Why to visit Chania City ?
Chania has always been a place of calmness and hospitality . It is the second largest city of Crete and historically a maritime crossroad of three continents. Chania is a destination which explores all senses.
Its main assets are the unparalleled natural landscape, to this day largely unspoiled, combined with the rich cultural heritage which is filled with colors, scents, flavors, music and most of all big and open hearts. The historical, natural, cultural uniqueness and abundance of Chania meets travelers from all around the world , who wish to experience the essence of Crete and Cretan life.
The plethora of points and landmarks of interest in Chania is vast and spread throughout the history of mankind. From the Minoan civilization to the Venetian era, the sociological and architectural heritage is vivid to this day.
The most photographed part of Chania is the Egyptian Lighthouse, standing tall since the 16th century A.C facing the Old Town’s, Venetian Harbor . It is one of the oldest lighthouses not only in Greece, but in the entire world, still preserved today, fact that makes it so special. Its history is connected with the history of the city’s harbor.
It was constructed at the second half of 16th century, in the period 1595 to 1601, by the Venetians. Its foundations lie on natural rocks and it was initially operating as an open flame torch. When the Venetians constructed the Lighthouse, they used a material of the same origin and quality with the one used for the construction of the fortifications of the city. In case of a threat, the Venetians shut down the entrance of the port, using a chain that was tied to the base of the Egyptian Lighthouse and to the Firka Fortress that stands right across the lighthouse.
The alleys of the old town seem like they aim to lure you to a treasure hunt, where around every corner, monuments like the St Nikolas Minaret, the Municipal Market and the Venetian Shipyards, religious temples such as the Metropolis Church, the Cathedral temple of Holy Mary Assumption, the Jewish Synagogue, as well as museums like the Archeological Museum, the Nautical Museum of Crete at the Firkas fortress entrance, the Byzantine collection and the Municipal Library, reveal themselves before you. Other worth mentioning city spots are the Venizelos Memorial Tombs and Museum, the Municipal Garden, Tampakaria area as well as the waterfront districts of Koum Kapi and Nea Chora.
A single visit to Chania is never enough. It is merely the beginning of your own storyline with a city that collects stories and uniting generations, cultures, religions, customs and traditions.
Chania is an enchanting destination that stimulates all senses. The natural environment, composed by the White Mountains, the countless gorges (Samaria Gorge), the river valleys, the olive & orange groves, the famous and annually awarded sandy beaches with the turquoise waters like Balos, Falassarna, Elafonissi, Kalathas, Seitan Liman, Golden Sand, Marathi, Sougia, constitutes a concentrated, small scale, typical Mediterranean ecosystem that attracts naturalists and hikers from all over the world.
This blessed land, so rich in colors, scents, tastes and music all year round, nourishes the body, soothes the soul, elevates the spirit and unlocks the heart. Indeed the open-hearted Cretan hospitality that welcomes you with a shot of tsikoudia, local traditional pies and a short local poem (madinada), leaves no one unmoved. Don’t be too surprised if the last thing you will do before you travel back home is to promise yourself a quick return.
Info
Post by: MDV
Travel & Concierge agency
Cell. +30 694 6747457
