June 12, 2017

The 15th Century Church of Saint Onouphrios in Herakleion, Crete


The Church of Saint Onouphrios is a one-aisled basilica with a dome located in the city of Herakleion in Crete. It dates probably to the 15th century, and is first mentioned in a catalogue of churches in Handaka, known as Herakleion today, from 1583. It can be found today at the junction of the streets 1866 and Tsikritzis, known as Ladadika.

There is no relevant information regarding how it was used during the Ottoman occupation. When the Muslims left the area it was sold to various individuals and for many years functioned as an oil factory. Today the church is abandoned and is preserved in a very good condition, but it is encased by modern buildings.