The Lions Square is located in the heart of the city, opposite the Basilica of Agios Markos.
The Lions square is the square of Morosini Fountain, the ornate Venetian fountain with four lions gushing water from their mouths.
According to historical sources, during the time of the Arab conquest (9th-10th AD), the Lions square was the point where conducted the largest slave market in the Eastern Mediterranean. Then, in the Byzantine period (10th to 13th), the square was the residence of the Byzantine governor of Heraklion. In Venetian times, it was built the Palace of the Venetian Duke (Palazzo Ducale). During the Ottoman Turks capture, the palace was inhabited by the Vizier.
The Lions Square is one of the most vibrant square of the city, as it is the meeting point of the locals. Lions square, called also Eleftheriou Venizelou Square, named after the Cretan statesman Eleftherios Venizelos.
Source: yallou.com