Municipal Art Gallery (Basilica of Agios Markos)

The Municipal Art Gallery occupies the Basilica of Agios Markos, a Venetian church on Plateia Eleftheriou Venizelou, better known as Lions Square, in the centre of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. The building dates from the 13th century and has been restored many times, and the Municipality of Heraklion now uses it as an exhibition hall and gallery for art shows and cultural events. The interior is a large, high-ceilinged nave of pale stone with a vaulted roof, and the changing exhibitions are hung against the bare walls, so the building itself is as much of an attraction as whatever is on display. From outside, the arched Venetian facade faces the square and sits close to the Morosini Fountain, the Venetian Loggia and the church of Agios Titos, which makes it an easy stop on a walking route through the old town. A visit is short, usually about 30 minutes, longer if a major exhibition is on. The programme changes through the year and covers painting, photography, sculpture and local history themes, with some shows free and others carrying a small fee, so hours and admission should be confirmed with the Municipality of Heraklion at heraklion.gr before going. The gallery is usually quietest in the morning, while the square outside is crowded with cafe tables and visitors in the afternoon and evening. The best photograph of the facade is from the fountain side of the square in morning light. The nave is cool, which makes it a pleasant pause in summer heat. Because the venue is an exhibition space rather than a permanent museum, visitors should treat opening days as variable and look for posters on the square announcing the current show.