Church of Agios Titos

The Church of Agios Titos stands on Plateia Agiou Titou on 25is Avgoustou Street in the old town of Heraklion, Crete, Greece, beside the Venetian Loggia and a few steps from Lions Square. It is dedicated to St Titus, the companion of St Paul who became the first bishop of Crete, and the church holds a reliquary containing his skull, which is venerated by Orthodox pilgrims. The building has a layered history that mirrors the island's. It began as a Byzantine church, was rebuilt under the Venetians, became an Ottoman mosque after the conquest of Candia in 1669, and returned to Orthodox use in 1925 after the population exchange. The exterior shows this mix, with a Venetian-style facade and a later dome and tall rectangular tower, while the interior is bright and simple, with carved icon screen, painted icons and hanging lamps. Inside, the reliquary of St Titus is displayed near the front in a glass case, and a few other icons and offerings line the walls. Visitors typically spend 15 to 20 minutes here. Entry is free, although a small donation or the purchase of a candle is customary, and modest dress is required, with covered shoulders and knees. The church is usually open during daylight hours, but it closes to sightseers during services, so mornings outside service times are best. Midday is often quiet, while feast days around St Titus's day in late August bring larger congregations. The church is a good first stop on a walking route through the old town, since the Loggia, Lions Square, the market street and the cathedral of Agios Minas are all within a few minutes on foot.