10 sights you should see in Chania
Egyptian Lighthouse:
The most photographed landmark of Chania. It has a total height of 21 meters making it visible from a distance of 7 miles. It's called "Egyptian Lighthouse", but it was actually built by Venetians in 16th century. It's called "Egyptian" because it was rebuild by Egyptians, who were the conquerors of Crete, in the 19th century. It is important to mention that this lighthouse is one of the oldest, operational, ones in the world.
Walking towards the lighthouse, on your right you will be able to see "Saint Nicolas' Bastion". Which together with "Firka fortress" protected the port and making it impregnable from sea. It was named after the temple of Saint Nicolas of Mole which was inside the bastion.
Located at the port of Chania, it is the only mosque in the city that wasn't destroyed. It was named after the first Ottoman commandant of the city. Nowadays, it is used, during the summer months, as an event hall.
Located on the hill above the Venetian port. Excavations revealed 5000 year old findings, of the ancient city of Kydonia, which was one of the 3 cities the mythical king Mino established. You can marvel at the Minoan excavation at Aghias Ekaterinis square.
The wall that surrounds the area of Kasteli is called the Byzantin wall. It is built on top of another wall which was there since 300 b.c.
Since 1911, the Municipal Market bejewels the heart of Chania, one of the most breathtaking markets in Balkans. Shaped as a cross and a total area of 4000 square meters. Inside the market you can find traditional Cretan products and souvenirs, in order to take a piece of Chania back to your home. Even if you don't want to buy anything, it is worth visiting in order to see the architecture and feel like a true Cretan.
It's the family home of Eleftherios Venizelos, one of Greece's greatest politicians and 7 times Prime Minister. The house was built in 1880, but it was reconstructed in 1927 . Nowadays, it operates as a museum where you can see personal belongings, furniture and ornaments owned by Eleftherios Venielos or his wife.
Located on the way towards "Akrotiri", 6km outside the center of Chania, between the trees are the Graves of Eleftherios Venizelos and his son Sofoklis Venizelos, who was also a Prime Minister from 1943 untill 1952. Other than the historic significance of the site, they offer a panoramic view of the city.
Inside the Garden you will be able to find a plethora of trees, bushes, plants and a small zoo which houses animals that are indigenous to the island of Crete. Furthermore, the municipal children library, with more than 20,000 books and a variety of board games, is located inside the area. We have to mention that the coffee place there is open since the 20th century, of course remodeled. Last but not least during the summer months you will be able to watch a movie at the open air cinema.
The Archaeological Museum was established in 1963. Among its collection you will be able to see findings (coins, jewellery, signs, statues, etc.) from the neolithic era until the Roman rule. The findings are distributed, based either at the location they where found or at the theme.Frequently various events, exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events are hosted inside its halls.
The Nautical Museum was established in 1973. It contains findings from the age of copper all the way to the modern era. More specifically, since the Cretan union with Greece, World War 2, until our days, the findings consist of items found under the sea, paintings, nautical instruments, maps and many more worth taking a look at. 2,500 exhibits and its year of establishment make it the second most significant nautical museum in Greece.
Walking towards the lighthouse, on your right you will be able to see "Saint Nicolas' Bastion". Which together with "Firka fortress" protected the port and making it impregnable from sea. It was named after the temple of Saint Nicolas of Mole which was inside the bastion.
Giali Tzamisi(Kioutsouk Hassan mosque):
Kasteli neighborhood:
Located on the hill above the Venetian port. Excavations revealed 5000 year old findings, of the ancient city of Kydonia, which was one of the 3 cities the mythical king Mino established. You can marvel at the Minoan excavation at Aghias Ekaterinis square.The wall that surrounds the area of Kasteli is called the Byzantin wall. It is built on top of another wall which was there since 300 b.c.
Venetian Shipyards:
A row of seven buildings, at the port of Chania. Venetians built a great number of shipyards in the city in order to repair their ships. Apart from those seven, there is also the big shipyard called "megalo Arsenali" which houses the Mediterranean Center or Architecture.
Municipal Market:
Since 1911, the Municipal Market bejewels the heart of Chania, one of the most breathtaking markets in Balkans. Shaped as a cross and a total area of 4000 square meters. Inside the market you can find traditional Cretan products and souvenirs, in order to take a piece of Chania back to your home. Even if you don't want to buy anything, it is worth visiting in order to see the architecture and feel like a true Cretan.
House of Venizelos:
It's the family home of Eleftherios Venizelos, one of Greece's greatest politicians and 7 times Prime Minister. The house was built in 1880, but it was reconstructed in 1927 . Nowadays, it operates as a museum where you can see personal belongings, furniture and ornaments owned by Eleftherios Venielos or his wife.
Grave of Venizelos:
Located on the way towards "Akrotiri", 6km outside the center of Chania, between the trees are the Graves of Eleftherios Venizelos and his son Sofoklis Venizelos, who was also a Prime Minister from 1943 untill 1952. Other than the historic significance of the site, they offer a panoramic view of the city.Mother Church of Chania:
The Mother Church of Chania is dedicated to the Presentation of Mary. It is built in the exact location of a former Venetian temple and its walls are full of depictions of saints made from famous artists.
Municipal Garden:
Archaeological and Nautical Museum:
Two really significant museums are located inside the Old Venetian Harbor.The Archaeological Museum was established in 1963. Among its collection you will be able to see findings (coins, jewellery, signs, statues, etc.) from the neolithic era until the Roman rule. The findings are distributed, based either at the location they where found or at the theme.Frequently various events, exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events are hosted inside its halls.
The Nautical Museum was established in 1973. It contains findings from the age of copper all the way to the modern era. More specifically, since the Cretan union with Greece, World War 2, until our days, the findings consist of items found under the sea, paintings, nautical instruments, maps and many more worth taking a look at. 2,500 exhibits and its year of establishment make it the second most significant nautical museum in Greece.
There are also many more significant sights for you outside the city of Chania
Here are the 3 most significant:
Samaria Gorge
It's located 44km south of Chania and it's one of the most famous national parks in Greece. It's the longest, walkable, gorge in Europe. It offers a unique hiking experience of 5-7 hours, since it is 15km long from Omalos to Aghia Roumeli. Many travelers visit Crete because of it. It is important to mention that you can find many gorges, but a lot of them need special equipment.
Vamos Village
Half an hour away from the city you will find a historic and rebellious village, from where the liberation of Crete from the Ottomans started. It's a village full of traditional small coffee places, old buildings and elaborately made alleys. It was the first village in Greece with agritourism back in 1995. Of course you can find many more villages in Chania. |For example : the well-known Sfakia, Kolymbari, Kissamos, Paleohora, Platanias and many more.
Monastery of Panagia Hodegetria (Holy Mother the Guide)
25km western of Chania you will be able to find this beautiful monastery. It was destroyed many times by conquerors (Venetians, Ottomans, etc). Some of the cells of the original monastery, built in the 9th century, are still standing, but the rest was reconstructed. One of the abbots, was also the tutor of Greek language of king Otto and the first chancellor at the University of Athens.
Other monasteries that are worth visiting in prefecture of Chania: Monastery of Holy Trinity, Monastery of Saint John "Korakion", Monastery of Aghia Kyriaki, Monastery of Transformation, and many more.
Read also
Our 2-day itinerary of Chania with suggestions for what to do there, by clicking here.
Keep travelling! 😉
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