What You Will Do
Chania since ancient times was a melting pot of civilizations and cultures, each invader and new town resident leaving its mark on history, architecture, and culture. Chania is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe dating back to Minoan civilization around 3000BC.
In this tour, we will try to trace the remains of civilizations, in the buildings and monuments. By doing so we will go through the waterfront, alleyways, fortifications, viewpoints, and marks of the past. We will see how Chania has changed over time, the buildings added and destroyed. The city was divided into Christian, Muslim, and Jewish quarters. We will go through them where I will show historical points of interest not so obvious to the average visitor.
Although the tour focuses on history, we will explore the culture and traditions of Chania and how they have merged to form the modern-day city of Chania.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
Meet in front of Agios Nikolas church at Splantzia square.
1
Old Venetian Harbor
1 hour
Tour Chania old town for 3 hours, visit the landmarks and historic sites.
2
Chania Old Town
1 hour
Will walk around Chania old town and visit various landmarks on the way.
3
Lighthouse of Chania
5 minutes
Chania lighthouse is the oldest light house in the Mediterranean, built in 1864. The lighthouse is the main landmark of Chania. The tower is 21m high and is built on a stone base, located at the end of the old harbour's pier opposite to the fortress of Firkas. Visitors are not allowed to enter the lighthouse. Chania lighthouse was first constructed by the Venetians around 1600, destroyed in the siege of Chania and it took its final form, in the shape of a minaret, during the Egyptian occupation. It was restored in 1996.
4
Etz Hayyim Synagogue
5 minutes
Etz Hayyim was converted into a Synagogue in the 17th century, when the Jewish community of Chania purchased the Church of St. Catherine, an empty 15th-century Venetian church. The synagogue, which suffered serious bombardment, was abandoned after the end of World War with the perishing of the Jewish community and reopened in 1999, with the support of the World Monument Fund (WMF), in co-operation with the Central Israeli Council of Greece. Nowdays the Etz Hayyim Synagogue is the only active synagogue that has survived on the island.
5
Cathedral of Eisodion tis Theotokou
10 minutes
The Orthodox Cathedral of Chania or church of Trimartiri is situated in Halidon street. The present temple was built on the place of an older church of Virgin Mary which dated back to the 14th century. In 1645, during the Ottoman occupation, the temple was converted into a soap factory , owned by the Turkish official Moustafa Pasha Giritli. The reconstruction of the church was completed in 1860 in the style of a three aisle Basilica, and was donated by the local pasha to the local community. On the northeast side of the temple there is the high bell-tower. The church features three aisles with the central one dedicated to the Virgin Mary (celebrated on November 21st), the north aisle one dedicated to Saint Nicholas and the southern one to the Three Hierarchs.
6
Minoan Excavations
10 minutes
Chania is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. The Minoan civilisation dates before 3000BC and it somehow violently ended in 1250BC when there was a destructive earthquake and Tsunami. Many researches believe that the Minoan civilisation was destroyed after the eruption of Santorini volcano. At Kasteli hill archaeological excavations the foundations of buildings, streets and sewage networks can be seen. The excavations are ongoing. Kydonia was the name of Chania during the Minoan era.
7
Municipal Market of Chania
5 minutes
The Municipal Market of Chania, is the "heart" of the city. Its foundation started in 1911, at the place that was the main rampart of the fortification during the Venetian period, and the construction of the building was completed during the second half of 1913. The Municipal Market is cross shaped and has four doors, one in each ward, that close to provide security at the shops that are hosted there. Today at the building of the Municipal Market are hosted many shops that sell local products and souvenirs. The Municipal Market constitutes an architectural jewel for Chania and is one of the most impressive markets in Balkans. At the moment is under renovation which will be completed in 2026.
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