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Chania is not just the second largest city of the island. Crete is one of the most beautiful cities in Greece, the intricacies of narrow streets and Venetian houses of which will not leave any tourist indifferent... It is impossible not to fall in love with Chania. Southern Venice, as the locals call it, attracts many travelers every year who draw here is your inspiration.
Today the city is divided into several parts - the Old and New Towns. The old town is bounded by a Venetian fortress wall; its center is the Castelli district, which was inhabited since Neolithic times. The new city is not much different from modern European towns; it appeared at the beginning of the 18th century.
History of Chania
Excavations carried out in the city indicate that even during the late Stone Age there was a settlement here, which confirms the origin of ancient Cydonia. The settlement flourished in the late Minoan period. At that time, Chania was listed as one of the main palace-type cities. However, shortly after the heyday of the Minoan period, in the 12th century, many settlers suddenly left their homes, there was no obvious reason, what really happened to the Minoan civilization is a mystery...
Unfortunately, finds from Arab rule are not as diverse as those from the Byzantine period. It was at this time that Cydonia, like many other cities of the island, was destroyed. The only symbol of the period (961-1252) can be called, perhaps, the fortress wall on Castelli Hill. During these years, Cydonia was renamed Chania. "Cania" was first mentioned in 1211. Archaeologist Nicholas Platon suggests that the name "Chania" comes from the name of the village "AlKhania".
In 1204, after the next Crusade, Boniface Moferrat began to rule the island, at which time Venetian rule officially began. After the fall of Constantinople in the 15th century. Monks, poets, and artists flocked to La Canea and brought Byzantine culture to the island. That is why the city to this day feels a mixture of Greek, Venetian, and Byzantine cultures.
In 1645, Chania could no longer hold its defensive positions, and the city was captured by the Turks. Churches were turned into mosques, Chania was plundered. After 205 years, the capital of the island was moved to Chania, the city became the residence of the Pasha of Crete. Later, Crete officially became part of Greece, and gradually, the Turks remaining in Chania returned to their homeland. In 1952, Greece joined NATO. After 19 years, the capital of Crete was moved to Heraklion.
Many argue that it was precisely because of the transfer of the capital of the island to Heraklion, Chania, whose heart is located in the ancient Venetian port, that the charm of the Venetian city with its inherent romance and leisurely flow of life was preserved...
Main attractions of Chania
Speaking about the sights of Chania, it is difficult to single out just one place, since numerous architectural monuments are of interest. However, the maximum number of places worthy of attention are located in the Old Town. Despite constant bombing during the war, many buildings managed to survive.
The old city has five interconnected blocks, numerous intertwining streets with a minimum width (up to 60 cm). Their unique flavor cannot be described in words.
First of all, the attention of tourists in Chania is, of course, attracted by the famous Turkish Janissary Mosque, which is an outstanding monument of Islamic architecture of the Renaissance. It was built in the 16th century on the shores of the Venetian harbor.
This cubic structure with a large spherical dome and six small ones was erected on the ruins of a bastion that belonged to Christians. The interior of the building is rich in paintings made in the Turkish style. In addition, there are fragments of Venetian decor. Let us note that the construction of the mosque was organized in honor of the soldiers buried in the courtyard. Currently, no religious activities are organized here; exhibitions are held in the building.
Near the port there is the Firkas fortress, which offers a unique view of the port and the ancient lighthouse. It was here that the Greek flag was solemnly raised and installed in the 19th century. Now on the territory of the fortress there is a Maritime Museum, where anyone can get comprehensive information about the history of navigation, models of ships, and also get acquainted with the model of the city of the 17th century. In total, the museum has about 2,500 exhibits. The core of the collection is represented by detailed models of ships from the Bronze Age, the Byzantine era, the period of the Second World War, etc. You can enter the museum by paying 3 euros.
The Jewish Quarter also deserves attention, because it is here that the Schiavo bastion is located, here you can see a section of the city fortress wall that has survived to this day and the largest Venetian church on the island - the Church of St. Francis. It was converted by the Turks, who turned it into a mosque and added a minaret, however, it was later destroyed (during the war). Currently, its premises house the Archaeological Museum, the collections of which include many valuable exhibits and finds from different periods (Minoan sarcophagus, ritual figurines, gold jewelry, etc.). Entrance costs 2 euros.
Opposite the Archaeological Museum is the famous Cathedral (Church of the Three Martyrs). The building was built in the 19th century; previously there was an old church here. The interior of the building is not so richly decorated, despite the fact that there are religious paintings by Greek artists. Currently, the temple is operational. In accordance with legend, the governor of the island, Mustafa Pasha, handed over the temple to the Christian community after saving his son through the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos. Now the miraculous image is again in the cathedral, serving as the main shrine.
One of the most picturesque places in Chania is the Venetian harbor with an active seaport, located in an artificial lagoon (the historical center of the city). On the northern side it is reliably protected by a pier, on which a platform for cannons and the chapel of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, have been preserved. The tourism infrastructure here is very developed. There are numerous hotels, cafes and restaurants on the banks.
Tourists are equally interested in the numerous mansions and palaces that belonged to noble Venetians. This, for example, includes the Renieri Palace, where the furnishings of past centuries have been perfectly preserved, a loggia with a gate decorated with a coat of arms with a Latin inscription.
Not far from Chania is the largest gorge in Europe, Samaria (in the White Mountains, whose height is 2400 m). It stretches for 18 km, its width is 3.5-300 m.
While in the Chania area, you should definitely visit the islet of Gramvousa, where the ruins of a medieval fortress are of particular interest. Also take time to visit the ancient city of Aptera, where fragments of buildings from the 7th century have been preserved. According to legend, in ancient times a music competition dedicated to Apollo was held here. The Sirens, having lost victory to the Muses, tore off their wings and rushed into the abyss.
Did you know that the largest body of freshwater on the island is located in the Chania region? We are talking about Lake Kournas, which occupies an area of 1.2 square meters. km, as for the depth, it is 25 m. Surrounded by the picturesque White Mountains and of volcanic origin, the lake is distinguished by clear, bright blue water. The Armiros River flows from it, and to the south is the multi-level Kourna Cave. Tourists can freely visit the reservoir, on the banks of which there are shops, taverns and everything necessary for a pleasant holiday.
If we talk about the beaches of the lake, we should note the gentle slopes, fine sand and muddy bottom. Tourists are offered not only umbrellas and sun loungers, but also rental boats, catamarans, and kayaks. If desired, you can see fish and turtles in the lake, and geese and cormorants on the shore.
Excursions to monasteries located in the Chania region will be especially interesting for religious tourists. The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is a functioning Orthodox monastery, founded by the Zangoroli brothers in the 17th century. Built in the Byzantine style, the monastery also combines elements of the Doric and Corinthian orders. The temple houses several chapels - the Life-Giving Spring and St. John the Evangelist.
The monastery has a seminary and a library. Tourists can visit the museum, which displays ancient manuscripts along with parchments and icons. The main relics are the images of John the Theologian, John the Baptist, etc. The monks make wine, cheese, as well as balsamic vinegar and olive oil - tourists can purchase these products in a store nearby.
The Guverneto Monastery is another outstanding monument of antiquity; it is a functioning Orthodox monastery, founded in the 15th century in the image and likeness of Venetian fortresses: along the perimeter there are two-story buildings, and in the middle of the spacious courtyard is the Church of the Ten Saints. Later, the rear ones were supplemented with Baroque elements, and new sculptures were installed in the cloister. In the XIX-XX centuries. The monastery was plundered by the Ottomans and Germans, which caused great damage. Now it is under phased reconstruction, however, the monastery is still open to tourists.
The Gonias Monastery currently serves as a male Orthodox monastery, founded in the 17th century (consecrated in honor of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary). It is noteworthy that this building is located where, back in 65, the first Christian community of the island was created by Bishop Titus!
The monastery was built as a citadel; the trace of a Turkish cannon ball is still visible on its wall. The Turkish fountain, along with balconies with Venetian lions, attract no less attention from tourists, as do the paintings of the temple. Pilgrims can see here an iconostasis with figures of Christ in the image of the high priest and St. Nicholas, coupled with the image of the Madonna and Child. The church museum contains ancient icons and vestments dating back to the Renaissance.
Shops in Chania
We can say with all confidence that Chania has everything necessary for true shopaholics. You can start your acquaintance with local shops from the famous Agora indoor market, located in the heart of the city. It is interesting that until the 19th century, it was here that the borders of Chania ended, traders from all over the area came here, and at that time the city authorities decided to build a covered market according to the design of Mr. Drandaki. The shape of the market resembles a cross, each of the four exits points to a cardinal direction.
You can always buy fresh products here; there are 76 shops on the market territory. Vegetables and fruits, cheese, fish, seafood, olives, Cretan crackers, dried herbs - you can find everything here!
Not far from the market is Skrydlof Street (the so-called leather row). Here you can buy the highest quality handmade boots, boots, and sandals. In the Old Town you can see many shops, including souvenir shops and jewelry stores.
Entertainment in Chania
For little fidgets and their parents there is a place that will be remembered for a long time! We are talking about the Limnoupolis water park, located 8 km from Chania. Modern attractions, swimming pools, exotic rivers, cafeterias, sports grounds - all conditions have been created here for the most comfortable stay for tourists! The main pool of the water park with its own Pool Bar occupies an area of 1500 m2. There is also an island that can be reached via a rope bridge. The banks of the 260-meter Lazy River, 3.5 to 5 meters wide, are lined with natural stone. There is a real waterfall and caves on the river.
One of the most beautiful places in the resort is the Botanical Park Of Crete. This is a picturesque oasis, amazing with the variety of exotic plants and landscapes. The garden occupies a vast area in the mountainous area. Visitors can stroll through picturesque flower meadows or relax in the shade of orange trees. There is also an excellent restaurant in the garden with a panoramic terrace.
The city regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances and other cultural events. Young people and lovers of noisy entertainment will appreciate the spectacular night shows and live music programs.
On the seafront of Chania there is a huge number of interesting nightclubs and bars that welcome visitors until late at night. The Irish pub Conor Pass invites you to enjoy your favorite beer and a hospitable atmosphere; visitors are often offered an interesting entertainment program. Fans of noisy parties and loud music will prefer the Avalon club; some restaurants also offer tourists an extensive entertainment program.
In the New part of the city there is also something to see: fashionable clubs and discos, recreation parks, bars and Greek taverns, restaurants.
Chania Restaurants
Many restaurants and cafes are located in Chania on the Venetian Marina. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a small establishment with four tables in the hall, or a chic restaurant on the embankment, as well as a tavern in the outskirts of the city.
Regardless of your choice, the quality of the prepared dishes will be excellent! Moreover, the food will be not only tasty, but also healthy, since Greek cuisine is based on fresh vegetables and herbs, freshly caught seafood, olive oil, and grilled meat. Plus, don't forget to try some of the delicious local wines!
In total, there are more than a hundred cafes and restaurants in Chania; one of the most famous is the Greek restaurant Glossitses, which amazes with its variety of dishes. Try the most delicate risotto with seafood or meat dishes - you will remember their taste for the rest of your life!
The classic Greek tavern Strata is no less popular among tourists. Specialties include Greek salad and meatballs, and there is an impressive selection of desserts.
If you are partial to seafood, then be sure to visit the Akrogiali restaurant, since it is located near the coast, the establishment is mainly filled with resort guests. The signature dish is fish soup.
Fans of Italian cuisine should visit the Kariatis restaurant and enjoy the unforgettable taste of signature pasta and pizza.
For adherents of vegetarian food, the To Stachi restaurant will be a real find. Fragrant pastries, including vegetarian pizza, baked tomatoes with vegetable filling, vegetable salads - the amazing taste of the dishes will surprise even the most demanding gourmets!
Beaches of Chania
The beaches of Chania can easily be considered one of its main attractions. Fine clean sand, calm azure sea, convenient entry - all the conditions for a pleasant holiday are created here!
On almost every beach, tourists can engage in active sports: ride catamarans, water skis, paraglid, dive into the endless blue sea with scuba diving.
Children won't be bored either - the beaches are equipped with special playgrounds with fun attractions for them. You can also enjoy entertainment programs with live music in numerous coastal taverns.
To the west is the urban sandy beach of Nea Chora, equipped with everything you need. Its only drawback is that it is crowded. 7 km west of Chania you can find several bays where it is best to relax with children. As for the very first beach of Chania - Kolymbari, it borders on the wild beaches of the Rhodos peninsula. This sandy beach with small pebbles is well equipped, but note that there are almost always small waves. Rapagna Beach also has a sandy surface with small pebbles. During the mating season, you can find nests of rare turtle species here.
The pebble beach of Tavronitys stretches for many kilometers, like the sandy beach of Maleme it has all the benefits of civilization. Gerani Beach has a huge territory, so if you wish, you can always find a secluded place here.
Stalos Beach is awarded the Blue Flag every year for its exceptional cleanliness. It is very popular among tourists and is equipped with everything necessary for a good rest.
Glaros beach is one of the most famous in Chania. However, it should be noted that due to constant winds, the sea here is usually rough.
How to get from Heraklion airport to Chania
You can get to Chania from the international airport, which is located 14 km from the city, but there are no regular flights from Russia here; carriers organize charter flights. Alternatively, you can fly to Heraklion, but in this case you will have to spend several hours traveling to Chania. However, it should be noted that the bus service on the island is very well developed; moreover, anyone can use taxi services. It is noteworthy that throughout the year a ferry runs from Athens to Chania.
You can endlessly stroll through the picturesque quarters of Chania, as well as admire the different houses, sitting in a cafe on the embankment, and enjoy delicious local cuisine. The city has all the conditions for an exciting pastime - day after day, dates are made here, magnificent landscapes are born, poems are written, and meanwhile the city with a long history continues to live its leisurely life...
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Chania hotels: reviews and booking
Hotels on Crete: Reviews and booking
Venetian port of Chania
It’s hard not to fall in love with the medieval port, around which various restaurants and Venetian houses that are not similar to each other are located on the embankment. There are many names that Chania is called for its beauty: the Pearl of Crete, Southern Venice... the list can go on for a long time. Year after year, Chania becomes a place of pilgrimage for thousands of artists, writers and poets who draw their inspiration here.
Chania is located in the northwestern part of the island of Crete at a distance of approximately 140 km from Heraklion and 70 km from Rethymno. The city is located at the western base of the Akrotiri peninsula, 8 km from Chania International Airport , which receives thousands of tourists coming to the island every day. Not far from the city, on the eastern part of the Akrotiri base in Souda Bay, the large seaport of Souda is located, which serves as a major transport hub, receiving and dispatching thousands of passengers and an incalculable amount of cargo every day. The Port of Souda is one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, modern Chania plays a huge strategic and economic role not only in the life of the island of Crete, but throughout Greece as a whole.
Old town and attractions. At the moment, the city of Chania consists of an old part of the city and a new one, not much different from a modern European city. It is truly a miracle that during the bombings of the Second World War, the historical part of Chania remained largely untouched and has survived to this day.
The old town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Crete. The Old Town area is limited by the Venetian fortress wall, and the city center is considered to be the area Castelli, inhabited since Neolithic times. Situated on a hill, as if above the port, Castelli played a vital defensive role for the entire city. Now here is located one of the five quarters of the old city - Kastelli. Unfortunately, little remains of the old architecture here.
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To the west of Kastelli is Eleftherios Venizelos Square, located in the quarterSindrivani. The famous Janissary Mosque "Yali Dzamisi" is also located here.
Yali Dzamisi Mosque
In the west of the old city there is a quarter Topanas, in which you can fully travel back to the times of Venetian rule. After all, Venetian houses and narrow streets are best preserved here. And in the north of the Topanas quarter there is the Firkas fortress, dating back to 1629, on the territory of which there is a maritime museum. And at the very beginning of Feotokopoulo Street there is a wooden house, serving as an example of Ottoman architecture. South of the Topanas quarter is Jewish Quarter. Part of the fortress wall has been preserved here and Bastion of St. Demetrius, also known as Schiavo ( Bastion coordinates: 35.514853, 24.016494 ). To the east of the Kastelli quarter there is a quarter Splantsia, which houses the 15th-century Arsenals, the Church of St. Nicholas, the Orthodox Church of the Holy Unmercenaries and the Church of Rocco.
In the city you can visit the Venetian Firkas fortress, from whose walls there is a magnificent view of the old port of Chania.
Firkas fortress
On the territory of the fortress there is a maritime museum of the city of Chania, which introduces visitors to the history of navigation, models of ships and naval weapons. The museum displays a model of the city of Chania in the 17th century, with buildings from those times. On the second floor of the museum there is a fairly detailed and impressive exhibition of the Battle of Crete. Also worth a visit Historical Museum, which is located on Sfakionaki Street, 20. The museum is dedicated to the heroes who fought for the liberation of the island from the Turkish invaders, for the reunification of Crete with Greece, the heroes who fought against German troops during the Second World War. Here are the sabers and pistols of Cretan warriors. One of the significant exhibits of the museum is a sideboard with carved depictions of hunting scenes, dating back to the 16th century. Walking along Halidon Street, you can get acquainted with the archaeological finds made in the Chania area by going to Archaeological Museum, which is located in the Church of St. Francis XI I I century.
The museum displays finds from the time of the Minoan civilization to Roman rule. Among the exhibits of the museum are figurines of fertility gods, Roman statues, mosaics, one of which dates back to the 3rd century AD, stonework and other, although not numerous, but of great value, exhibits.
Almost opposite the archaeological museum, on the opposite side of the street is the Church of the Three Martyrs, and immediately behind the church there is a building with twelve round domes, where there used to be Turkish baths, and now part of the premises is occupied by a foundry.
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But to be completely transported back to the times of Venetian rule, you should definitely walk along Zambeliu Street, which smoothly flows into the alleys of the Topanas quarter. This is a rather cramped street with ancient houses practically leaning on each other, entwined with bright bougainvillea, closely arranged tables and the extraordinary atmosphere of Venetian times that reigns here. If you go south along Halidon Street, you can visit the so-called “Leather Street”, which has the real name Skridlof. “Leather Street” got its name because there are many shops selling leather goods here.
On Skridlof Street you can buy any leather product: from a wallet or sandals to real Cretan boots. They even make custom-made products here. And the “Leather Street” itself continues with Tsuderu Street, passing by the entrance to the famous indoor Chania City Market.
Municipal market in Chania
Interestingly, the market building, built in 1911, is made in the shape of a cross, oriented to the cardinal points. You can buy almost everything on the market. They sell souvenirs, fresh vegetables and fruits, books and newspapers, honey, seasonings, oils, fresh seafood... the list goes on for a long time.
Modern Chania (Chania). Halidon Street, running from the port through the entire Old Town, connects it with modern Chania, which, of course, is very different from the historical part of the city. The new part of the city is not as rich in attractions as the Old Town, but, nevertheless, is not devoid of them. To the east of the old city is the area Nea Hora(Νέα χώρα - translated from Greek. New Country), which appeared at the beginning of the 18th century, with narrow streets and a small fishing harbor. At the end of the 20th century. Many of Nea Chora's historical buildings were abandoned and destroyed, but recently they have begun to be restored and reoccupied. And the sandy beach in the Nea Chora area is very popular in summer among both tourists and local residents.
Another oldest district of modern Chania, which was among the first to begin to be settled outside the fortress wall on the eastern side of the old city, was the Sabionara district, which later became known as Kum Kapi. Now Kum Kapi is a dynamically developing area of Chania, where the most fashionable cafes and restaurants are located. Outside the Old Town, you can visit such interesting places as: the Church of Evangelistria and the Church of Magdalene, dating back to the beginning of the 20th century, the old French school, which now houses the Department of Architecture and, of course, the House of Eleftherios Venizelos, built in 1880. And in the east of the city of Chania there is a unique architectural complex Tabakarya, built in the mid-19th century, where leather goods are still processed.
Chania, which began to be built up between the 50s and 70s of the last century, cannot boast of architectural delights. These are mostly colorless 3-5-story houses. But even in this “urban” area you can find a lot of attractions. Among them are the courthouse built at the end of the 19th century, the House of Manousos Koundouros - a famous political figure in Crete, the city garden founded in 1870,
in which a clock tower was later built,
residence of Bishop Despotico, dating from the beginning of the 19th century.
The new city also has important sports facilities: a swimming pool located in the Nea Chora area and a large stadium, the floodlights of which are visible from almost anywhere in Chania. In the city of Chania, there are many urban parks left untouched by development - favorite recreation spots for local residents and, less often, tourists. The most famous of them are: the already mentioned City Garden, located directly opposite the stadium, the park next to the “1866 Square”, which is located near the bus station (Coordinates of the Chania bus station: 35.511978, 24.016721). In these parks you can escape from the bustle of the city and the midday heat, and also admire ancient trees, fountains and monuments.
Chania region is very popular among tourists from all over the world. After all, the best beaches of Crete and the most beautiful gorges are located here. Chania is a place where the famous Cretan forests are still preserved in their original form. The region of Chania is located in the west of the island, covers an area of 2376 km 2 and is the greenest region of Crete. From the north it is washed by the Cretan Sea, from the south by the Libyan Sea. In the east, Chania borders the Rethymnon region. The shape of the northern coastline is determined by the capes of Akrotiri, Rodopos and Gramvousa and the bays of Souda, Chania and Kissamos. One of the impressive attractions is the Lefka Ori mountain range (Greek: Λευκό - white) - the White Mountains, which is a paradise for nature lovers.
Samaria Gorge
There are also twelve gorges, including the Samaria Gorge - the largest canyon in Europe, numerous plains, plateaus and rivers. Here you can find representatives of rare species of flora and fauna and, if you are lucky, you can even see the wild mountain goat Kri-Kri, found only in Crete. In the south and southeast of the White Mountains is the Sfakia region, with wild beaches, many picturesque plains and mountains. The Sfakia region is famous for its inaccessibility and rebelliousness of local residents. The highest point of the massif is Pachnes (Greek: Πάχνες) - 2454 m. The southwest of the Chania region is occupied by the Kandanos plain (Greek: Κάντανος) with many churches built during the Byzantine rule and historical monuments that have survived to this day. On the coast is the resort of Paleochora with its own fortress. This place is replete with numerous archaeological sites and the most important ancient cities of Crete, such as: Eliros, Irthakia, Lissos and Sougia. In the north-west of the region is the region of Kissamos, with the peninsulas of Rhodopos and Korykos, the island of Gramvousa, Elafonisi with pink sand, beautiful beaches in the town of Falasarna and of course, such unique archaeological sites as Dictina and Polirrinia.
History of Chania
New Stone Age and Minoan period. The area around the city of Chania, since the Minoan period, has always been captured by someone. Archaeological finds indicate this. Excavations carried out in the city (mainly on the Kastelli hill, located directly above the harbor), indicate signs of a settlement dating back to the late Stone Age. Chania is considered one of the most important cities of Crete. Strabo, the ancient Greek geographer and historian, says that King Minos divided Crete into 3 parts: Kydonia, Knossos and Gortyn. An early Minoan settlement on Kastelli Hill confirms the origins of ancient Kydonia here. Official excavations began in 1965 and houses with rooms, plastered walls and fireplaces were discovered on Kastelli Hill and outside Chania. Although the evidence found during excavations from the mid-Minoan period is very sparse, it can be argued that the hill was the center of a coastal settlement. The settlement flourished in the late Minoan period. This was the time when the structure of the city appeared, a plan for the sewerage system was developed and, thanks to this, houses began to be built with several floors and with a large number of rooms. Towards the end of the Late Minoan period, throughout the last centuries of the 2nd millennium, Chania flourished. Signs of the strength of Mycenaean influence were evident in all areas of architecture and art. Other finds dating from this period, tablets with the inscription ("Linear"), were discovered during excavations carried out by the Greeks together with the Swedes in 1989-1990. These evidences show that Chania was one of the main cities of the palace type. The heyday of the Late Minoan Period came to an abrupt end around the 12th century, when most of the settlers, including the inhabitants of Chania, abandoned their homes for no apparent reason. No disasters occurred during this period. It remains a mystery - what happened to the Minoan civilization?
Important historical dates
- During the Geometric Period (early 1st millennium), people began using iron tools, cremating the dead, and decorating pottery with geometric patterns.
- Ceramic shards were found on Kastelli Hill, the first evidence of the Geometric Period in Chania, dating back to the 8th century BC. Information about architectural structures of this period is very modest. According to Herodotus, during the uprising against the tyrant Polycrates, Chania was destroyed in 519 BC. the city was restored by the inhabitants of the island of Samos. The Samians were definitely not the founders of Cydonia, but they lived in the area of Minoan Crete, the location of which is established in Chania. Since the new city was built on top of the ancient and classical cities, the quantity and quality of architectural finds remaining from these ancient settlers is impressive.
- It is noteworthy that during the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC), the Athenians attempted to capture Cydonia, but were unsuccessful. At the same time, there is evidence that the architecture of the city was the same throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods. During the excavations, a variety of ceramic sarcophagi were discovered in the form of a bathtub or in the form of a large casket (in such sarcophagi the deceased were buried with their legs tucked under them), as well as an abundance of all kinds of ritual offerings from clay figurines to gold jewelry.
- Powerful and warlike Cydonia often came into conflict with such large cities of western Crete as Eliros, Polyrrhinia, Falassarna and Aptera. In 220 BC. e. During the war between Knossos and Lyttos, Cydonia fought on the side of Knossos. And in 189 BC. she had already fought against Gortyn and Knossos.
- Since 67 BC. Since the beginning of the Roman occupation, Cydonia and, with it, the whole of Crete, have entered a period of prosperity: churches, chapels, and theaters are being built. Cydonia was an independent city and even issued its own coins, which came in many different types. On one side of the coin there was an image of Artemis or Apollo, and on the other side there was the inscription "Kydoniatan" and scenes of hunting or an image of Kydon feeding a wolf.
Early Christianity, Early Byzantine Period, Arab Rule, Middle Byzantine Period. The most important finds from the Early Christian period were found on the Kastelli hill. The remains of an Early Christian Basilica have been discovered directly under the Venetian Cathedral (Duomo) and in the surrounding area. As varied as the archaeological finds of the Byzantine period are, just as few are the finds of the period of Arab rule (823-961), during which Cydonia and most of the cities of Crete were destroyed. The only sign of the Middle Byzantine period, which began in 961 and ended in 1252, is the fortress wall on Kastelli hill. During this period, Cydonia was renamed Chania. The old name continued to be used only in the records of the priests to more accurately record history. The first mention of the name "Cania" occurs in 1211. There are several different opinions on the origin of the name "Chania". According to philologist and archaeologist Stefanos Zanttoudis, this name comes from the Arabic "Al Hanim" (plural "Chania"). Later, the prefix "Al" was mistaken for an article and translated by the Greeks as "Ta" and by the Spanish as "La". There is also an opinion that the name comes from the species of fish “Hanni” or “Hanno” (plural “Hanniya”). The most common theory about the origin of this name belongs to archaeologist Nicholas Plato. He claims that the name "Chania" comes from the name of the village "AlKhania", which is confirmed by the inscription on the geographical map of that time.
Venetian rule. In 1204, as a result of the 4th Crusade, Crete passed into the hands of Boniface Moferrat - from that moment the period of Venetian rule officially began. Boniface then sold it to the Venetians. But already in 1206, the Genoese pirate Enrique Pescatore captured the island, and only by 1210 Venice was able to return Crete back to its possession. The city receives the new name La Canea. And in 1266 the city was captured by the Genoese, whom the Venetians managed to expel only 24 years later. At the beginning of their reign, the Venetians applied a fairly harsh policy towards the local population, but over time, the Venetians softened, and the local culture became closely intertwined with the Venetian one. Local residents also changed their attitude towards the invaders over time. Chania, along with the entire island, began to experience a period of prosperity. There has been a significant breakthrough in writing and painting. Residents of Crete go to study abroad. And with the fall of Constantinople in the mid-15th century, many priests, monks, artists and poets flocked to La Canea, bringing Byzantine culture with them to the island. Thanks to this, in Chania to this day there is a mixture of Greek, Byzantine and Venetian cultures. It is noteworthy that most of the houses, fountains, monuments and, of course, the fortress wall were built during this period. During the reign of the Venetians, the city of La Canea received its outlines, which have been preserved to this day. After several attacks on La Cania by the pirate Barbarossa, it was decided to strengthen the wall. The brilliant Venetian architect Michele Sanmicheli participated in the strengthening of the Venetian wall in La Canea.
Ottoman rule. Unfortunately, even the fortified walls of the Venetian wall could not protect Chania from the Turkish invaders, who, after an almost two-month siege, took possession of the city in August 1645. The churches were converted into mosques and the city was sacked, falling into disrepair very quickly. The Turkish invaders settled mainly in the eastern part of the city, where Turkish influence is most clearly felt today. In 1850, the capital of the island of Crete was moved to Chania, and the city became the residence of the Pasha of Crete. The local population, dissatisfied with the rule of the Ottoman Empire, often staged uprisings, which were very brutally suppressed. But at the same time, the Turkish invaders suffered considerable losses. In 1878, the famous Galep agreement was concluded, after which the population of Crete received more rights. But after the next anti-Turkish uprisings, in 1889, some of the privileges were canceled. In 1894, the uprisings reached such strength that the events received a response in Greece. In 1897, a new anti-Turkish movement began in Crete, drawing Greece into a war with the Turks. Greece was unable to resist the onslaught of the large Turkish army and was forced to sign an armistice agreement with concessions to Turkey. But the result of this war was the granting of autonomy to Crete under the control of the Greek Prince George. After this, the resettlement of the Turkish population from Chania to Turkey began. And in 1913, Crete officially became part of Greece. In 1923, a Greek-Turkish population exchange was carried out, as a result of which the Turks remaining in Chania and Crete returned to Turkey. The great politician Eleftherios Venizelos played a huge role in the struggle for the independence of Crete and its annexation to Greece. It was under Eleftherios Venizelos and King Constantine in 1913 that the Greek flag was raised at the Firkas fortress in Chania.
Our days. In 1941, Chania again became a center of resistance. On May 20, 1941, German troops began bombing Crete. The bloodiest events unfolded near the airfield in Maleme, west of Chania. The population of Crete stood up to defend their island. Desperate resistance was met by German paratroopers dropped on Crete with the aim of capturing roads, bridges, ports and airfields. Many of them did not reach the ground alive. The runway was under fire from all types of weapons by Allied troops. Entire units of German troops were defeated in Maleme, planes were destroyed right on approach to the airport. The local population showed unprecedented heroism, continuing to fight the German invaders even after the evacuation of the Allied army from the island, waging guerrilla wars, for which they paid with brutal reprisals from the fascist troops. After the liberation of Greece from the Germans, the struggle between communists and monarchists flared up in the country, which led to a civil war that also affected Crete. In 1967, Greece experienced a “dark streak” in its history, when the “Black Colonels” junta came to power and stayed in power for 7 years. In 1971, the capital of Crete was moved from Chania to Heraklion.
Perhaps it was the timely transfer of the capital of Crete from Chania to Heraklion that made it possible to preserve the charm of the Venetian city, all its romance and originality and did not allow the bustle to interfere with the leisurely flow of life of the city with its heart in the old Venetian port with a pier and lighthouse, the Janissary mosque, Venetian houses, carriages , yachts and fishing boats, serenity and thousands of swallows in the sky... the city of Chania, where poems, paintings are born, dates are made, where there are dozens of cafes in the port where you can taste local dishes, listen to traditional music, admire sunsets and nightlife, which slowly simmers in the Old Town...
Venetian port in Chania
Hotels in Chania City
Of course, to fully immerse yourself in the leisurely rhythm of this small charming town and feel like a real local, you should stay here at least for the night. And all conditions have been created for city guests so that everyone can choose housing according to their taste and budget. Moreover, the choice of hotels here is truly huge:
Find Chania hotels in the Hotellook search engine
(in the search you need to type: Chania, Greece)
Arriving for the first time in Crete, traveling from Heraklion to Balos , we decided to spend the night in Chania. Our choice was a small and very cozy hotel in the Old Town - Ifigenia Traditional Rooms & Maisonettes (Hotel page on Booking.com ) for several rooms, located in an old mansion. It was after this trip that we fell in love with Chania once and for all... And on another trip, we stayed with the same hosts, but in the Venetian port at the Ifigenia by Captain Vasilis hotel (Hotel page on Booking.com ) with stunning views of the Old Port and the embankment.
In general, Chania is an amazing city with enormous magnetism, which is definitely worth visiting, falling in love with it and definitely coming back to it again...
In the western part Crete. It was in this area, where the climate is mild and favorable, that the first people settled on the island of Crete; this is what numerous excavations indicate. And on the site of the city of Chania was ancient Kydonia. Chania has always played a prominent role in the life of Greece, not only culturally, but also economically and politically. At least two facts speak about this. Firstly, not far from Chania is the seaport of Souda, one of the largest in Europe, which makes Chania the most important transport hub in Greece. Secondly, not far from the city there is the largest NATO military base in Europe, which is why Chania has serious strategic importance. It should be noted that for tourists the proximity to the city of a military base does not pose any problems.
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How to navigate
From here there is also a bus several times a day to the entrance to the Samaria Gorge, along which a 16-kilometer hiking trail is laid through the Lefka Ori massif (White Mountains) to the village of Ayia Roumeli.
How to get there
The city has its own international airport, which is 14 km away. This airport is not connected with Russian cities by regular flights, but during the tourist season there is a charter flight program. It is difficult to find out the schedule of charter flights in advance, since passengers from unfilled flights are often “transferred” by the airline to flights before Heraklion, which involves long ground transfers to Chania.
Search for air tickets to Heraklion (the closest airport to Chania City)
City hotels
The hotels in Chania are numerous and varied. Not only are they aimed at varying degrees of fastidiousness and demandingness of tourists, many hotels (sometimes quite cheap and formally not having a high status) can offer their guests, in addition to a comfortable stay, extremely attractive features. This could be a historic building in the old town, or a terrace with panoramic views of the city and the sea, or a magnificent wall painting that makes the hotel’s interior unforgettable, or signature cuisine in the hotel restaurant.
To this we must add that in Chania hotels the price-quality ratio in most cases is not just pleasing, but a real pleasure.
Cuisine and restaurants
The large number of different restaurants and cafes in the city is also a big plus. A restaurant here can be found to suit every taste. This could be a tiny family establishment with three or four tables in the hall, a fairly large modern restaurant, a cafe on the embankment, or a tavern in the outskirts of the city. The choice is ultimately up to the tourist. We can only guarantee that the quality of the food will be excellent, the portions will be huge, and the price will be low. In many restaurants you can find diet dishes or dishes prepared especially for children. However, all local cuisine is based on the use of fresh vegetables and herbs, olive oil, freshly caught seafood and grilled meat - so the food will be not only tasty, but also healthy. The variety of restaurants in Chania is all the more important because there are almost no all-inclusive hotels here.
Walking around Chania
Entertainment and attractions of Chania
A lot of entertainment awaits those who choose a holiday in Chania. First of all, this is an inspection of the city, which consists of an old and a new part. The new city is beautiful, modern, built up with multi-storey residential and administrative buildings. Large shopping and entertainment centers, restaurants, clubs, concert halls make it similar to any modern comfortable, but completely ordinary European city. The old city is very colorful, interesting not only for its historical and architectural sights, but also for the intricacies of its streets, a large number of Venetian-style houses and tiny restaurants where you can simply drink a glass of delicious Greek wine. It is clear that all the rulers of the city left buildings characteristic of their eras.
Thanks to a happy coincidence, the old town was hardly damaged during the Second World War, which makes it even more interesting.
The semantic center of the old city is the Kastelli district. It is located on a hill, people settled here during the Neolithic.
To the west of Kastelli there is a place beloved by tourists - Santrivani Square. Its architectural ensemble includes many interesting buildings. The Topanas quarter is interesting for its buildings of the Venetian period, and in the Jewish quarter the ruins of the walls of an ancient fortress have been preserved. There are many Orthodox churches throughout the city, the most famous of which are the Church of St. Magdalene and the Church of Agia Anargia. The buildings from the era of Ottoman rule peacefully coexist with the churches. The city has many museums, among which a prominent place is occupied by the archaeological museum with its collection of unique local finds and the historical museum with a rich collection that clearly demonstrates the different stages of life in the region.