The Morosini Fountain in Plateia Eleftherias — universally called Lions Square after the four marble lions at its base — has been the centrepiece of Iraklion since 1628, when the Venetian governor Francesco Morosini commissioned it to supply fresh water to the city. The lions are actually older than the fountain, recycled from a 14th-century structure. The basin above them is carved with scenes from classical mythology.
The square around it is ringed with cafes and is the natural place to sit and watch the city go about its business. The Venetian Loggia, which now houses the town hall, is a short walk away on 25 Avgoustou Street.