A. HERAKLION: This district contains the capital of the island, Heraklion, and the most important centres of Minoan cilivization (Knosso's, Phaistos). Heraklion was founded by the Arabs in 824; it was known as Handax from the great fortified ditch that surrounded it. Today, next to the old city with its Venetian walls (l4th-l7th c.), stands the modern town, with pleasant buildings, a sound layout plan and numerous landmarks. Besides the Arcaheological and Historical-Ethnographical Museum, one can visit the Town Hall, the Venetian Loggia, the churches of Agios Minas (l9th c.) and Agios Titos, the basilica of Agios Markos and the Morosini Fountain (1628). Six kilometres south of Heraklion lies Knossos, the foremost centre of Minoan culture. It was here, in 1900, that the magnificent palace first built in 2000 BC was discovered. The finds from the excavations are on display in the Heraklion museum. Other major archaeological sites it, the district include Phaistos, further south, with its palace and sanctuary; Gortyn, which flourished during the Hellenistic and Roman periods; Archanes; Vathypetro, where one of the grandest Minoan villás was brought to light along with examples of rare pottery; and Amnissos. East of Heraklion one comes to Mallia, a picturesque, traditional village, very popular among tourists. A Minoan palace-city was discovered here, while á little fo the north lies the necropolis of Chrysolakkos.

Viannos, a cave devofed to Minoan cult worship, was found near Arkalohorl, and remains of the ancient city of Lyttos can be seen near the village of Xidas. At Hersonisos, ihe port of Lyttos, there are ruins from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Finally, one must not omit Tylissos, with its ruins of fhree Minoan villas the inn of Niros wlth its Minoan megaron and the Labyrinth near Gortyn, a mazelike limestone quarry that has been linked with the myth of the Mlnotaur.

The interest of its archaeological sites, its scenic heauty, its splendid beaches and the facilities it offers have made Heraklion one of the most frequented resort areas in Greece.