the Roman period, Hierapytna flourished and became one of the most important cities in Crete. Its harbour was particularly significant because of its position on the maritime routes towards Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean. The town retained its importance during the First Byzantine period but later suffered destruction during the Arab raids. Under Venetian rule, its defences were strengthened and the fortress of Ierapetra was constructed.

The best-known landmark of the town is the seaside Kales Fortress, situated at the entrance to the old harbour. Its origins date to the Venetian period, although the building underwent later alterations and additions. Today it is an important archaeological site and occasionally hosts cultural events.

Visitors should also explore the small and picturesque Old Town in the district of Kato Mera. One of its most unusual landmarks is the so-called House of Napoleon. According to local tradition, Napoleon Bonaparte stayed there anonymously for one night in July 1798 while travelling to Egypt. The story claims that he left a note the following morning revealing his identity.

Kato Mera is also home to an Ottoman mosque and its accompanying fountain. Near the Town Hall stands the former Ottoman School, built in 1899, which now houses the Archaeological Collection of Ierapetra. Its exhibits originate from ancient Hierapytna and the surrounding region and date from the Bronze Age to the 4th century AD.

The Castle of Ierapetra

The defences of Ierapetra took shape over several periods. At the entrance to the harbour stands Kales Fortress, which was already in place during Venetian rule. The Ottomans later built a low wall to protect the town from the landward side. Its route is known mainly from a plan by the British naval officer and hydrographer Thomas Abel Brimage Spratt. The wall began at the waterfront, east of the building that now houses the Archaeological Collection of Ierapetra. It ran past Kothri Square and the square by the mosque before reaching Sarakina. It had two main gates, one to the north near today’s Town Hall Square and one to the west near the mosque. A water-filled moat ran outside the wall. It was about 2.5 metres wide and 1.5 metres deep, and local residents called it the hendeki. The fortifications were repaired in 1823 and again in 1829. The wall was demolished in 1898, after the Ottomans withdrew from Crete. According to the local account, the French admiral Édouard Pottier gave the symbolic signal to begin the demolition, in which around 1,500 residents took part. A few traces of the wall have been identified near today’s Town Hall Square.

Napoleon's house at Ierapetra

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In the summer of 1798 the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte conducted his campaign against the Mamluks in Egypt to protect the French trade in the region and to block the access of the Brits in India. During his trip to the east it is said to have stayed for a night in a house in Ierapetra.

Ierapetra Mosque

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The mosque was built in the old city (Kato Mera) at the end of the 19th century, when the Turks conquered Ierapetra and modified the church of Agios Ioannis for their religious purposes. It is held to date in a pretty good condition.

Archaeological Collection of Ierapetra

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The archaeological collection of Ierapetra began to be formed in the late 19th century, when its antiquities-loving residents founded the Educational Association of Ierapetra, whose purpose was to gather and preserve the region’s antiquities, as well as to create a museum collection.

Monastery of Axion Esti in Ierapetra

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The Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni (i.e. Revealed Holy Mary) or Virgin Mary of Gournia is located northwest of Pachia Ammos, 24km south of Agios Nikolaos. It is a male monastery built on a steep slope at an altitude of 540 meters with stunning sea views. The monastery church is built inside a cave.

Monastery of Ayiasmenos in Ierapetra

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The monastery of Ayiasmenos (Hallowed, Sanctified) is located 2km north of Ierapetra, near the main road connecting the town with Pahia Ammos. The church of the monastery is dedicated to Agii Pantes (All Saints) and in the late 19th century it hosted the home of the Bishop of Ierapetra and Sitia.

The Roman Naumachia of Ierapetra

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One of the highlights of ancient Ierapetra was the Naumachia (naval battle), a maritime theater where bloody battles were performed by prisoners and slaves of the Roman Empire. This was the transfer of arenas to the marine environment. The Naumachia was inspired by Julius Caesar in 46 BC.

Church of Saint George at Ierapetra

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The church of Saint George in Ierapetra is the most important in the city and Saint George is the patron saint of Ierapetra. The church is three-aisled with a dome on a high drum and follows the architectural standards of the Turkish occupation.

Church of Jesus Christ our Savior at Kato Mera (Ierapetra)

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The double aisled temple of Jesus Christ our Savior (Afendis Christos) and Saint Charalambos is located in the district of Kato Mera, near the port of Ierapetra and very close to the fortress of Kales. It is the oldest temple in the city, which has taken its present form as a result of successive interventions.