Chania I

Chania with labyrinth of narrow, atmospheric streets in the old town and picturesque harbour is one of the most beautiful cities in Crete.

Chania is built on the site of the ancient city of Kydonia, which was inhabited through all Minoan Periods. Kydonia was independent until 69 BC when it was captured by Romans. The collapse of the Roman Empire brought Chania under the domination of the Byzantine Empire. In 1252 the city came under the control of the Venetians, they settled in Kastelli, the hill which commands the harbor, and they fortified it, built the cathedral, palace, theatre and houses for their nobility, constructed massive fortification to protect the city from pirates and Turks, which took Chania in 1645. In 1897 Chania won their independence.

In the photos: Firkas Fortress with the Maritime Museum of Chania, Venetian harbour, the streets of the Old town, Trimartiri Orthodox Cathedral, Archaeological Museum of Chania, Church of Agios Nikolaos, Ancient Kydonia, Mosque of the Janissaries, Venetian Shipyards or Arsenals, Venetian Lighthouse,

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