On this day: The history behind Crete’s August 25 Street

·

The long-standing 25th of August street is one of the most historically significant streets in the Cretan city of Heraklion. 

The site is indicative of Crete’s rich Greek and Turkish history – all the way from the late 19th century to today. 

Today, the street is lined with neoclassical buildings and connects the Venetian harbour to the Square of Lions. 

Just before the 19th century led into the 20th is when 25th of August Street got it’s future name as collateral in the Greco-Turkish war of 1897. 

The Greeks waged war against Ottoman rule on the island several decades after the Greek War of Independence. 

Turkish fanatics massacred approximately 500 Christians and 17 British soldiers and damaged buildings and monuments along the road following the surrender of the Customs office to the Christians.

The violence was the catalyst for negotiations for the Union of Crete with the rest of Greece and the removal of Turkish forces from the island. 

Following Cretan liberation, 25 August Street became the most popular and prominent road of Heraklion. 

It hosted official government buildings, the Basilica of St. Mark, the church of St. Titus, and the Loggia. 

Today, August 25 Street is paved and welcomes locals and tourists from around the world. 

It’s a booming tourist hotspot which boasts several travel, retail, and hospitality venues along Crete’s north coast. 

Source: Destination Crete

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Critically endangered monk seal welcomes newborn on Karpathos island

The first Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) birth of 2025 has been confirmed on the island of Karpathos.

Campaigners celebrate as Milos luxury hotel project is halted

Environmental activists have welcomed the suspension of a controversial five-star hotel project on Milos’s world-famous “moon beach”.

Historic first: Greek chess player defeats reigning world champion

For the first time since the official establishment of the chess world championship, a Greek player has beaten the sitting world champion.

Portarlington to host first-ever Greek Festival this November

Portarlington will burst with energy on November 2 when the Bellarine town hosts its inaugural Greek Festival.

Historic Greek school faces closure after 571 years with no new enrolments

For the first time in its history, not a single student enrolled in the 1st Grade of the Secondary School.

You May Also Like

The World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association calls for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures

The 13th General Assembly of the PADEE concluded its three day conference in the Greek Parliament in Athens with a unanimous resolution calling for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures.

Op shop assistant Angela Skordalis creates bargain bridal bonanza in central west NSW

Roughly 18 months ago, Dubbo-based homelessness service, Orana Support, was looking for an opportunity shop site. Tina Reynolds, the charity's chief executive, jumped at the...

Turkish Defence Minister calls for sharing ‘riches of the Aegean’ with Greece

Turkish Defence Minister has claimed that the co-exploitation of the "riches of the Aegean” was raised in talks with Nikos Panagiotopoulos.