Gate Pantocrator (Chanioporta) 
Pantokrator Gate, also known as Panigra Gate and today more commonly as Chanioporta, stands on the southwestern side of the Venetian Walls of Heraklion. It was the principal exit from Candia towards the western provinces of Crete, particularly Chania, from which its modern name derives.
The gate was constructed during the rule of Doge Pietro Loredan, between 1567 and 1570, and its architecture is attributed to the prominent Veronese architect Michele Sanmicheli. Its most distinctive feature is its dual internal arrangement. Two separate routes began within the large vaulted chamber. The main, nearly level passage led towards the western countryside, while the second served a military function and reached the southern lower square of Pantokrator Bastion, where the defensive artillery was positioned.
The monumental city-facing façade is one of the finest surviving examples of Renaissance architecture in Candia. It is faced with carefully cut blocks of grey and yellowish limestone arranged in an irregular contrast of colours. Its two arched entrances are framed by powerful pilasters. Above them survive a relief plaque depicting the winged Lion of Saint Mark and a medallion with the bust of Christ Pantokrator, surrounded by the Latin inscription OMNIPOTENS.
The outer façade facing the moat was similarly decorated with reliefs of the winged lion and Christ Pantokrator, although the latter bears the Greek inscription ΠΑΝΤΟΚΡΑΤΩΡ. This Greek inscription is particularly important, as it is unique among the Venetian inscriptions preserved on the fortifications. The name of both the gate and the bastion is also associated with a small church of Christ Pantokrator that once stood close to the inner side of the walls.
By the beginning of the 20th century, the old gate could no longer accommodate the city’s increasing traffic. A new and much wider road opening was created beside it and bridged in 1915 with a large stone arch. This later opening carries modern traffic and is frequently confused with the original Venetian Chanioporta.
The historic gate has been restored and reopened to the public in July 2026. Its main passage now houses the exhibition “Heraklion – 40 Centuries of History”, which explores the city’s tangible and intangible heritage from antiquity to the present through historical material, archaeological documentation and digital applications. The military passage also hosts temporary exhibitions dedicated to people and events connected with the history of Heraklion.
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Additional Info
- Location: Heraklion Prefecture
- Peak Period: Venetian Era (1204 AD - 1669 AD)
