World by City

Temples & religious sites

St Matthew of the Sinaites, Heraklion

Open in Maps
St Matthew of the Sinaites, Heraklion

St Matthew of the Sinaites

Located in a narrow lane in central Heraklion, this Byzantine-style church serves as a religious site with historical connections to the monastery on Mount Sinai. Visitors go here to view a collection of old icons in a small, quiet setting away from the main streets.

Getting There

The church is situated within the city centre of Heraklion. It is accessible on foot from most central hotels and landmarks. Depending on your starting point in the downtown area, the walk typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes.

Visit Duration

Because of its small size and the focused nature of the icon collection, most visitors spend approximately 30 to 60 minutes exploring the interior.

When to Visit

Visiting during weekday mornings generally offers a quieter experience. As a small space, it does not typically experience the heavy crowds found at larger cathedrals, though it is best to avoid peak religious holiday dates if you prefer a silent environment.

Nearby Attractions

The church is positioned close to several other cultural and religious sites, making it easy to combine with the following:

  • Cultural and Conference Center of Heraklion (0.2km)
  • Agios Minas Cathedral (0.2km)
  • Agia Aikaterini (0.3km)
  • Collection of Agia Aikaterini of Sinai (0.3km)

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near St Matthew of the Sinaites, Heraklion

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

St Matthew of the Sinaites, Heraklion Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Heraklion hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Good to visit alongside

Cultural and Conference Center of Heraklion

Culture & venues

Cultural and Conference Center of Heraklion

This performing arts complex in Heraklion opened in 2019 after years of planning. It features a 750-seat main hall along with several smaller theaters hosting a variety of performances.

0.2 km away

Agios Minas Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

Agios Minas Cathedral

Agios Minas Cathedral in Heraklion is the leading Orthodox church of Crete and one of the largest in Greece. Visitors can explore its grand 19th-century interior.

0.2 km away

Agia Aikaterini

Temples & religious sites

Agia Aikaterini

A former monastery church in Heraklion, historically linked to Saint Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sinai. It now serves as an icon museum, a great place to admire Byzantine religious art.

0.3 km away

Collection of Agia Aikaterini of Sinai

Museums & galleries

Collection of Agia Aikaterini of Sinai

Housed in the Church of Agia Aikaterini in Heraklion, this collection features Byzantine icons of the Cretan School. It's a great stop for travelers interested in art history and religious art.

0.3 km away

Lions Square

Parks & gardens

Lions Square

Lions Square has been Heraklion's central square since Venetian times, known for its fountain with four lion statues. It's a popular meeting spot to stop by while strolling through the city center.

0.5 km away

Agios Marcos

Temples & religious sites

Agios Marcos

A former Roman Catholic basilica built in 1239 during Venetian rule, standing on Eleftherias Square in central Heraklion. It once served the island's nobility and officials, making it a site of deep historical significance.

0.5 km away