Chania
Chania is situated in western Crete and is a wonderful city which ideally combines the conveniences of a major city with quaintness, tradition and casual atmosphere.
In afternoon hours we can enjoy our coffee close to Maritime Museum and walk along the renowned old Venetian harbor, the most beautiful over the island, whereas a hanging around narrow streets of the old town will unbend and win even the most demanding visitors.
At the entrance of the city you will meet “Kubedes”, dome-shaped structures for the burial of Muslims. Scattered throughout the city harmoniously coexist mosques, Jewish synagogues, Catholic churches and Byzantine churches. Upon the same straight line it stands out the vaulted roof of “Despotiko”, the residence of the bishop of Cydonia and Apokoronou. Downhill, it rises before us, the Municipal Market, which is literally the heart of the city. Visitors who will go on pilgrimage to the tomb of Venizelos, high on Akrotiri will pass by his house in Halepa. In close proximity there is the palace of George, the first Commissioner, and opposite the church of St. Magdalene, built by Queen Olga. Shortly afterwards, the row of the old mansions and consulates
Places to Visit:
Gramvousa: Cape Gramvousa of unique beauty with the lagoon of Balos, the Venetian fortress on Gramvousa Island, the Panagia Monastery at Tilifos (15th century).
Kissamos: The ruins of the ancient city of Kissamos, findings dating from Roman times, parts of the Venetian fortress, the Maris Fountain, the old Venetian headquarters, the churches of St. Ioannis Damialis and St. Spyridon.
Koukounara: The church of St. George (14th century).
Polyrrinia: The castle and the ancient city of Polyrrinia with the temple of Artemis, the Church of Holy Fathers.
Lousakies: The Maganistra Gorge, approximately 5km, the churches of St. Polycarp (11th century) and Panagia at Zachariana (13th century) and the one of St. Barbara (cave).
Kalathenes: The Rotonda, a remarkable example of Venetian architecture (17th century).