The fountain was originally supplied with water brought from the Archanes mountains via a sophisticated pipe system.
The headless statue incorporated into the fountain was imported from the site of Ierapetra during the Venetian era.
The fountain features coats of arms belonging to the families of Venetian officials and the Duke of Crete.
The water basin was repurposed from a Roman-era sarcophagus found during the construction phase.
The fountain originally included a massive stone lion that is no longer present on the structure.
The Bembo Fountain is a prominent Venetian-era water structure located in Kornarou Square in the center of Heraklion. Built between 1552 and 1554 by Captain Gian Matteo Bembo, it was the city's first major public water supply project. The design incorporates a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements, featuring a central basin and a stone sarcophagus. The structure is decorated with diverse reliefs, including a headless Roman statue and various Venetian heraldic coats of arms. It served as a critical resource for the local population during the Venetian occupation of Crete. The fountain remains accessible to the public as a landmark of Venetian hydraulic engineering.
From the front, capturing the juxtaposition of the historic stone basin against the backdrop of the modern square.
View the fountain from the raised sidewalk to observe the intricate reliefs carved into the upper stonework.
Visit during the early morning to photograph the structure before the surrounding square becomes crowded with parked vehicles and local traffic.
Do not treat the fountain as a seating area or a trash receptacle, as it is a protected heritage site.
