Gournes brings together archaeological traces in the village with CRETAquarium and its focus on the Mediterranean marine world. The Minoan finds range from settlement remains to tombs; the aquarium complements this historical perspective with insights into marine ecosystems and educational work. Two distinct themes thus meet in Gournes: a long history of settlement and the sharing of knowledge about the sea.
Minoan Traces in Gournes
Gournes is home to the remains of a Minoan settlement dating from the Middle Minoan to the Geometric period. This covers a broad span of time. Finds from Gournes include four chamber tombs and two pit graves containing pottery and other small finds dating from 1300 to 1200 BC.
Further excavations took place on a hill 200 meters from the village. Minoan clay urns, pottery sherds and tomb structures, as well as the remains of a Geometric house, were discovered there. The sites therefore differ in location: settlement remains and tombs are associated with Gournes, while the hill is specifically outside the village. Together, the finds provide insight into different forms of archaeological evidence, from settlement remains to burial sites and pottery.
CRETAquarium and the Mediterranean Marine World
CRETAquarium has 62 tanks of various sizes, containing a total of 1,800,000 liters of seawater. It is home to 1,500 marine animals from 130 different species found in the Mediterranean region. Since figures like these can change, check the latest information when planning your visit.
Different areas also have distinct design themes. In the second area, tanks with capacities of 600 m³ and 400 m³ feature designs inspired by the seabeds of Matala and Vai. The third area is dedicated to plankton and plankton-eating organisms. A guided tour of the aquarium introduces various marine ecosystems and marine life, including seabed dwellers, species from tropical waters, sharks, jellyfish and groupers. If you are planning to take a guided tour, check the latest details in advance.
The aquarium designs and delivers educational programs and rehabilitates injured animals. It is located in the northwestern part of the former American military base in Gournes. Together with HCMR’s research facilities, it forms Thalassokosmos, a center for marine science and sharing knowledge about the Mediterranean marine world. This combination of exhibits, educational work and research gives CRETAquarium a distinctive focus within the destination.
A Distinctive Cultural Focus in the Wider Heraklion Destination
The wider Heraklion destination offers another cultural focus. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum displays representative examples of Crete’s prehistoric and early history, as well as its history from the Neolithic to Roman times. The Historical Museum of Crete displays two paintings by El Greco, from 1569 and 1570, the artist’s only works on Crete. Its collection on Nikos Kazantzakis includes personal items and manuscripts belonging to the Cretan writer.
Heraklion’s architectural history is also on display: the Koules was built by the Venetians to protect the pier and harbor; the Loggia is a Venetian building dating from the 16th century. Gournes’ Minoan finds and marine science thus contrast with another cultural theme in the wider Heraklion destination, where museum collections and Venetian buildings shape the view of history.
Discover more destinations: Agios Myron, Avdou, Ano Asites, Karteros, Kato Loutraki, Kastelli, Skafidaras, Vasilies
View the wider travel guide: Heraklion.
