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Crete > Chania > What to see > Sights
- The Fortress of Firka
One of the monuments which reflect the Venetian heritage of Chania is the Fortress of Firka. It is located at the end of the town's pier, to the seashore and it was part of a defensive system which begun in 1538 by the engineer Michele Sanmichele, who also designed Herakleio's defenses. The fort is still known with its Turkish name, Firca (Firka = barracks). A thick chain from Firka to the base of the light-house closed the harbour in case of siege.
The Venetians used to imprison in this castle those Cretans who were sentenced to death. The Greek flag was raised on the Fortress of Firca in 1913, in the presence of king Constantine and the well known politician from Chania, Eleftherio Venizelo, in order to declare the Cretan union with the rest of Greece. This event was very important for the island, because it inaugurated a brave new age for the history of Crete.
Nowadays, the first building in the castle, which has been restored, hosts the Naval Museum. Here there are exhibited different types of cannon, navigation equipment, ship models, portraits and even a collection of rare shells. One important exhibits in the museum, apart from the navy exhibits, are the detailed Marquette of Chania like it was in the 17th century, together with the port and the Venetian dockyard, which has been presented until today.
Firka's wonderful view to the sea is offered for a variety of cultural events. Concerts of Greek music from local artists along with various theatrical plays, are taking place in the Fortress during summer.
- The venetian Lighthouse
The Lighthouse which is built at the far end of the Venetian harbour imposes the view of the old Town. It was built in 1570 and it was reconstructed in 1830. During the last decades it has become one of the landmarks of the Venetian harbour.
The lighthouse was built during the period that the Venetian harbour was built. The lighthouse started to decay during the turkish occupation. After 1830 , when England handed Crete to Egypt, the lighthouse was reconstructed on its original base. New restorations took place in 2005-2006.
The visitors of the Chania old town can enjoy a short walk perimetrically of the breakwater to reach the Lighthouse. There is a lovely cafe bar a few meters from the Lighthouse with great sunset views.
- The Mosque of Kioutsouk Hasan
The mosque of Kioutsouk Hassan is the only mosque preserved in the city and dates back to the second half of the 17th century. It was built in honour of Kioutsouk Hassan, the first garrison commander of Chania and there used to be a one-roomed temple in its current position. The temple Kioutsouk (small) Hassan or Giali Tzamissi (seaside mosque) was the work of an Armenian architect, who had constructed another similar mosque in Spaniako, a village in Selino county. The mosque stopped operating in 1923.
Today it is restored but the small and picturesque minaret next to it was demolished in 1920 (according to other sources in 1939). It has been occasionally used as an Archaeological Museum of Chania, a storehouse, a museum of folklore art and an Information Office of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), while recently it is used as an event and exhibition hall.
- The Neoria
In the great Arsenali and the Neoria the ships of the powerful Venetian fleet were repaired during the winter time.
The south complex of the Neoria was completed in 1599, with the construction of 17 Neoria. In 1607 the construction of five more Neoria began on the eastern basin of the harbour. However, only two of them were ever completed.
Today 7 Neoria out of the 17 still survive. In their original form they were open on the side of the sea. The ceilings are arched, and they are connected with arched openings of the same thickness as the walls.
On the photos are shown the 7 Neoria, the 2 newer Neoria, and the lovely stone-built cafe (Fortezza) opposite the Neoria (go there by boat).
- The great Arsenali
This is the last and biggest building on the west side of a complex of 17 shipyards. The construction of the Arsenali began in 1585 by the Commissioner General Alvise Grimani.
Today it is the home of the Mediterranean Centre of Architecture and regular events and exhibitions are hosted there.
- Halidon street - The Orthodox Church of the three Martyrs
It is the most recognisable street of Chania which leads to the entrance of the old harbour. There are numerous shops and fast foods along this road. In the middle of the road down to the harbour, on your right hand side, you will see Chania's cathedral church of the Three Martyrs, built on the east part of a lovely square with tavernas, cafes and shops.
Across from the cathedral there is the Catholic Church. In its courtyard there is the entrance to the Cretan Folk Museum. Right next door there is the renovated church of St Francis, one of the most impressive Venetian churches of Crete. It consists of a temple and two closed courtyards, and it dates back to the 14th Century. Nowadays it houses Chania's archaeological museum, well worth a visit to see the ceramics, inscribed tablets, glassware and mosaics recovered from local excavation work.
- The Municipal Market
The impressive Market was built on the remains of the bulwark Pietta Forma. The structure is in the shape of a cross with 76 shops grouped according to their wares in the four arms of the cross. The south facade is particularly well constructed out of chiselled limestone according to the local Venetian architecture. The construction was completed in 1913.
- Tabakaria
The Tabakaria is known as a district of leather processing houses which grew in the middle of the 19th century. Today few of the leather processing houses are still in operation. The buildings have one floor only on the side of the street and two or three floors on the side of the sea. The buildings are made of stone with tile roofs and they are built close to each other with very narrow, steep passages and steps going down to the sea. Altogether they constitute a unique architectural complex.
- The Public Gardens and the Garden Clock-Tower
The public gardens are located between Papandreou and Tzanakaki roads; they were designed by the Turks in 1870 according to a European design. In the gardens there is a cafe, open air cinema, small animal enclosure (the famous kri-kri can be seen here) and a children's library.
The Clock-Tower was added between 1924 and 1927 with an unusual tripartite design. On the same corner, next to the Clock, there is an open theatre which hosts films during the summer.
- The 1866 Square
The newly renovated square 1866 is an important landmark in Chania. The square has statues of local war heroes and a Turkish fountain. It is located on top of Halidon Street, next to the long distance bus station (Ktel) of Chania.
Holiday Rentals We Suggest
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Lucia Hotel in Chania Town, Chania
Lucia Hotel is located in the lovely waterfront of the picturesque Venetian Old Town of Chania. The guests enjoy great views of the venetian harbour and the lighthouse from the interior and the balconies of the rooms.
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Melina Guesthouse in Chania Town, Chania
Melina Guesthouse is a recently renovated Turkish home, located on the hill of Kastelli, just a a short stroll from the Venetian harbor, from the Naval Museum and the Central Market offering a memorable stay.
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Padora Suites in Chania Town, Chania
Padora Suites are located in the wonderful, picturesque venetian Old Town of Chania, just one-minute walk away from the central square of the harbour. The luxury two and four bedroom suites can serve up to four people each.
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Elena Apartments in Chania Town, Chania
Elena Apartments offers spacious 1-bedroom apartments furnished with quality and comfort in mind in front of the sandy beach of Nea Chora in Chania. Each apartment can accommodate up to 4 guests.
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Villa Venezia in Chania Town, Chania
Villa Venezia is located in the waterfront of the picturesque Venetian Old Town of Chania. The stunning views and the feeling of living on the waterfront (in a fully furnished venetian building) make the experience of living in villa Venezia unique.
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Porto Del Colombo in Chania Town, Chania
Porto Del Colombo is a historical first class hotel in Chania old town, elegant and full of charm, with interiors featuring attention to every detail and providing impeccable service that centers entirely on ensuring that its guests feel right at home.
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Nostos Hotel in Chania Town, Chania
Nostos Hotel is located in one of the most prestigious positions in Chania, just a few steps from the picturesque Venetian harbour, with panoramic views of the old town and the magnificent lighthouse.
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Odos Oneiron Suites in Chania Town, Chania
Odos Oneiron is a small traditional hotel, located in one of the most magnificent historical districts, only a few steps from the venetian harbour and the town of Chania.
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Arkadi Hotel in Chania Town, Chania
The 3-star Arkadi hotel is located in the centre of Chania, on 1866 square. The Old Town, the Venetian port and many other places of interest can be reached within walking distance, making the hotel ideal for both leisure and business travellers.
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Neli Studios in Chania Town, Chania
Neli Studios are set in four restored Venetian buildings dating from 1840, amongst the pretty cobble lanes of Mitropoleos Square, in the centre of the old Venetian quarter of the picturesque Chania old town.
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Hotel Eva Chania in Chania Town, Chania
Hotel Eva is located in the picturesque quarters of the Old Town of Chania in a quiet pedestrian street. It is a 600-year-old stone building house, which has recently been renovated with respect to history.
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Irida Hotel in Chania Town, Chania
The modern 3-star Irida Hotel is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Chania with magnificent views to the sea and the old town. The Irida Hotel was completely renovated in 2005 and offers comfortable accommodation for pleasant stay.
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Elena Beach Hotel in Chania Town, Chania
Elena Beach Hotel is a traditional hotel, situated on the sandy beachfront of Nea Chora, with glorious views from all the rooms of the sea. It is located only 700 meters from the beautiful Venetian town of Chania.
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Amphitriti Hotel in Chania Town, Chania New!
The beautiful Amphitriti Hotel is perfectly located right in the heart of the Old Town, built on the wall of the Venetian Harbour in Chania, offering maginficent views of the Lighthouse and the old town.
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Oasis Guesthouse in Chania Town, Chania New!
The friendly Oasis Guesthouse is a family-run hotel, located in a greenery area surrounded by palm, orange and mandarin trees, in Perivolia, about 2.5 km from the center of Chania town and 3 km from the nearest sandy beach.
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Villa Andromeda in Chania Town, Chania New!
Villa Andromeda is a beautiful neo-classical mansion, built in 1870, which has been carefully restored and now offers 8 elegant Suites, perfectly located in Halepa District, just a short walk (10 minutes) away from the center of Chania.
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Kriti in Chania Town, Chania New!
Kriti Hotel is a lovely 3-star hotel, centrally located in the heart of Chania town and approximately 1800m away from the sandy beach of Nea Chora.
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Mili House in Chania Town, Chania New!
Mili House is a totaly renovated old Venetian house, built in three different levels, located in the picturesque area of the Old Harbour of Chania Town, about 1 km away from the nearest sandy beach. The house can accommodate up to 4 guests.
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Hera Hotel Studios in Chania Town, Chania
Hera Hotel Studios is a small traditional Hotel, located in one of the most prestigious positions in Chania, just a few steps from old town’s square, looking out over the venetian harbour and the light house.
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Belmondo Hotel in Chania Town, Chania
The historical Belmondo Hotel is situated in the picturesque Old Town, in the heart of Chania town. It is a lovely hotel of first class in a traditional restored Venetian mansion with a unique character and a distinctive personality.
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Fatma Boutique Hotel in Chania Town, Chania New!
Fatma Boutique Hotel is a marvellous 4-star hotel, centrally placed in the picturesque Venetian Harbour of Chania. The renovated building is perfectly designed, offering a wonderful combination of Venetian and Ottom architecture with luxury and elegance.
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Ariagni Guesthouse in Chania Town, Chania
Ariagni Guesthouse is a recently renovated Turkish home into Guesthouse, nicely decorated in earthy colors with fine antiques and ornaments. It is centrally located in Splantzia, in Chania town, offering easy access to many shops, cafes and restaurants.
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Kores Boutique Houses in Chania Town, Chania
Kores Boutique Houses is a multi-storey medieval building which offers two independent, totally renovated and tastefully decorated residences, placed in the romantic area of the Venetian Harbour of Chania Town.
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