Chania, the Heart & Soul of Crete
Chania is the city to explore! It is a place where a variety of civilisations have flourished and prospered in the past. When wandering through the narrow-paved maze-like streets decorated with ancient Venetian mansions, impressive churches, fountains you will inevitably be transferred to another era.
The History – The ancient city of Chania is located in the region of Minoan Kidonia between two peninsulas, Akrotiri and Onicha. Between 1847 till 1972 it was the capital of the island Crete. Now it is the second-largest city on the island. Chania is an extremely popular tourist destination, which comes as no surprise since it combines the old with the new, the ancient with the modern! The best way to get to know the town is by wandering around the charismatic alleys, each corner has a hidden treasure! There are a plethora of museums available to visit so as to get acquainted with the Cretan culture, but also as you are wandering you will encounter a variety of architectural styles used to build the buildings which represent the town’s rich history and background.
After being conquered by the Arabs and Byzantines, the city was reigned by the Venetians in 1252. Following the Venetian reign, the Ottoman Turks invaded the area and ruled from 1669. It was only in 1669 that Chania and Crete in general, was annexed to the remainder of the Greek State. The rulers then were Eleftherios Venizelos and King Constantine 1st.
The Old City – The picturesque Old Town of Chania is positioned around the ancient Venetian port. The Old Town and port are considered as the most attractive tourist destination of the city. The area is decorated with Venetian and Turkish buildings, whose architecture is extremely unique and impressive adding to the region’s charm. Venetian walls surround the Old City, which clearly separate the old part of the city from the new. The Old Town has been pronounced as preserved, where restorations have been made to the buildings that now house taverns, cafes, shops and much more.
Venetian Harbour – The Venetian Harbour was built in 1320-1256 by the Venetians and was primarily used for commerce and as protection against pirates. Then, the harbour could accommodate up to 40 galleys. On the north the harbour is protected by breakwater. Near the middle you will encounter a tiny fortification that resembles a gun and the small chapel of Saint Nicholas, where Venetians and Turks used to execute prisoners. Both the Frikas Fortress located at the entrance of the Harbour and Saint Nicholas bastion found in the centre of the breakwater, were used to defend enemy raiders.
Lighthouse– Michelle Sammichelli was the name of the Venetian engineer who designed the famed Lighthouse located at the end of a pier, situated in the Venetian port. It was constructed in 1570 by the Venetians and was restored again in 1830 by the Egyptians. The purpose of the Lighthouse was to provide light to the sailors at sea, but also to protect the city from invaders.
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