Eleftheriou Venizelou Square, or the Lions (Liontana) as the locals call it, is the city's busiest square. It could be called the city centre, if such a thing exists. It is busy all through the night, and you can get something to eat there at any time. The Morosini fountain, built by Francisco Morosini in 1628, dominates its centre. It is decorated with relief representations from mythology, tritons, fairies and coats of arms, and is surrounded by four lions, hence the name given to the square. There used to be a huge statue of Poseidon in the centre of the fountain, however, a large earthquake destroyed it, too. Tourists and locals fill the square every day, drinking coffee at the cafes or eating the famous sweet or savoury "bougatsa" cream pies, a point of reference for all Heraklians at dawn on New Year's Day! The church of Agios Markos is located opposite the fountain. This church was built by the Venetian colonists in the centre of town and was dedicated to their patron saint, St. Mark. The sarcophagi of their noblemen are kept in the church. There used to be a belfry with a clock there, whose purpose was to warn the residents of invasions.
When the Turks took over the city, they destroyed the belfry and converted the church into a mosque, also destroying the wall paintings and Christian graves. The Cretan Study Association renovated the church in 1956. Today art and sculpture exhibitions are hosted there, and other cultural events. Theotokopoulou park behind the Lions is the town's oasis; it is full of trees and other plants. As you descend Minotavrou street along Theotokopoulou park, look for the Chronakis residence, a noteworthy neoclassical building with interesting architecture and rich wallpaintings, renovated by the Municipality of Heraklion. Here you will experience cultural richness; there are collections of maps, gravures, old postcards and beautiful antique furniture. A little further up is the Vikellea Municipal Library. The city's busiest pedestrian street, Dedalou Street, is located sport ween the library and Agios Markos church. The street connects Liontaria Square and Eleftherias Square, and is the heartbeat of the city. This street, with its stores, cafes and restaurant and the side streets Korai, Perdikari and Milatou are Heraklion's cosmopolitan triangle. The city's youth is ever-present, making it lively at all hours of the day and night.