Chania
Old Venetian Town and Harbour
Chania is a
city of unique beauty, filled with an abundance of
fragrant flowers, and boasting a rich cultural heritage.
Ancient and modern monuments, the Venetian Harbour and
the Old Town, colourful neighbourhoods, a traditional
lifestyle and the friendly inhabitants warmly invite you
to become acquainted with the city, promising you
unforgettable moments.
Present day
Chania is built on the ancient site of “Kydonia”, a
town of importance, which existed until the end of the
2nd Byzantine period. The Byzantines had also built
great fortifications.
According to evidence, during the Arab occupation there
was a town named “Rhiaddh El Djobn” meaning “City
of Cheese”. The name “Chania” originally appears
as “Canea” during the Venetian occupation. It is
historically confirmed however, that the Venetians first
built the town under the name of “La Canea” and
during its occupation it thrived and prospered as the
most important administrative centre of Western Crete.
In 1645, the Turks following a siege that lasted two
months conquered Chania. The revolution that broke out
on the Greek mainland during 1821 influenced the
Cretans, who attempted to liberate their island from the
Turkish occupation, but their rebellion was suppressed
by Egyptian troops. The Egyptians then remained in power
until 1840 and during that time they exhibited great
interest in repairing the old Port.
Opposite the lighthouse, the “Firkas” fortress
dominates the entrance to the harbour.
It was here that the flag of the Greek republic was
hoisted in 1913 as official endorsement of Crete’s
union with the Greek State. After the union with Greece,
Chania played the prominent role as the financial,
cultural and administrative centre of the entire island.
The town of Chania is still one of the most beautiful
architecturally designed towns in the Mediterranean.  Chania
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Chania
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