The Morosini fountain, or Lion fountain, is in the main square of Heraklion. It was built during the Venetian rule of Crete, and it offered a solution to the problem of supplying Heraklion with water, providing 1,000 barrels of water a day. The fountain of the lions was the work of the Provveditore Generale (Superintendent) Francesco Morosini and the engineers Zorzi Corner, Raffaello Monnani and Francesco Basilicata. Thanks to Morosini, water from Archanes on Mt Juktas reached Heraklion along a 15-kilometre-long aqueduct. The work took 14 months to complete and the fountain was inaugurated on 25 April 1628.

The fountain’s in a small square surrounded by cafes at an intersection at the top end of Ave 25 August. Unfortunately the fountain was not working and the area closed off when we visited. Somebody was on the inside taking photos and so maybe it needs restoration work? There was a notice pinned to the surround but it was only in Greek

This is a touristy but charming area and the fountain is worth a quick stop. This was designed by Morozini back in 1629 and is in the middle of a historical square that has been a significant part of Crete for around a thousand years. The fountain was made originally by the Venetians to provide drinking water to the people of the city. There are many nice cafes, restaurants and shops in this area. It is about a 15 minute walk from the port area and there are quite a few other historical attractions nearby. The fountain is a quick stop if you're walking by but could be a long stop if you choose to sit at a nearby bench or grab a bite to eat.

This is a beautiful fountain in Heraklion. We stumbled across it during a wander up into the town from the harbour. The fountain is in Eleftheriou Venizelou square and is surrounded by shops and restaurants. The fountain was made in 1629 during the Venetian era and is definitely worth a visit.

The Morosini Fountain or Fountain of the Lions as it’s sometimes called is a lovely well pressured shout to the past. It also acts as a good meeting place and landmark being in the main thoroughfare 25th August Street. Well worth a view in my view and yet another historic landmark in Greek and Heraklion History