Chania Hotels, Apartments, and Villas

During the end of the Venetian occupation in Crete, the expansion of the Ottoman Turks led the Venetians to the fortification of Crete by fortresses. The fort is still known today by its Turkish name, Firca (Firka = barracks) and was built in order to protect the entrance of the harbour.  The positions of the cannons on the northern side of the fortress, which looks at the entrance of the harbor, are so far visible on the outer side of the wall. A thick chain from Firca to the base of the light-house closed the harbour in case of siege. The fort was the headquarters of the Military Commander of the city. The inside area was divided into barracks and ammunition warehouses. The buildings of the west wing have two-floors with dome covered rooms. Over the door of the first floor there is the following inscription : “ALOYSIUS BRAGADEUS PROVISOR CYDONIAE M. DCXX”. In the centre of the court, there is a large water reservoir, where the water running from the roofs was collected. I

The Chania Old Town  is regarded as one of the nicest old towns of Greece and all over Europe and it is the most interesting part of the city. The "Old Town" consists of the old Venetian harbour and the small Venetian blocks located behind the harbour; it is characterized by narrow and picturesque alleys - similar to an enchanting labyrinth - full of life, and the plentiful remaining Venetian and Turkish buildings. The Lighthouse, the Fortress of Firka, the Mosque of Kioutsouk Hasan, the Great Arsenal and the Neoria have become landmarks of the beautiful old town. Most of the buildings are rejuvenated and they compose a puzzle of contemporary, Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish architecture; they are also a 'living' exhibition of the town's history. Today they work as shops, tavernas, cafes and touristic accommodations. The most famous part of the Old Town is the lively round waterfront along the Venetian harbour, which is full of small boutique ho

Something to remember the oldest and most historic bar in Chania (now permanently closed).