The Cathedral of Saint Minas is one of the main Orthodox cathedrals in the city of Heraklion and one of the largest churches in Greece (holds up to 8,000 people). St. Mina is the patron Saint of the city, and on November 11 (the day of Saint Minas) is recognized as a public holiday and official weekend.

The Cathedral of Saint Minas is located in Piazza Venizelou. To the right of the temple is the abode of Cretan Archbishop, and left little authentic Church of Saint Minas, which was built in 1735 and is the ancestress of the current Cathedral. In the years of Turkish occupation in the Small Cathedral housed the Cathedral Cretan Metropolis, and today it is a Museum of different icons and Church plate.

The construction of the Cathedral began in 1862 under the direction of architect Athanasios Mosisa and lasted 33 years (with a break in 1866-1883 years). According to legend, the Foundation under the altar were laid with gold, silver and bronze coins from different countries. The Cathedral is a three-nave building sand color in the form of an equal sided cross with majestic red dome and two bell towers. Inside the majestic dome painted traditional Byzantine frescoes. Also the Cathedral is equipped with benches.

The Cathedral of St. Mina was opened in 1895 with great pomp and consecrated Metropolitan by Timothy Kastrinakis in honor of St. Mina. Despite continued Turkish occupation, the celebration lasted three days.

An interesting fact is that during the Second world war, 23 may 1941, during the heavy bombing of Heraklion on the roof of the Cathedral the bomb fell but did not explode. Local residents believe that this was due to the intercession of St. Mina. Despite the high veneration of this Saint, in Heraklion is very rare the name "Mina" as they are associated with local residents with deprivation.