Herraklion’s Eleftherias Square (Plateia Eleftherias) will look different by the next tourist season. The main square of the Cretan capital is now under reconstruction to enhance access for individuals with special needs and to improve the local climate by increasing urban green spaces.
The marble tiles are already being removed from the square by equipment operators. The project may last twelve months, although the municipality aims to complete the heavy work before the tourist season begins.
The redesign of Eleftherias Square 25 years ago aimed to give the heart of Heraklion a contemporary appearance and the ambience of a major European city. The square, still adorned with some of its eucalyptus trees, was paved with marble, furnished with simple benches, and decorated with metal pylons representing ships’ masts, evoking the city’s maritime heritage.
Today, Eleftherias Square bustles with activity, offering public amenities, the Archaeological Museum, and cafes. It is a preferred meeting place for older individuals, while the younger crowd gravitates toward Lions Square and the cafes on Korai and Milatou Streets.
Eleftherias Square in Heraklion Gets a Facelift
The square, largely unappreciated by the people of Heraklion, is now undergoing upgrades and beautification. The work is progressing from the northern part of the square, with plans to continue in front of the shops in February.
These interventions aim to enhance accessibility for individuals with special needs and improve the microclimate by increasing urban greenery. The project could take up to twelve months, but the municipality wants to finish the major work before the tourist season starts.