Built during 1862-1895, Ayios Minas is the metropolitan cathedral of Iraklio. It is located almost in the center of the walled city.

The cathedral stands in a large paved square that seems to be constantly active, with tourists, parishioners visiting the church, children feeding and chasing pigeons (note left of entrance), and walkers strolling in the sunshine.

There are no religious services in progress when we visit the cathedral, but people visit continuously to pray and light votive candles.

The interior is very impressive – from the architectural elements to the frescoed ceilings that arch high above, and enormous , elaborate chandeliers, each of which must weigh many tons.

The sheer size of Ayios Minas is impressive, but the colorful frescoes focus one’s attention on one small area after another.

While they are quite recent (19th century), all of the frescoes in the church are in the traditional Byzantine style.

The beautiful “iconostasis” at the front of the church is a screen between the church congregation and the altar. During services, only the priest passes through the door to the altar.

There are many niches and alcoves to explore throughout the church.

Outside the cathedral is a rusty bomb on display. This is a German bomb dropped on the cathedral during a devastating aerial attack on Iraklio in 1941. The bomb struck but didn’t explode. People say St. Minas saved his church.