Sunday, February 24, 2008
Irakleio (Greek, modern: Ηράκλειο, Ancient/Katharevousa: -on), alternative and older forms: Heraklion and Iraklio, is a suburb in the northern part of Athens, Greece. Heraklio is divided into three parts, Palaio Heraklio and Neo Heraklio and Ano Heraklio. The name dates back to ancient times. The name during the Ottoman Empire until the Greek War of Independence was known as Arakli. Heraklio is linked by an ISAP green line of the outdoor subway station. Heraklio is accessed north with two exits with the Attiki Odos (number 6)/E94 which is also accessed with GR-1/E75 (Athens - Lamia - Thessaloniki) and GR-8/E94. It is located about SE of GR-1 and Kifissou Avenue, SW of Marathon, W of Kifissias Avenue, and about 14 km N of Athens via GR-1 and about 3 km S and north of the Attiki Odos (number 6). There are several main roads in town including one linking Pefki and Kifissia. The main street which accesses to the Olympic Stadium is to the east and Veikou Avenue is also to its east. Business include Kafemporiki Catering SA.
Farmlands used to dominate the much of the landscape, including groves. During the early to mid 20th century, urban development and industrial buildings replaced much of the farmland. The industrial area are around the northern and the northeastern part of Metafmorfosi. Today, most of the land is residential. The Parnitha can be seen, as can the Penteli mountains to the northeast. The higher parts of the Aegaleo and Hymettus mountains can be seen.
Iraklio has schools, a few lyceums, gymnasia, banks, a train station, a sports centre, cinemas, post offices and squares (plateies). An old stone quarry mine is situated in the area of Ano Heraklio.
Epikinonia FM, Neo Heraklio's radio station. It is owned by this municipality. - 94.0 FM - http://www.94fm.gr History