Ancient Kydonia
Minoan Kydonia developed on Kastelli Hill, beneath the present-day old town of Chania. It was one of the most important urban, administrative and commercial centres of western Crete during the Minoan and Mycenaean periods.
Old Town of Chania
The Old Town of Chania is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved historic centres in the Mediterranean.
Although it was bombarded, damaged and rebuilt several times throughout its long history, the Old Town of Chania has largely preserved its distinctive character. The Old Town principally comprises the historic area that developed within the Venetian Walls, around Kastelli Hill and the Old Venetian Harbour.
Its picturesque lanes, small squares and historic neighbourhoods preserve monuments and architectural features from many different periods of Cretan history. Minoan remains, Byzantine fortifications, Venetian mansions, shipyards and churches stand alongside Ottoman mosques and hammams, as well as more recent Neoclassical buildings.
The historic districts of Kastelli, Topanas, the Jewish Quarter and Splantzia, together with the Venetian Harbour, form a captivating urban maze. Traditional houses, small hotels, workshops, shops, cafés and tavernas occupy carefully restored buildings, keeping the historic heart of Chania vibrant throughout the year.
Byzantine Wall of Chania
This fortress was originally built by the Byzantines on the acropolis of ancient Cydonia, on a hill next to the present medieval City of Chania. This point is still the highest in the region, as you look at the right when walking to the Venetian harbor.
