Venetian Loggia (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Venetian Loggia?
Children can count arches and follow a short audio story in a safe car-free zone, yet there is no play area, interactive display, or staff program to hold their attention for long.
Positives:
- Shaded break spot: The arcade provides shade and benches for a restful pause between stops.
- Central meeting point: Located on 25 August Street, it links easily to other family-friendly sites nearby.
Challenges:
- Interior access limited: The upper hall opens only during public ceremonies—confirm availability in advance.
- Short visit: The ground-floor arcade takes only 15–20 minutes; plan to combine with nearby attractions.
What is Venetian Loggia?
- A Renaissance-era two-storey loggia constructed between 1626 and 1632 to house the Venetian administration and serve as a public assembly hall
- Exhibits a Palladian façade with a Doric arcade at street level and an elegant Ionic colonnade above, framing a spacious open-air loggia and semi-circular courtyard
- Functions today as Heraklion’s City Hall, preserving its original atrium, marble finishes, and ceremonial hall within a beautifully proportioned classical structure
What is so special about Venetian Loggia for with kids?
- Explore a two-storey Venetian arcade with a fun kids’ treasure hunt.
- Enjoy free entry and a family-friendly audio guide.
- Use the shaded marble hall for a cool resting spot.
- Central location makes it easy to link with other Heraklion sights.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Plenty of time to explore the arcade and complete a kids’ column-style treasure hunt without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Venetian Loggia
Column-style treasure hunt:
Give each child a checklist to find Doric columns, count arches, and spot triglyphs.
Tip: Print or draw the list at home and bring a pencil for checking off items.
Audio storytime:
Use the free MyTours app for 5–10 minute fun facts about the Loggia’s history and architecture.
Tip: Download the audio offline before your visit to avoid data charges.
Explore courtyard and arcade:
Walk the semicircular courtyard and admire the marble arches and ornate columns.
Tip: Visit at dawn or dusk for softer light and clearer photos.
When is the best time to visit Venetian Loggia (Heraklion, Greece)?
In summer, arrive before noon to enjoy cool shade under the arcade. In winter, use midday sun to warm the courtyard.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Venetian Loggia (Heraklion)
maya dalal
The busiest cafe downtown, and for a good reason. They have a huge pastry selection, and an excellent coffee! The only problem is that they don't have price tags or descriptions for the pastries so you have to ask the counter girls, which seems like tierd of answering.
Urban Traveler
Currently the townhall but before it used to be the seat of power of Venetian overlords. Picturesque building
Ioannis Daras
A beautiful example of Venetian architecture in the city center. The structure features Doric columns on the ground floor and Ionic columns on the upper floor, reflecting the elegance of Palladian design. Originally used by Venetian nobles as a meeting hall, today it functions as the city hall. Just a few steps from the Liontaria Fountain—definitely worth stopping by for its history, style, and qu...
Cory Sakai
An interesting building and facade, but much more impressive inside in the courtyard. It is currently a government office building.
Tyrone
Lavish City Hall structure built in the Venetian period with an elegant atrium & hall for events. I visited in the off season so there was no one around which made it perfect for photography! You can only walk around outside and admire the exterior architecture. Easy place to swing by on your way to/from the town square.
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Venetian Loggia entry | EUR 0 |
| MyTours audio app | EUR 9 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 9 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to Venetian Loggia
- Combine nearby: Pair your visit with the Morosini Lions Fountain just a two-minute walk away.
- Early arrival: Visit by 10:00 to avoid tour groups and secure unobstructed photo spots.
- Download before: Save your audio files offline so you can play them without relying on venue Wi-Fi.
Map of Venetian Loggia
Address: August Str 25, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
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About Venetian Loggia
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Phone Number
+30 281 340 9000See available options
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