Saint Titus Cathedral, Heraklion

The Cathedral of Saint Titus is a key Orthodox church located in the center of Heraklion, dedicated to Saint Titus, the first bishop of Crete. The cathedral has a complex history, evolving from its beginnings as the Yeni Cami, or "New Mosque," to its current role as an important place of Christian worship within the archdiocese of Crete.

Built in 1869 using the design of architect Athanasios Moussis, the cathedral features a square layout topped with a large dome. Its exterior is marked by vertical elements and a stone-carved apse, reflecting the architectural influences of the period and the blend of styles that characterize its structure.

Originally serving the Muslim community as the Yeni Mosque, the building underwent significant changes after Crete became part of Greece. During the population exchanges between the Balkans and Anatolia, the mosque was converted into an Orthodox cathedral and officially consecrated for Christian worship on May 3, 1925. The removal of the minaret during this transformation symbolized its shift from Islamic to Christian use.

The cathedral’s historical importance deepened on May 15, 1966, when the head of Saint Titus was returned to Heraklion by the city of Venice. This event reinforced the cathedral’s spiritual and cultural significance, making it a central site for the Orthodox community and a place where the city’s layered history is preserved and honored.