During the Ottoman domination, Saint Minas was established as the patron saint of the city of Heraklion and his memory is celebrated on 11 November. To show their gratitude, the residents built as a symbol, the cathedral of Saint Minas which was founded in 1862.

At that time, it was extremely difficult to rebuild it because of Muslim assaults against Christians and due to the lack of money, there was a delay until 1883, where construction continued.

The inauguration of the temple was carried out in April 1895 by Timothy 'A, Metropolitan of Crete, with great majesty and decorations.

Right next to the imposing temple on the paved square, there is the small temple of Saint Minas, a building built well before the first one in 1735, to house the Metropolitan church and the temple of Saint Catherine.