ABOUT CRETE from www.visitgreece.gr

Crete simply has it all!

Crete is the largest island in Greece, and the fifth largest one in the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you can admire the remnants of brilliant civilizations, explore glorious beaches, impressive mountains, fertile valleys and steep gorges, and become part of the island’s rich gastronomic culture. Crete is, after all, a small universe teeming with beauties and treasures that you will probably need a lifetime to uncover!

Chania

The region of Chania, on the western side of the island, is dominated by the impressive White Mountains (in Greek: Lefka Ori) and its famous National Park, which occupy the largest part of the region. The Prefecture of Chania provides tourist services and activities of all kinds, satisfying all the choices. The city of Chania maintains unaltered all of its characteristics, from the time of the Venetian Rule up until today.

Wandering around the Old Town’s maze-like alleys with the beautiful Venetian mansions, the fountains and the elaborate churches will help you discover well-preserved historical monuments. Get familiar with the city of Chania by wandering around in its streets, visiting its museums and admiring the different architectural styles presenting the historical route of the city. Chania is a paradise for food and wine lovers. Here you can taste the famous Cretan cuisine with a glass of excellent Cretan wine. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit many wineries, where you will get to know the varieties of the Cretan terrain, the special local gastronomy and – let’s not forget – the outstanding Cretan hospitality!

History

Mythology has it that it was in a cave of Crete where the goddess Rhea hid the new-born Zeus.  In that cave, Zeus was brought up by the nymphs while the demonical Kouretes would strike their shields loudly so that Cronus may not hear the crying of the baby Zeus and eat it.  It was also to Crete that Zeus, disguised as a bull, took Europa so that they may enjoy their love together.  Their union produced a son, Minos, who ruled Crete and turned it into a mighty island empire of the seas.  In Minoan times, even Attica would pay a tribute tax to Crete, until Theseus, the Athenian prince, killed the Minotaur.  The truth behind the myth is the existence of a mighty and wealthy kingdom and of a civilisation that is considered the most ancient one on the European continent.

In 1450 BC and again in 1400 BC the Minoan Civilization was successively devastated possibly due to the eruption of the volcano of Thera and was eventually led to its decline.  In the wake of the devastation the Dorians arrived to settle on the island.  They were later followed by the Romans.  After the Roman rule, Crete becomes a province of Byzantium until the arrival of the Arabs who occupied the island for an entire century (824-961 BC).  During the Arab domination, Crete became the lair of pirates who were based out of Chandakas, present day Heraklion.

Next, Crete fell under Byzantine rule again until the arrival of the Venetians who occupied the island for approximately 5 centuries leaving their stamp on the island’s culture.  After the fall of Chandakas in 1669, the Turkish Occupation began marked by ferocious and bloody uprisings.  At the end of the 19th century Turkish rule came to an end.  The Cretan State was created with the King of Greece as the island’s High Commissioner. In 1913, Crete was finally joined officially with Greece.

From THE MUNICIPALITY OF CHANIA  www.chaniatourism.com

Mayor’s Message

Dear visitor,

Municipality of Chania welcomes you to our website, aiming at the improvement of your information during your stay in Chania.

This website provides you with direct and valid information for various subjects, such as monuments and archaeological sites, beaches, sights, entertainment and the activities that take place in Chania.

Moreover, our website offers useful material and information for the local history, tradition, culture, the Cretan diet as well as the recent news of our Municipality.

With the hope that our website will give you the opportunity to know better our beautiful place and its citizens, making easier your stay in Chania, I welcome you once again!

The Mayor of Chania

Anastasios Vamvoukas

THE CITY OF CHANIA

IN GENERAL

The City of Chania, the capital of Chania prefecture, is located at the northeast09 part of the prefecture and constitutes the administrative, economic, commercial, and transport center of the homonymous prefecture. The Municipality of Chania, after applying “Kallikratis” Public Administration Reform Plan, consists of seven Municipal Units (former municipalities): Akrotiri, Eleftherios Venizelos, Keramia, Nea Kydonia, Theriso, Souda, and Chania. The Municipality of Chania borders on Platania to the west, on Sfakia to the south, on Apokorona to the east, while its entire northern part borders the Sea of Crete. The total area of the new Municipality is 356.12 square kilometers. The resident population of the Municipality of Chania, according to the data of the recent population census (2011) conducted by the Hellenic Statistical Authority, is 108.642 residents, a number that represents 17.4% of the total Cretan population (623.065 residents) and about 1% of the total population of Greece (10.815.197 residents).

The City of Chania is the capital of the Municipality and the second largest city of Crete, built over the ruins of the Minoan city Kydonia. Its area is 12.56 square kilometers with a population of 53.910 inhabitants (population census 2011). The city has two major gates: the airport in Akrotiri and Souda harbour, which is the biggest natural harbour of the Mediterranean. The city of Chania constitutes a crossroad of civilizations and continents with a long history, natural beauty, unique architecture and rich tradition. The main characteristic of the city is the Venetian port of the old city with the Egyptian lighthouse that has survived for many centuries and attracts the eye of residents and visitors.

HISTORY

The city of Chania is built – according to the 01archaeological research – on the ruins of ancient Kydonia, which according to the mythology was founded by king Kydon and was one of the most important cities Of Crete, as Homer mentioned, whereas Kydonians are supposed to be a pre-Hellenic tribe. Chania is a wonderful mixture result of Eastern and Western civilizations.

During the ancient period (3.000-2.800 B.C.) the old harbour was used by the ancient Minoans, as crossroad of all five Continents. 02Furthermore, this harbour hosted ancient Kydonia to the late 7th century A.D., one of the most important cities of ancient Crete, while it was conquered many times during the past by Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Turks, Hebrews, Egyptians, and Arabs, till the end of the 19th century, when it was liberated. Finally, Chania – as well as the whole Crete – was united with independent Greece in 1913 with the significant help of the great Greek politician Eleftherios Venizelos.

TRADITION

Chania is very rich in cultural tradition. The Cretan folk tradition is imprinted on the local art (weaving, tsevredes, carpets, towels etc.) that reflects the sense of beauty and the artistic expression of local people. Simple village women, as well as women’s cooperatives produce silk and woollen embroideries.

In Chania you may also find unique handcrafted products from glass, wood, metal, as well as ceramics workshops, woodcarving workshops and metallurgy workshops. A very peculiar art is that of Cretan boot-making (called Stivania) that the visitor can admire in Skridlof Street, in the old city of Chania, as well as that of Cretan knife-making with the engraved folk Cretan couplets.

ARCHITECTURE

The Venetian, Turkish, 04traditional and modern architecture coexist in harmony in the city of Chania, creating a unique and attractive scenery for the visitors. Archaeological sites, temples, squares and unique buildings adorn the attractive city of Chania.

The old city of Chania constitutes a unique historical monument, for which have been made many efforts by the State and the local authorities to preserve and project its historical character. Despite the intense touristic development of the last few decades, the interventions, the disasters and the aspect of modern architecture, the old city managed to preserve its historical and its unique architectural character to a great extent.

NATURAL LANDSCAPE

The strict massifs 02meet the deep light blue of the sea in Chania, creating a landscape of irregular natural beauty. The beaches with crystal waters, the lakes, the gorges, the rich flora and fauna, and the benign climate create ideal living conditions and an exciting environment that you should explore.

In the Municipality of Chania you can find some of the most important areas of natural beauty and of ecological significance of Crete, that have been included in Natura 2000 network, such as the lake of Agia, the gorge of Theriso and the islet of Agii Theodori (or Thodorou). It worth mentioning the Park for the Preservation of Flora and Fauna of the Technical University of Crete, which is located 5 kilometers northeast of the city of Chania in Profitis Ilias, has an extent of 300 square kilometers, and constitutes an important area, where native plants and co-existing animals are protected and can develop without human intervention.

SEE & DO

Municipality of Chania is one of the most touristic developed Municipalities of Crete. This is due to its rich heritage, both in places of significant archaeological importance and in the innumerable preserved monuments in the city of Chania and in other areas of the Municipality, which constitute evidence of the long history of Chania. One of the most significant archaeological sites that are being preserves till today is the archaeological site of Kasteli, where you can see the ruins of the ancient Kydonia, the ancient Aptera and Intzedin castle.

Archaeological sites and historical monuments

Ancient Kydonia (Proto-Minoan settlement of Kasteli)

52 178The modern city of Chania is founded in the site of a significant ancient Minoan settlement, Kydonia or ku-do-ni-ja as it appears on Linear B script. According to the tradition, Kydonia was one of the three cities founded by King Minos in Crete.

The settlement that is presently excavated in the city of Chania has as center the hill of Kasteli and is the most important of the prefecture. Large habitations with well-built rooms, elegant floors with circular cavities- fireplaces, coated walls with deep red mortar, door frames and ceramics of excellent quality are some of the findings that indicate the existence of a significant proto-Minoan centre. The extended excavations in the archaeological site of Kasteli, which constitutes one of the most important monuments of the prehistoric period of Crete, are carried out since 1966 until today by the 25th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities. Some of the most important findings of the excavation are available in Chania Archaeological Museum.

Municipal Unit: Chania
Address: “Kasteli” hill and “Splanzia” district, old city of Chania
Working hours: 08:00-15:00

Ancient Aptera

53 102Aptera is located about 15 km. away from the city of Chania and above Souda Bay, and during the Minoan period was one of the most important city-states of Crete. It is located on an extended plateau with altitude 200m and astonishing view of Souda Bay.

Its history begins from the Minoan Period (3500- 1070 BC), however, the most visible archaeological traces in the ruins belong to the Geometric Period (1000- 685 BC), the Hellenistic Period (323- 67 BC) and the Roman Empire (67 BC – 324 AD).

Fortification, aqueducts, public baths, and graves are some of the findings the visitor can see. The most impressive of the preserved ancient buildings are the groups of Roman reservoirs that together with many wells and tanks served the needs of the city and supplied the facilities of the public and private baths. The city had a theater, which is not completely revealed yet.

There was a wall for the protection of the city, while today has survived a length of about 4 kilometers. During the period 1866-69 the Turks built the castle in order to suppress the Cretan Revolution. Two castles of unique historical interest are located in a small distance from antiquities. The first is Palaikastro that was built by the Turks for the Revolution of 1866 and the second one is Itzedin castle that is located in Kalami. Itzedin was built in 1872, allocated barracks, hospital and other facilities, while it was used up to recently as a prison for political prisoners. During the past few years, the 25th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities carries out extended excavations in the archaeological site of Aptera and the surrounding area.

Municipal Unit: Souda
Address: local Community of Aptera

The Byzantine Wall of Chania

54 104The Byzantine Wall surrounds the hill of Kasteli, where the first inhabiting of the city is located. It was built in 12th century and its outline is irregular with longitudinal axle from the East to the West, where its two central gates were located.

The Wall consists of rectilinear parts, interrupted by small oblong or polygonal towers, and is founded over the ruins of an older fortification of the Hellenistic period. The visitor can see it during the tour in the roads of the old city of Chania.

Municipal Unit: Chania
Address: Karaoli Dimitriou Street, Old City of Chania

Center of Mediterranean Architecture (Grand Arsenal)

The Grand Arsenal is the last of the 17 Neoria to the west. Its construction started in 1585 by the Intendant Alvise Grimani. A new era began for the Grand Arsenal with the addition of the second floor in 1872 during the Turkish period. The building hosted several important public services and authorities.

Nowadays, it has been transformed from a roofless ruin into an impressive building that hosts various events and exhibitions. Since 2002, after its reformation, it hosts the Center of Mediterranean Architecture, organizing important cultural events, artistic exhibitions and international events related to architecture.

Municipal Unit: Chania
Address: Defkalionos Street, Venetian Port of Chania
Tel.: +30 28210 40201
Working hours: 08:00-15:00

Firka Fortress

The fortress Revellino Del Porto on the northwest side of the port of Chania was constructed by Venetians to prevent any enemy danger for the port. Its construction began in 1610 and completed a few years before the fall of the city in Turks in 1645.

The interior was organized to barracks and ammunition storage areas. It was also the headquarters of the Army Commander of the city. In about the middle of the courtyard, there is a large domed water tank that gathered rain water from the roofs. On the northern side of the wall there are six arched openings that included cannons for the protection of the entrance of the harbour.

During the Turkish period Revellino was used as barrack (Firka = barrack), for that reason the name Firka is still used today. The arched openings were used as prisons from the Turkish period to the civil war. On the corner watch tower of the Fortress the Greek flag of the Unification of Crete was raised on December 1st 1913 in an official ceremony. Today, at the entrance of the Fortress is situated the Maritime Museum of Crete.

Municipal Unit: Chania
Address: Akti Kountourioti, Venetian Port of Chania.
Tel.:+30 28210 91875
Working hours: Daily 9:00 – 14:00 (01/11 – 31/03) / Daily 09:00 – 19:00 (01/04 – 31/10)

Entrance of the Renier Mansion

One of the most important constructions of the Venetian Period is the Entrance of Renier Mansion. It is a palace (Palazzo) of the homonym Venetian-Cretan family with a small family chapel of Agios Nikolaos and the impressive entrance with the Latin sign and the blazon of the family.

57 78The largest part of this building is still preserved with some alterations. Over the arched gate of the entrance, the inscription is still preserved: “MULTA TULIT, FECITQUE AT STUDUIT DULCES/PATER, SUDAVIT ET ALSIT SEMPER REQUIES CERENAT, MDC VIII. IDI B. IAN” (“Many things he brought, done and studied, the sweet father, who worked hard. May he rest in peace 1608”).

Municipal Unit: Chania
Address: Moshon Street (Akti Kountourioti Side Street), Old City of Chania.
Gate and Rampart Sabbionara

The rampart Sabbionara still preserves its Turkish name “koum – kapi (Kum Kapisi = the Gate of the Sand), is located on the northeast corner of the Venetian walls and is completely constructed in the sea. On the front of the rampart, the circular Venetian emblem of the lion of Agios Marcos is still preserved. It is the only preserved gate today and its external side had been modified during the Turkish period.

It is the only preserved gate today and its external side had been modified during the Turkish period. The port of Chania cannot be used by modern ships because of the shallow water, which contributed in preserving its old character, maintaining the signs of its conquerors till today.

Municipal Unit: Chania
Address: Epimenidou side road, Old City of Chania.

Venetian Neoria

During the Venetian occupation (1204 – 1669), the need for the closer presence of Venetians in Crete made them construct a large number of “Neoria” (arsenal) in Chania, where the ships would be repaired during the winter. The construction of the first two “Neoria” in Chania was completed in 1526. In 1593, sixteen “Neoria” had already been constructed.

In 1599, the south “Neoria” complex was completed with the construction of the 17th “Neorio”.  In 1607, during the expansion of the northeast rampart, begins the construction of 5 more “Neoria” at the heart of the port to the east. Two of them were completed, however, only the walls to the arch of the third one were constructed. During the Turkish period, the lack of maintenance works in the port and the degradation of the role of “Neoria” also resulted in the alteration of the original function of “Neoria” which were now used as military storage spaces. From the initial “Neoria” complex with 17 “Neoria”, nine were demolished.

Nowadays, a group of 7 continuous domes is preserved-along with another one further to the west, the “Grand Arsenal” (today, the Centre of Mediterranean Architecture). Only two “Neoria” are preserved intact from “Moro” complex, at the heart of the port, while in the position of the demolished “Neoria”, the stone building of the new customs of Chania was constructed, which is today surrounded by two squares.

Municipal Unit: Chania
Address: Venetian Port of Chania

Giali Tzamisi

Giali Tzamisi is the unique preserved Mosque of the city and was built during the second half of the 17th century. It is located at the Venetian Port of Chania. The Mosque Kioutsouk (meaning “little”) Hassan or Giali Tzamisi (meaning, the Mosque of the Seaside), as it is commonly known, is a unique sample of Islamic art of Renaissance.

It was built to honour the first Sergeant of Chania, Kioutsouk Hassan. Nowadays, the Mosque has been totally renovated and is used as a place for events and exhibitions mainly during the summer period, constituting one of the characteristic buildings of the old port of Chania.

Municipal Unit: Chania
Address: Akti Tompazi, Venetian Port of Chania

The Egyptian Lighthouse

The Egyptian Lighthouse, which is one of the oldest in the world, prevails in the old Port of Chania. The sea-tossed stone lighthouse that is located at the edge of the breakwater, is not only the “guard” of the old Venetian port, but also its most famous jewel.

The lighthouse was constructed by the Venetians at the end of 16th century. It has been reconstructed by the Egyptians during the period 1830-40, when English had assigned Crete to the regent of Egypt, Mehmet Ali. At the end of the Ottoman Empire, the project had been completed with the addition of the ladder in its east side, as well as pipes, through which passes sea water under the surface of its base. The lighthouse has a height of 21m, height from sea surface 26m and its light reaches a distance of 7 miles. Its base is octagonal, the middle part has 16 angles, while the top part is circular.

Municipal Unit: Chania
Address: Venetian Port of Chania

The Minaret of Agios Nikolaos

The church of Agios Nikolaos, located in Splantzia Square, was built before 1320, during the Venetian period, as a monastery of Dominican Order. After the dominance of Turks in Chania in 1645, the church was transformed into a mosque and was given the name Hiougkar Tzamisi (the Emperor’s mosque), in honour of sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Imbraim.

The sword of the Turk dervish, who was the first one that entered in the city, was considered to be blessed and wonder-working, and was reserved there. Its importance is highlighted by the existence of two- instead of one- balconies on the minaret on the southwest corner of the temple. The morphological elements of the minaret are of great interest, as they follow the Venetian tradition.

Municipal Unit: Chania
Address:  Splantzia Square

The Municipal Market

The Municipal Market of Chania, the large building of 4000 square meters in the centre of Chania is the “heart” of the city. Its foundation started on August 14, 1911, at the place that was the main rampart of the fortification during the Venetian period, and the construction of the building was completed during the second half of 1913.

The official opening ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister of Greece, Eleftherios Venizelos, three days after the unification of Crete with Greece, on December 4, 1913. The Municipal Market is cross shaped and has four doors, one in each ward, that close to provide security at the shops that are hosted there. Today at the building of the Municipal Market are hosted many shops that sell local products and souvenirs. The Municipal Market constitutes an architectural jewel for Chania and is one of the most impressive markets in Balkans.

Municipal Unit: Chania
Address:  Sofokli Venizelou Square

The graves of Venizelos family

The graves of Venizelos family is one of the most popular places that offer a panoramic view of Chania, only a few kilometres east of the city, on the road to Akrotiri and airport. Here are located the graves of the charismatic Greek politician, and seven times Prime Minister of Greece, Eleftherios Venizelos, and his son, Sofoklis Venizelos, who was also Prime Minister of Greece from 1943 to 1952.

Nearby is located the small church of Profitis Ilias and the statue of Spyrus Kagialedakis or Kagiales, who on February 9, 1897 (Revolution of 1897), during the bombing of the revolted Cretans by the fleet of the great forces, he made his body flagstaff to raise the Greek flag that had been dropped by the bombshells of the ships.

Municipal Unit: Akrotiri
Address:  Profitis Ilias, Akrotiri

The Municipal Garden and the Watchtower

The Municipal Garden is an important place for walk and pleasure in the city of Chania and is located between Andrea Papandreou and Tzanakaki Street. It is a project of the philhellene Reouf Pasa that was designed in 1870 according to European standards and was planted with many evergreen plants and trees under the supervision and the charge of Pasas himself.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, there was a café in the Garden to serve the needs of the people; it has been reconstructed and is open again. An outdoor cinema is hosted in the Municipal Garden that projects every summer quality movies for the lovers of the 7th art. The clock tower of the city is located on the north-east part of the Municipal Garden. Its construction started in 1924 and ended in 1927 and constitutes one of the most remarkable buildings of the City of Chania.

Municipal Unit: Chania
Address: A.Papandreou Street & Stratigou Tzanakaki
Working hours: 24/7

Kastelos fortress in Varypetro

In Varypetro , 1,8 km far from the Varypetro settlement there is a long , rocky hill of around 380 meters where is located a significant archaeological sight. On that hill, a visitor can see the relics of the walls of the acropolis and the acropolis itself as well as the “kastelos” which is also the main sight.

Kastelos is on the upper part of of the hill and constitutes a big cemetery with burials in caves, in some of which traces of human existence from the Neolithic and minoic era have been spotted.

Visit Hours: 07:00 – 14:00 and15:00 – Until sunset

St.John monastery at Pazinos villageMpoutsounaria

Mpoutsounaria the historic location in kladisos valley with plane trees and water sources. There used to take place the meetings of Cretan rebels during the revolution of 19th century. It is the place where the majority of Cretan events took place. At the start of 1825 a Mustafa Pasha party was defeated by Cretans in that spot. On May 1858, Velis Pasha threatened the Cretans that he will attack the 7000 rebel’s .In response the rebels with their chief Manousogiannakis threatened that they would stop the water flow of mpoutsounaria that was providing not only the city with water but also the gardens at Sersempilia. Under this threat, Turks made a deal accepting the requests of the Christians.

Saint George temple in Theriso

The temple of Saint George is located in the village of Theriso in Chania. It is dedicated both to St. George and St. Charalambos and has very interesting hagiography.

Temple of St. Demetrios and St. Nestor in Katohori of Keramia

The temples are located 15km far from the city of Chania in the Aptera region. It constitutes a group of churches with Franciscan monastic establishment consisting of two temples with common architectural elements that dates back to the latest period of the Venetian occupation.

Temple of Saint John the theologist in Aptera

The restored byzantine monastery of Saint John is located next to the roman tanks of the ancient Aptera city. It is supposed to have been built during the 7th century as a part of the property of Patmos monastery in which it stayed until it was completely isolated in 1964.

Allied Cemetery

In Vlites region, in the west of the inside part of the bay, inside a wonderful natural environment there is the ally’s cemetery, of the soldiers that died fighting for freedom during the 2nd world war.

The cemetery was built and is restored by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and has the graves of all the soldiers that died fighting in Crete. The architects were Louis De Soissons. In the monument of the war cemetery of Faliro are memorised those whose names are unknown. The graves in the cemetery are :UK-862 soldiers, Canada-5 soldiers, Australia-197soldiers, New Zealand -446 soldiers , South Africa-9 soldiers, India-1 soldier, Other- 7 soldiers .Total: 1527 soldiers.

The cemetery is visited by a great number of people but mostly by Australians and New Zealanders. Every year, there are memorial days to honour the heroes of the 2nd world war.

Souda islet- fortezza fortress

Souda: the little island that stands as a guard of the entrance of the gulf of Souda. In the northwest part of it and 7 Venetian steps away stands another little island almost round that is referred in venetians maps as Rabbit Island.

Before it was fortified with walls, the island was a monastery dedicated to St. Nicolas and was called Fraronisi. After the fortification it was named Souda by the name of the gulf. On the biggest island, the venetians built one of the most important fortresses of Crete in order to protect the gulf from hostile piracy. The fortress was undefeatable by the Turks and so it remained Venetian even half a century after the Turkish occupation. Until 1715 that it finally was given to Turks it was a shelter for chased Cretan patriots.

Koules fortress of Aptera

The Koules fortress is located 12km east of Chania near the Paleokastro region, pretty near to the Kalami village and on the relics of ancient Aptera.

The fortress was built by the Turks after the Cretan revolution in 1866, during the effort to control Crete again through a net of fortification works. It was built by Hüseyin Avni Paşa and is a representative sample of fortress architecture of 19th century. The purpose of its location was to control the Apokoronas valley where used to be the passage to Chania. Along with the other Koule fortresses the Turks built it was also controlling the Souda port as well as supporting the Ingedin fortress.

The Koules of Aptera or Subashi fortress is saved until today in a great condition.It is equipped with two towers that are heading to the west ( to control the Kerameia passage) and the east ( towards Kalyves).The first was communicating with the Souda fortress and the Koules of Kalyves and Nio Chorio.

The fortress was the biggest fortification establishment of its period and was including spaces that were developing symmetrically in a shape of Π to form a rectangular yard. The circular towers are on the southwest and southeast corner of the fortress, while the central gate is located at the east side well protected by a recess.

The soldiers used to get to the battlements of the Koules chamber through inside wooden stairs. The fortress was equipped with all the necessary barracks spaces, lodging infrastructure, warehousing, imprisonment, food preparation and restauration. The great condition of the fortress is due to the excellent building of its walls.

Koules after the retreat of the Turks from Crete was used as a school for the Megala Chorafia village.

Visit Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Ingedin fortress

The ingedin fortress is the unique ottoman fortress in Chania. It is located on the Kalami hill, 15km east of the Chania city. It has a panoramic view of Souda bay. It was built in the 1872 by Reouf Pasha at the same place where in the 1946 the first ottomans defeating the venetians built a tower.

It has been the main defensive establishment of the port and was named after the first son of Abdul Aziz ingedin sultan .In the following years it was mostly used as a political prison, a regular prison and death penalty prison.

During the period of the Cretan state (1903) El. Venizelos was imprisoned in the fortress for 15 days after being convicted of insult as sued by the Metropolitan of Crete Eumenios who was in favor of Prince George.

During the dictatorship of T. Pagalos in 1924, a great number of political prisoners were held there, while after the fall of the dictatorship Pagalos himself was imprisoned for two years.

During the German occupation and the first years of the civil war the prisons did not function .The later years of the civil war the fortress opened again.

In the 1948 from the Gyaros purgatory the first communist political prisoners were brought to the fortress were executions took place. In the dark medieval dungeons of the ingedin fortress were imprisoned communist prisoners and other political prisoners until the times of the dictatorship of the colonels. This former role of the fortress as a political prison has been captured in cinema movies such as “Days of ‘36” and “the years of stone” that hymn the rebels who fought for their democratic ideas.

The fortress is characterized as a preservable monument and today it remains closed for the public. The only day you can visit the fortress is on 14 and 15 of December when the temple of Saint Eleftherios is celebrated that was built by the prisoners themselves.

Visit Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Island of Souda

The Souda is the little island that stands as a guard at the entrance of the Souda bay, a natural port that is well protected by the high mountains in the eastern part of Chania, on the northeast part of Chania port.

On the northwest part of it, in a very close distance , the islet of Leon , almost circular that is referred by the venetian maps as the “rabbit island” ( Scoglio dei Conigli).

Minoan city of Marathi

Following the route to the northeast, you will meet on the coastal road the relics of ancient relics of the ancient roman Minoa who must have served as a haven of the Aptera city.

In the archaeological area, known as the little palace of Minos (even though it is not dated in that period), you can see ancient baths and buildings that are assumed to have been related to an old port, a military establishment or a mansion of a dignitary.

Actually, on the beach there is still part of the semi-circular wall that was once wetted by the sea.

The monastery of St .John is located pretty close to the Chania airport , south of Pazinos ( or Galagado) .The monastery was surrounded by walls which are saved to today in great condition.

The monastery is a rare sample of western monastery architecture for Greece. The church is outside the central yard where the monk’s cells are and it has a separate entrance. It is assumed that it must have been a catholic monastery of St. George as it has been stated by the guard of the castle at 1637. In the monastery there is also an excellent sample of a traditional oil mill.

Visit Hours: 8.00-15.00

Holy Mary temple in Theriso

In Theriso, located at the square of the village and under a huge plane tree stands the church of Holly Mary. At this site there is also the tomb of Stefanos Halis, who is a hero for Crete that fought during the1820-1822 and died for Crete at the battle of Aliakes on the 25th of July, 1822.

BEACHES

Chania is famous for its wonderful beaches with golden sand and crystal-clear blue water. It is a fact that some of the most wonderful and famous beaches of Greece are located in Chania. The visitor can find in Chania well organized beaches with sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports, restaurants, taverns and coffee-bars, which provide high quality services or can discover the pure, unexplored beaches.

Within the geographical borders of the Municipality of Chania there are 11 beaches that have been awarded the Blue Flag (Stalos, Agii Apostoli 1, Agii Apostoli 2, Chrissi Akti, Agia Marina, Kalamaki, Nea Chora, Marathi, Stavros, Agios Onoufrios, Kalathas) and many other – organized or not – that are worth enjoying them. The total length of organized beaches in Municipality of Chania is about 10 km. Below you can find the most famous beaches of the Municipality of Chania:

Agii Apostoli

Agii Apostoli is located 4 km west of Chania, 14 km away from the airport and 9 km away from the port of Souda. This is one of the most popular areas of Chania consisting of three outstanding bays with wonderful sandy beaches that have been awarded the Blue Flag. This area is considered as rare natural beauty and is ideal for swimming and beach games. The beaches of Agii Apostoli include the essential facilities for water sports, beach volley and racket games as well as infrastructure for disabled persons. The visitor can find there many taverns and restaurants, super markets, souvenir shops, car rental agencies and pharmacy.

Access: Agii Apostoli is easy accessible, since Chania City Bus provides regular route service. Furthermore, the visitor can access this place by taxi, by car or by bike.
Municipal Unit: Nea Kydonia
Water quality: Excellent
Accreditation: Blue Flag

Agia Marina

One of the most popular and social beaches of Crete is located only 9 km away from Chania. The beach of Agia Marina in the Municipal Unit of Nea Kydonia features very fine sand and an extent of more than 2 km. It is one of the most well organized beaches of the Municipality of Chania as well as of the whole prefecture, providing lifeguard services and organized tourist facilities, comfort for swimmers and various water sports (windsurfing, water ski etc.). The beach of Agia Marina is also ideal for families with children, since its shallow, warm water is considered to be absolutely safe.

In front of the beach of Agia Marina is located the island Agii Theodori or Thodorou, which hosts the protected wild goats of Crete, known as Kri-Kri.

Municipal Unit: Nea Kydonia
Access: The access from Chania is very easy with the regular routes of Chania City Bus. It is also accessible by taxi, by car or by bike.
Water quality: Excellent
Accreditation: Blue Flag

Agios Onoufrios

Agios Onoufrios is a small seaside village of the Municipal Unit of Akrotiri, located 8 km north east of Chania city. The beach of Agios Onoufrios features fine sand and is protected from winds in a bay, where the small port is located. The beach is organized including sunbeds, showers, changing-room, lifeguard services and has been awarded the Blue Flag.

Municipal Unit: Akrotiri
Access: The access to the beach can be achieved by road, using the coastal road that connects Chania with the agglomeration of Agios Onoufrios, using a taxi, a car or a bike.
Water quality: Excellent
Accreditation: Blue Flag

Kalathas

The beach Kalathas is located 11 km northeast of Chania, at the west coast of Akrotiri peninsula. It is a large sandy beach with organized services (sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports etc.) that has been awarded the Blue Flag. The beach is known for the island that is located 200m away from the coast and is easily accessible by the swimmers.

Municipal Unit: Akrotiri
Access: The beach is connected with Chania through the regular bus routes of the City Bus. Visitors can also use a taxi, a car or a bike to access the beach.
Water quality: Excellent
Accreditation: Blue Flag

Kalamaki

The sandy beach Kalamaki is located only 5 km away from Chania and has an extent of about 600m. It has been awarded the Blue Flag and constitutes one of the most wonderful and vivid beaches of the Municipality of Chania. The shallow water of the beach is making it ideal for families with young children. It is well organized, providing visitors the capability of residence, food and drink as well as swimming facilities (umbrellas, sunbeds, water sports etc.). At the west edge of the beach there is a small bay, which is separated from the central beach with a narrow sand 6 16stripe.

Municipal Unit: Nea Kydonia
Access: The access to the beach is achieved with the regular bus routes of City Bus of Chania. You can also use a taxi, a car or a bike.
Water quality: Excellent
Accreditation: Blue Flag

Kalami

The beach of Kalami is located 15 km east of Chania, in the Municipal Unit of Souda. It is a peaceful, sandy beach with a few umbrellas and sunbeds. It provides an unrestrictable view of the bay and the small island of Souda. Near Kalami is located the ancient Aptera as well as Inzedin and Palekastro castles.

Municipal Unit: Souda
Access: The access to the beach can only be achieved with private vehicles.

Loutraki

The beach Loutraki is located at Akrotiri, 16 km away from Chania. The beach is situated in a wonderful bay with crystal blue water and fine sand and is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds. It is very popular for local people – especially for young people – and for those that prefer an unusual beach.

Municipal Unit: Akrotiri
Access: The access to the beach can only be achieved with private vehicles.

Marathi

The beach Marathi is located 17 km east of Chania, in Akrotiri. It is one of the beaches in Chania that has been awarded Blue Flag. The sandy beach, in combination with shallow water and the protection from meltemi wind, due to the location of the beach, is ideal for families and children. The beach is well organized providing visitors food and drink as well as swimming facilities (umbrellas, sunbeds, showers etc.) and lifeguard services. The beach includes infrastructure for disabled persons.

Municipal Unit: Akrotiri
Access: The beach is accessible from Chania using private vehicles or the public bus service (K.T.E.L.).
Water quality: Excellent
Accreditation: Blue Flag

Nea Chora

The beach Nea Chora is the nearest beach in the city of Chania. This is one of the favorite beaches of the citizens of Chania, with shallow water – suitable for children – and organized tourist infrastructure, as it can also be accessed on foot. The beach includes infrastructure for disabled persons. The rocks located 200m away from the coast protect this beach from the bad weather and meltemi wind. There are many taverns near the beach, where the visitor can eat fresh fish. Every summer, during the first ten days of September, the Municipality of Chania organizes Sardine festival on the beach of Nea Chora that attracts thousands of visitors providing them with free fish.

Municipal Unit: Chania
Access: The beach of Nea Chora is accessible on foot, walking to the west on the coastal road from the Venetian Port of Chania through the Western Trench. It is also accessible by taxi, by car or by bike.
Water quality: Excellent
Accreditation: Blue Flag

Stalos

Stalos is a sandy beach, located 8 km away from Chania. The beach is well organized and provides all possible tourist services. There are many hotels, rooms and apartments for rent, restaurants, beach bars and shops for every need in this place.

Municipal Unit: Nea Kydonia
Water quality: Excellent
Accreditation: Blue Flag

Stavros

Stavros is a seaside resort located 17 km northeast of Chania, at the northeast edge of Akrotiri peninsula. There are two beaches in Stavros. The main beach with Blue Flag, white sand and turquoise water is located at the foot of the mountain, where many scenes of the known film “Zorbas the Greek” (1964) were filmed, with Anthony Quinn dancing the famous sirtaki of Alexis Zorbas. The beach is located in a bay, absolutely protected from the winds. It constitutes an ideal choice for the windy days in Chania. The beach is well organized including sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, lifeguard, and taverns in a short distance. Near the beach there is a small livid local port. The second beach of Stavros (Pachia Ammos) is located 300m west of the central beach and includes thick sand.

Municipal Unit: Akrotiri
Access: The beach is accessible from Chania using private vehicles or the public bus service (K.T.E.L.).
Water quality: Excellent
Accreditation: Blue Flag

Chrissi Akti

The beach of Chrissi Akti is located in the Municipal Unit of Nea Kydonia, only a few meters east of Agii Apostoli beach and 2,5 km west of Chania. It has been awarded Blue Flag and its name results from the golden sand of the beach. It constitutes an attraction for thousands of visitors every year, who visit this beach in order to swim in the crystal clear water that is not influenced by meltemi wind. The length of the beach is 500m. It is well organized, including sunbeds, umbrellas and changing room, as well as lifeguard. The beach is ideal for families with children because of the fine sand, the shallow water and the well-organized playground.

Municipal Unit: Nea Kydonia
Access: The beach is easy accessible due to the regular route service of Chania City Bus (every 20 minutes).
Water quality: Excellent
Accreditation: Blue Flag

Machairida beach

The tiny beach of Machairida is located 14km northeast of Chania and only 1 km west of the Chorafakia village, hidden well inside a rocky bay. The bay has its northern limit set by a knife shaped cape and that is why it is called machairida ( knife=machairi).Others claim that the name was given to it by the flower machairida ( gladiolis italicus) that flowers also in Crete.

The bay is almost always calm and at its center there is a small sandy beach with fine white sand perfectly combined with the green water and the rocky surroundings. Water here is deep and clear grace to the currents that change direction many times a day .It is not an organized beach and its isolated character is attractive to nudists.

Tersanas

13 km northeast of Chania is cited the small seaside village of Tersanas. Actually it is the little port of Chorafakia village, hidden in a bay at the west part of Akrotiri. The region has great touristic development and serves as a great holiday destination.

Tersanas beach is a natural port well hidden in the regional bay. A sandy beach, with fine white sand and shallow crystal clear water. It is not a long beach, so it is usually quite crowded especially on weekends. The beach is organized and there are places to buy food and drinks. The quiet water and the close distance from the city center make Tersanas beach an ideal choice for family holidays.

How to get there: There are regular bus timetables from the city center

St. Stephen beach (Seitan Limani)

The St. Stephen beach is cited by the Seitan limania region, 22 km northeast of Chania and 2 km east of Chordaki village at the east part of Akrotiri. The name Seitan Limani derives from the Turkish (seitan=devil) and means ports of devil .This name is given to the bay because of the dangerous waves created there. Next to the bay are located three narrow inlets well secured by rough sea.

In a savage landscape, with vertical steep rocks and wild beauty there is an element that can soothe the eye: the northern bay that crafts the tiny but beautiful beach of St. Stephen with its deep blue water. The beach consists of thin shingle and sand that is brought there by the regional quarries through the “diploharalo” gorge. On the two sides rise high two marble rocks protecting the bay from the fierce winds.

How to get there: bus timetables from the suburban bus station and then 10 minute hike.

ROUTES

Exploring the past: Old City of Chania

We suggest to the visitor of Chania to have a walk in the historic center of the city, a tour through the crossroads and the cobbled roads of civilizations, beginning from the central point of Chania, the Municipal Market (A), which opened in 1913 on the demolished Venetian bastion Piatta Forma.

It is a splendid cruciform building that accommodates more than 70 shops, where you can find all local products. Walking down the western stairs of the Market the visitor arrives at the new pedestrian zone of Mousouron Street with shops in the ward Katola. Walking north in Mousouron street, the visitor turns left to arrive at the pedestrian zone of Skridlof street, known as “Stivanadika”, one of the most popular tourist roads in Chania.

The pedestrian zone cuts Halidon Street, where you can find the buildings of the historical Philological Association “Chrysostomos” and of the Municipal Art Gallery of Chania (B).  This graphic street leads downhill to the old city and the Venetian Port, passing in frond of Mitropoleos Square with the impressive Temple of Eisodion, the Catholic Church of Chania (C) and the temple of Agios Fragkiskos that hosts the Archaeological Museum (D).

Turning right to Karaoli Dimitriou Street in Halidon Street, we leave behind us the Byzantine Walls of Kydonia. Through the gate of the Byzantine Wall and Katre Street we go up in Kanebaro Street where we can visit the excavated Minoan settlement. Keep walking in Kanevaro Street, we turn left in Agiou Markou Street, where the ruins of the Venetian Monastery and the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (1615) are still visible.

Reaching the end of Kasteli citadel unfolds in front of us the unique Venetian Port of Chania with the two groups of Venetian Neoria (14-16th century) to the east and the called Grand Arsenal in front of us. Going down the steps in the end of Agios  Markos Street, we arrive at Akti Enoseos Street, near the Great Arsenal, which, completely renovated, hosts today the Center of Mediterranean Architecture (E). At the opposite side is located the long harbour breakwaters with the small castle of San Nicolo that ends to the Egyptian lighthouse, the principal characteristic of the port.

Walking to the west along Akti Topazi Street, we stop at the Muslim mosque of Kiutzuk Hasan (1645) (F), which hosts several exhibitions during the summer. Continuing our seaside walk we can see the Fountain Square, while at the west end of the port is located Firkas castle (G), where the Greek Flag was raised officially on December 1st 1913 for the union of Crete with Greece. The castle hosts Maritime Museum of Crete and Historical, Folklore and Archaeological Society of Crete.

Walking circumferential of the castle, we walk up Theotokopoulou Street, where we can see at the left the church of San Salvatore (15-17th century) that hosts Byzantine and Postbyzantine Collection of Chania (H). The traditional district of Topana, as it was named because of the Venetian powder magazine that existed there (top hane in Turkish), begins from there.

At the end of Theotokopoulou Street we walk down Douka Street and arrive at the center of the aristocratic neighborhood of the Venetian city. There we can admire the huge aristocratic houses of the Venetian and later Turkish noble, the buildings of wonderful architecture of Theofanous Street, which have been renovated and are used as hostels.  The Palazzo of Renier family in Moschon Street that was built in the 15th century with the small family chapel of Agios Nikolaos and the impressive entrance with the Latin sign and the blazon of the family is very special.

Keep walking down Zampeliou Street, we leave behind us on the right the old Jewish District or “Ovriaki” with the renovated, unique for Crete, Jewish synagogue. Finally, it worth walking east of the port where we can see the historical Splanzia Square that hosts the church of Agios Nikolaos (1204) (I) with the Turkish minaret and the Renaissance temple of Agios Rokkos (1630).

Modern city tour: Chalepa – Tampakaria

In addition to the historical and tourist center of Chania and the walls of the old city, we suggest you to visit the historical district of Chalepa with the mansions of the 19th and 20th century, and Tambakaria.

We begin walking east of the Municipal Market of Chania (A) to the aristocratic district of Chalepa. There we can see the palace of Prince George and the house of Eleftherios Venizelos (B) that today hosts the National Research Foundation “Eleftherios K. Venizelos”, with his statue placed in the homonymous square, the French School (1860), the Russian church of Agia Magdalini and the church of Evangelistria.

When we come back from Chalepa to the city, it worth visiting the round Eleftherias Square (C) with the statue of Eleftherios Venizelos in the center, opposite of the Courthouse and the Prefecture of Chania City. Finally, in Dimokratias Street is located Despotiko and the Cultural Center of Iera Mitropoli Kydonias and Apokoronou, the Religious Center of Chania, the Park of Peace and Friendship, the old Italian barracks, the Public Clock, the Public Gardens (D) and the facilities of the National Stadium of Chania.

Exploring the tradition

Venizelos Graves – Monastery of Agia Triada – Monastery of Gouvernetou – Arts and Grafts Village Verekinthos

This route includes short distanced sights that give the opportunity to the visitor to know better the culture and tradition of Chania. Taking Chania as starting point, we move eastern with direction to Akrotiri, where we see Venizelos Graves (B) on the hill of Profitis Ilias. Here are located the graves of the charismatic Greek politician – and seven times Prime Minister of Greece – Eleftherios Venizelos and his son Sofoklis Venizelos, who was also Prime Minister of Greece from 1943 to 1952.

After enjoying the panoramic view of Chania, we can stop for a coffee or a sweet in one of the cafes of the area that offer an excellent view. When we leave the hill of Profitis Ilias, we follow the road to the airport and we turn left in the last cross-roads before the airport and then we turn left again to arrive at Agia Triada Tsagkarolon Monastery (C). With impressive catholic and facade from carved stone, it was built by Ieremias and Lavrentios Tzagkarolos brothers, a significant Venetian-Cretan family, while today it hosts a museum that includes, among others, a collection of vestments and samples of miniature art (tel.: +30-28210-63310).

At the same time, this monastery of the 17th century is distinguished for its extensive agricultural and productive activity. The monks, combining the tradition of centuries with the modern know-how and being faithful in the modern demand on biological farming, produce the famous monastery wine, as well as the many times awarded olive oil in their own oil factory. They also produce an excellent balsam vinegar and green soap. All of them are available in the monastery shop together with other products of local producers, such as honey and cosmetics.

The Monastery of Gouverrnetou (D), dedicated to Lady of Angels , with impressive columns at the façade, is located very close to it. Walk to the ruinous catholic and Arkoudospilios, a prehistoric temple that today hosts the temple of Panagia Arkoudiotissa. Leaving from Akrotiri with direction to the port of Souda, it worth to stop at Verekinthos Arts and Grafts Village [www.verekinthos.com], a huge, alive art centre between Souda and Tsikalaria.

It includes more than thirty workshops, where we can see craftsmen processing handmade glass and semi-precious stones, creating ceramic, needlework, jewels leather products, textile products and many other decorative objects. It worth visiting it, not only to watch step by step the traditional techniques that they use to work, but also because there is a variety of local art products, modern or traditional, all of them created with the artistic feeling and the uniqueness of handmade art. You can visit Verekinthos Arts and Grafts Village every day, 10:00-14:00 and 19:00-21:00, except for Saturday and Sunday (information, tel.: 28210-80118, 28210-80132, 28210-80374).

A journey of taste in mountainous Chania: Theriso – Keramia

Taking Chania as starting point, we follow the way to Kladisou crossroads through Kisamou Street, following the traffic signs to Theriso. The route through Theriso gorge rewards the visitor for this choice. After covering a distance of about 20 minutes, we arrive at the historical village Theriso, where the revolution of Theriso began in 1905, as it is known in historiography the revolution began there in 1905 and then expanded in the whole island, claiming the union of Crete with Greece.

In the central square of the village prevails the statue of the great Greek politician Eleftherios Venizelos. We can visit the Historical and Folklore Museum(B) that was established in 1985 and is hosted in the building that was used as headquarters of Eleftherios Venizelos, as well as the Museum of National Resistance (B), where are being exhibited many relics and photos from the period of the National Resistance of 1941-1945. Theriso, however, is known to all gourmet for one more reason, for the outstanding family taverns, which are well-known for their meat and which have made this place to a popular gastronomic destination for local people and visitors. Don’t forget to taste traditional apaki, siglino and smoked sausage, tsigariasto, staka, fricassee with stamnagathi and marathopita. Accompany your food with local wine and tsikoudia.

Leaving behind us Theriso we are driving to Keramies, a mountainous Municipal Unit that is located on the northern foot of Lefka Ori.The route from Chania to Keramies is panoramic and very impressive, maybe unique in Crete. In Keramies Municipal Unit, it worth visiting Diktamos gorge and Aletrouvari gorge, both are places of unique natural beauty. In Plativola village is located the homonymous cave, which is one of the most important caves of Crete. There are also many byzantine churches in the area, such as Agios Ioannis in Gerolako, Agios Georgios in Malaxa (C) and many others. You can enjoy the panoramic view of Chania and Souda bay from Malaxa. Don’t forget to stop in Drakona to taste the traditional recipes based on pure, high quality Cretan products in the local taverns. Roast meat in the oven with pure virgin olive oil, tsigariasto, ofto, Sfakian pies, kalitsounia with wild herbs are some of the dishes of the Cretan diet that will impress you.

Cycling in Chania: Ligides – Agia – Kirtomado

The route that we suggest is intended to bicycle and nature lovers. Taking Chania as starting point, we follow the way to Kladisou crossroads through Kisamou Street, following the traffic signs to Theriso.

On the road of Pelekapina, where we can see old dependencies, the farms of Manos with wonderful buildings – most of them coming from Turkocracy – we keep cycling on the highway bridge and then we turn right at the next junction. We will soon arrive at Pervolia village, where we turn right at the junction to Pirgos. In the square, we turn right again and, after a while, we arrive at Ligides village. We keep moving west, parallel to the main street to Agia. All streets to the west through the orange fields lead to Oasi and Marmaras settlements. Then, we leave behind us the historical prison of Agia on the main road, a place of martyrdom for many Greek patriots during the German Occupation.

On the way to Agia, after the church, we will notice on the right a sign for the lake of Agia (B) that constitutes a wetland for hundreds of migrating bird species, but also a living place for many native species.The area belongs to the protected areas of NATURA 2000 European Protection Network. After stopping here, we keep cycling to Kirtomado. We continue cycling after the last house of this traditional village, following the main road near the river.

The setting here is magnificent, a present of the nature with plane trees, dense vegetation, orange and lemon trees. On our way we will meet two wonderful chapels, as well as an outdoor place to rest, and a tavern. After that, we will arrive in the center of Platanias. We return in Chania using the old national road through the seaside villages Agia Marina (C), Stalos and Kalamaki, which are crowded during the summer.