Chania, the second largest city of Crete after Heraklion and capital of the eponymous prefecture, is where civilizations have flourished throughout the centuries. Stroll the Old Town’s maze-like alleys with the beautiful Venetian mansions, fountains, and churches, to see the many well-preserved historical monuments. Wander the city streets of Chania, visit its museums, and admire the variety of architectural styles that represent the rich history of the city.

After the Arabs and Byzantines, the city was conquered by Venetians in 1252 and was given to Turks in 1669. Later, it was annexed to the rest of the Greek State on December 1913 under the administration of Elefterios Venizelos and King Constantine I. The old town is an integral settlement with visible boundaries set by the Venetian walls surrounding it.

Chania has daily boat connection with Piraeus port from Souda port (7 km). Chania is also connected with Athens by airplane from Akrotiri Airport 15 km east of the city.

The old town is built around the Venetian port and is also a relatively integral area where Venetian buildings and later Turkish elements compose a unique architectural style. Due to the historic center of Chania with its Venetian walls defining the borders between the old and new city and its ramparts, the historic city is remarkably preserved. It consists of five connected districts surrounding the Venetian port.

Its design was made by Venetian engineer Michelle Sammichelli. The Lighthouse is located at the end of the rock protecting the port from the north. It was built in 1570 by the Venetians and reconstructed in 1830 by the Egyptians and from then on is preserved in its current state.

On the east of Palea Poli is Splantzia (or Plaza) district built on the former Turkish district. Here you will see among others Aghious Anargirous Church, the only Orthodox church which had the permission to operate during the period of the Venetian and Turkish occupations. You will also see the Sintrivani square.

Neoria (or Chiones) district on the northeast side is located in the area of the former port of the city and of the Venetian shipyards of the 14th and 16th centuries from which it also took its name.

Kastelli district is in the center of Palea Poli (Old Town) west of Neoria. It is the exalted location of the Byzantine citadel where the ‘palatso’ (palace) of the Venetian commander and the lodgings of Pashas of Chania were later built. Venetians used to call the area Castello Vecchio.

On the southeast of the old city is the Jewish district or else Ovraika. It reminds us of the times when the growing Jewish community of Chania was obliged by the Venetians to move to a restricted area called ‘Judeca’ where two synagogues were operating. On the boarders of Ovraika, in Chalides Street, you will see the Folklore Museum of Chania and Aghios Fragkiskos Church (14th century) which houses the Archeological Museum of Chania. On the north side is the Turkish bath (hamam). On the south side of Ovraika and on Skridlof Street lies the so called Stivanadika (from stivani, the Cretan boots). Among the shops selling leather items and souvenirs some traditional shoe ateliers continue to this day.