Priuli Fountain (Fontana Nuova)
Known as Priouli Fountain or Fontana Nuova, this (easy to miss) fountain is located at Delimarkou Street, opposite the Venetian Dermatas Gate.
It was the last fountain constructed before the Ottomans conquered Heraklion (Candia).
Its story is actually very interesting.
During the siege of Candia (1648-1669), the Turks trying to find numerous ways to conquer the city that was well protected with the Venetian Walls and the brave soldiers. Candia always had problems with water, all of the city would take water from Fontana Morosini. However the Ottomans maanged to cut the water supply, chocking off the city during a time already difficult for it.
Imagine the relief of the Venetian Antonio Priuli (Generale Capitano) when a water vein was identified inside the walls of Heraklion. The Fountain that was named after Generale Priuli was beautiful decorated with four columns and Corinthian pilasters. It was constructed in 1666 and it is a beautiful sample of renaissance architecture.
If you visit, you will notice the turkish inscription where the Houssein Hajji Pasha is mentioned. He is the one that renovated the fountain and brought water again in the city.
If you have more images, feel free to share them with us!
Did you know that there is a legend about this fountain?
One of the legends is that when Candia was besieged by the Ottomans, all the citizens would run in the streets frightened. All but one. Deli-Markos not only was not afraid but he came out in the open with his arms, ready to fight. He was caught and put in prison, but he found a way to escape. He would be caught again but escape once more. So what the Ottomans decided to do, was to put a heavy chain around him and built him in the Priuli Fountain. According to the myth, Deli Markos never really died. He is alive in the fountain and whenever there is danger nearby, he awakes, trying to break his chains and wants to go outside to help his fellow citizens.
So, whenever there is a roar heard from the fountains, the local say that something bad will happen.
Source & Translation from Greek:
https://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/7688540
Mentioned in the book
Η Κρήτη των Θρύλων (β τόμος)
Sources:
https://www.heraklion.gr/en/ourplace/venetian-fountains/venetian-fountains.html
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/cities-and-towns-in-crete/heraklion-city/historical-monuments-of-heraklion/the-fountains-of-heraklion/priuli-fountain
https://www.voltarakia.gr/daily-photos/item/1830-i-enetiki-krini-prioyli
http://iscreta.gr/2016/03/38864/
https://www.kritipoliskaihoria.gr/2014/10/blog-post_192.html
Congratulation!