Bembo Fountain

The Bembo Fountain is a historical Venetian fountain located in the heart of Heraklion on the picturesque island of Crete, in Greece. As one of the city's oldest fountains, it serves as an important and well-preserved testament to the Venetian rule in Crete, recalling the rich centuries-old history of the region.

You will find this charming fountain on Kornarou Square, where it forms an interesting historical ensemble alongside a Turkish monument. The Bembo Fountain is a bright and elegant example of Venetian architecture that still adorns the historical center of Heraklion today, attracting the attention of both locals and tourists interested in cultural heritage.

The Bembo Fountain is not the only reminder of Venetian rule in the city. It is seamlessly woven into Heraklion's rich architectural heritage, holding a place of honor among other famous Venetian fountains. Among them, the famous Morosini Fountain on Lions Square, the Sagredo Fountain, and the Palmeti Fountain particularly stand out. Getting to know these structures will allow you to delve deeper into the atmosphere of the past and appreciate the craftsmanship of the architects of that era.

Since the Bembo Fountain is an open-air historical site, it does not have dedicated contact details. For up-to-date visitor information or if you have any questions, we recommend contacting the tourist information center in Heraklion. Useful information can also be found on the official tourism website of Crete (www.incrediblecrete.gr).

Visiting the Bembo Fountain is a great opportunity to touch the history of Heraklion and experience the atmosphere of the Venetian period. While at Kornarou Square, you can examine the fountain itself in detail, its architectural elements and sculptural decorations, imagining how it served as a water source for the townspeople centuries ago. It is an excellent spot for taking commemorative photos and simply enjoying the historical surroundings.

Next to the fountain is the "Koubes" coffee house, where you can relax after sightseeing and enjoy a cup of coffee or local drinks while watching the life of the square. This will allow you to prolong the pleasure of staying in this historical corner of the city.

The Bembo Fountain often serves as a starting point for further exploration of Heraklion's Venetian heritage. From here, you can continue your walk along a historical route, for example, down Averof Street, which will lead you to Eleftherias Square, where the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is located. It is also worth paying attention to the city's other Venetian fountains to gain a more complete understanding of the engineering and architectural art of that era.

The Bembo Fountain is conveniently located in the heart of Heraklion's historical center, on the bustling Kornarou Square. This makes it easily accessible for pedestrians. If you are in the area of Lions Square, where the famous Morosini Fountain is located, you can reach the Bembo Fountain by following the picturesque Central Market Street directly to Kornarou Square. This walk will not only take you to your destination but also allow you to soak in the atmosphere of the old town.

For those arriving in Heraklion from other parts of Crete, such as the Chania area, there are convenient options. You can use organized tours, which often include visits to central attractions, or take public transport to the city center. If your starting point is Heraklion's old Venetian harbor, a pleasant walk along 25th of August Street will lead you to the center of the old town. From there, as mentioned, you can easily walk down Central Market Street to Kornarou Square and the Bembo Fountain.

If you are staying in a hotel that is not within walking distance of the center, such as the Civitel Creta Beach hotel, getting to the Bembo Fountain and other Heraklion attractions is also quite easy. A taxi or rental car ride from such hotels usually takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. It is also worth checking with your hotel about transfer options or the nearest public transport stops going to the city center.

The history of the Bembo Fountain is closely linked to Captain Gianmatteo (GianMatteo) Bembo, after whom it was named. According to historical records, the fountain was built between 1552 and 1554. Notably, it was Captain Bembo who first managed to organize the water supply to Heraklion via an aqueduct, directing a stream into the city. This event was of immense importance for the city's water supply at the time, and the fountain became a symbol of this significant engineering achievement.

Other records suggest that the fountain might have been built slightly later, in 1588, by another Venetian nobleman named Bembo. Despite some discrepancies in exact dating, researchers agree that the Bembo Fountain is the oldest surviving fountain in Heraklion. It serves as an invaluable historical testament to the long Venetian presence in Crete, which left a deep mark on the island's architecture and culture.

The Bembo Fountain is well-preserved today and is an integral part of Heraklion's rich Venetian heritage. It stands alongside other significant historical structures from the Venetian period, such as the Venetian Loggia, which currently houses part of the city hall, and the Basilica of St. Mark, which now hosts the Municipal Art Gallery. Together, these architectural monuments create a unique old-town atmosphere, reminding visitors of its glorious past.

Viewing the Bembo Fountain itself will not take much of your time. Generally, 15-20 minutes is enough to examine its details, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere of this historical corner of Heraklion. This time is sufficient to appreciate the fountain's architectural features and its significance as one of the city's oldest.

However, the Bembo Fountain is not just an isolated attraction but part of a rich historical ensemble. It is located on the bustling Kornarou Square, in the heart of the old town, near other interesting sites from the Venetian period and other monuments. Therefore, if you wish to stroll leisurely through the neighborhood, perhaps pop into nearby shops or cafes, and pay attention to other historical sites on Kornarou Square and the surrounding streets, you should plan for more time.

Given its central location and proximity to other Heraklion attractions, we recommend setting aside about 1-2 hours for a visit to the Bembo Fountain and its surroundings. This will allow you not only to see the fountain itself but also to enjoy the atmosphere of the historical center, visit neighboring Venetian monuments, and take your time to fully feel the spirit of the ancient city.

As an open-air historical monument, the Bembo Fountain is located on the public Kornarou Square in Heraklion. Consequently, it does not have strict opening hours like a museum or an indoor site. Access to the fountain is generally available 24 hours a day, year-round, allowing you to enjoy its view at any convenient time during your walk through the city.

Since it is an open-air attraction, no advance ticket booking or registration is required to visit the Bembo Fountain. You can freely approach it and view it as part of your itinerary through the historical center of Heraklion. Nevertheless, it is always useful to keep an eye on local authority announcements in case of any events on the square that might temporarily limit access, though this is unlikely for such a site.

Visiting the Bembo Fountain is a wonderful opportunity to touch the history of Heraklion, but your journey through this amazing city should not be limited to just one landmark. Exploring the fountain's surroundings will allow you to immerse yourself deeper in the atmosphere of the old town, discover other gems of the Venetian era and the modern life of Crete, enriching your experience and making your trip even more fulfilling.

Many interesting places are located within walking distance of the Bembo Fountain, from historical monuments to lively markets and cozy establishments. A short walk through the ancient streets of Heraklion can lead you to unexpected discoveries and provide bright memories. Below is a list of some nearby attractions, along with their distance from the fountain.