The gate's name, 'Kenouryia Porta,' translates directly to 'New Gate' in Greek.
It was one of the seven gates built by the Venetians to fortify Candia, the medieval name for Heraklion.
The structure was designed to be easily defendable, featuring a narrow, vaulted passage that could be quickly blocked.
It sits on the southern section of the Venetian walls, which are among the longest and best-preserved in the Mediterranean.
During the Ottoman period, the gate continued to serve as a vital transition point between the walled city and the growing suburbs.
Kenouryia Porta, also known as the New Gate or Jesu Gate, serves as a prominent historic entry point into the old city of Heraklion. It was constructed by the Venetians in the late 16th century as part of the massive defensive wall system surrounding the city. The gate features a distinct limestone masonry construction characteristic of Venetian military architecture during the Cretan Renaissance. It historically provided a critical connection between the urban center and the southern countryside. Unlike the larger gates, it functioned primarily as a smaller passage for foot traffic and logistical support. Today, the gate stands as a preserved monument embedded into the modern urban fabric of Evans Street. It functions as an architectural landmark illustrating the layers of Venetian fortification strategies in Crete.
From the sidewalk across the street to capture the full scale of the stone archway against the modern building surroundings.
Combine your visit with a walk along the top of the Venetian walls for a better perspective of the fortification scale.
The area is best viewed while exploring the pedestrian-friendly streets leading toward the city center.
Look for the carved Venetian coats of arms that may still be visible in the surrounding stone masonry.
Do not expect a full museum experience; this is an outdoor historical structure integrated into the modern streetscape.
