Chania is the second largest city on the island of Crete. The city is situated on the North coast of Crete with Rethymno on the East side at a distance of 60 km (37 mi) followed by the city of Heraklion at 135 km (84 mi). Chania is also referred to as “Venice of the East” since it is divided into two parts; the larger, contemporary part and the old town. The old harbour surrounds the old Venetian town creating the foundation of the development of the whole urban area and the contemporary city. Chania is very popular among tourists because of its magical atmosphere and warm local hospitality.
Chania is the second largest city on the island of Crete. The city is situated on the North coast of Crete with Rethymno on the East side at a distance of 60 km (37 mi) followed by the city of Heraklion at 135 km (84 mi). Chania is also referred to as “Venice of the East” since it is divided into two parts; the larger, contemporary part and the old town. The old harbour surrounds the old Venetian town creating the foundation of the development of the whole urban area and the contemporary city. Chania is very popular among tourists because of its magical atmosphere and warm local hospitality.
The old town of Chania is a well-preserved mix of Cretan, Ottoman, and Venetian architecture. Enjoy a romantic stroll through its labyrinth alleys, and imagine yourself in another world in a different period of time. Visit the Jewish district which the Jews created themselves after the conquest of Chania by the Turks in 1645. Out of the two synagogues the neighborhood used to possess, the ‘Etz Hayyim Synagogue’ is still there and open for visits. While wandering through the old town you will come across archeological excavations, showing you that Chania is built on top of the ancient city ‘Kydonia’ – the 3rd largest city founded by King Minos in Crete. Last but not least, the district ‘Splantzia’ is definitely worth a visit. With its impressive church Saint Nicolas in the center of the cute square and its numerous minarets, reminding you of the Turkish occupation.
The old town of Chania is a well-preserved mix of Cretan, Ottoman, and Venetian architecture. Enjoy a romantic stroll through its labyrinth alleys, and imagine yourself in another world in a different period of time. Visit the Jewish district which the Jews created themselves after the conquest of Chania by the Turks in 1645. Out of the two synagogues the neighborhood used to possess, the ‘Etz Hayyim Synagogue’ is still there and open for visits. While wandering through the old town you will come across archeological excavations, showing you that Chania is built on top of the ancient city ‘Kydonia’ – the 3rd largest city founded by King Minos in Crete. Last but not least, the district ‘Splantzia’ is definitely worth a visit. With its impressive church Saint Nicolas in the center of the cute square and its numerous minarets, reminding you of the Turkish occupation.
When entering the old Venetian port of Chania, the first thing that will attract your attention is the impressive Egyptian lighthouse across the crystal-clear waters. Opposite to the lighthouse are the Maritime Museum and the ‘Firkas Fortress’, which walls were built by the Venetians to protect the harbour. Taking a stroll on the harbour will keep you busy for a while since there are many beautiful buildings to admire. Like the ‘Yali Mosque’ with its emblematic Turkish architecture, nowadays used for art exhibitions. You will also notice The ‘Megalo Arsenali’, a two-story stone building where ships used to be constructed and repaired, is now the center of Mediterranean Architecture. Finally, at the end of the harbour the ‘Dockyards of Moro’, which host the Sailing Club of Chania and is the perfect spot for a morning or afternoon coffee.
When entering the old Venetian port of Chania, the first thing that will attract your attention is the impressive Egyptian lighthouse across the crystal-clear waters. Opposite to the lighthouse are the Maritime Museum and the ‘Firkas Fortress’, which walls were built by the Venetians to protect the harbour. Taking a stroll on the harbour will keep you busy for a while since there are many beautiful buildings to admire. Like the ‘Yali Mosque’ with its emblematic Turkish architecture, nowadays used for art exhibitions. You will also notice The ‘Megalo Arsenali’, a two-story stone building where ships used to be constructed and repaired, is now the center of Mediterranean Architecture. Finally, at the end of the harbour the ‘Dockyards of Moro’, which host the Sailing Club of Chania and is the perfect spot for a morning or afternoon coffee.
