The Venetian Loggia is located in the centre of Heraklion, on the 25th of August, close to the Basilica of St. Mark and the Lion square. The elegant structure of the Loggia is one of the best architectural monuments of Venetian Crete.

Loggia is a kind of noble club and public building. Here gathered the dignitaries of the city not only to solve economic and political problems, but also to relax and unwind from state care. The loggia was the center of local administration and social life. Its balconies were read state decrees, and the Duke watched the litanies (prayer petitions, part of the Liturgy) and parades.

According to historical sources in Heraklion was built four Balconies, but the first three have not survived to our days and it is unknown how they looked. The structure that we see today was built on the initiative of Francesco Morosini in 1626-1628, the Loggia is a two-storey rectangular building with an open gallery on the first floor, and is a virtuoso example of combining Doric (first floor) and the Ionian (second floor) styles. Heraklion loggia is an exact image of the famous Palladian Basilica in the Italian city of Vicenza. During the reign of the Turks Loggia was used for accommodation of the Treasury of Crete.

In 1898, when Crete gained its independence, the building of the Loggia was in very poor condition. In 1915, began restoration work on the Venetian project engineer of Ongaro. The works were interrupted during the Second world war, but resumed after it ended. Today the Loggia restored to its original form and in it is the town hall.

In 1987, the loggia was awarded the first prize of the international organization for the protection of monuments "Europe Nostra" for the most successful restoration and use of historic buildings.