17 Dec

Chania Prefecture

Chania, the capital of the Prefecture of Chania is located in the north-eastern part of the island. Chania is the administrative, economic, and commercial and communication center of the region bearing the same name. The actual population of the Municipality of Chania is 53373 inhabitants (2001 census) and an area of 12.564 acres. The city of Chania is built on the ruins of ancient city of Kydonia which has seen and survived many invaders, whose cultures have left their marks in facades of ancient remnants and monuments. The beautiful city of Chania has managed to maintain its local authentic colors, despite the influx of tourism. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities of Greece and the most picturesque of Crete. Chania is characterized by an intense cultural lifestyle. Many cultural events take place each year (exhibitions, festivals, theater and musical events, art etc.). The city has two "entrances": the airport in Akrotiri, and the port of Souda (the largest in the Mediterranean). The municipal market is the pride of the city, right in the center of the town, a brilliant cross-shaped building that was completed in 1913, and its size is in proportion to that of Marseille. Located near the city center is the Public Gardens right next to the Park of Peace and Friendship of nations. The gardens are the prettiest in Crete. The public garden offers a small zoo with animals amongst a plentitude of Cretan fauna. The Venetian harbor is picturesque at all times of the day and seasons and attracts many people both visitors and locals alike, for its beauty and for its choices of entertainment satisfying all tastes and demands. The old city districts "within its walls" preserve their Venetian nobility. Narrow paved alleys are surrounded with tasteful renewed houses, from various ages, provide the perfect location for a pleasant walk. Many neoclassic houses have also been saved and are being renovated in picturesque, historic neighborhoods near downtown, such as Halepa, Tabakaria etc. Another reference point and great attraction are the Tombs of Venizelos located a few kilometers off the east side of town, on the way to the airport. These are the graves of Eleftherios Venizelos and his son Sophocles, Prime Minister of Greece from 1943 to 1952. In the same place there is the statue of the hero Spyros Kagialedaki or Kagiales who used his body as a flagpole to hold up the Greek flag during the bombardment of the Cretan rebels from the "Great Powers" who did not want Crete to unite with the rest of Greece. From the hill of the church of the Prophet Elias where the graves are located, is a magnificent view of the city of Chania which is truly magical. You can admire this view while having a coffee or refreshment; needless to say your experience will have... another taste.

Chania, the capital of the Prefecture of Chania is located in the north-eastern part of the island. Chania is the administrative, economic, and commercial and communication center of the region bearing the same name.

The actual population of the Municipality of Chania is 53373 inhabitants (2001 census) and an area of 12.564 acres. The city of Chania is built on the ruins of ancient city of Kydonia which has seen and survived many invaders, whose cultures have left their marks in facades of ancient remnants and monuments.

The beautiful city of Chania has managed to maintain its local authentic colors, despite the influx of tourism.
It is considered one of the most beautiful cities of Greece and the most picturesque of Crete. Chania is characterized by an intense cultural lifestyle. Many cultural events take place each year (exhibitions, festivals, theater and musical events, art etc.).

The city has two “entrances”: the airport in Akrotiri, and the port of Souda (the largest in the Mediterranean).
The municipal market is the pride of the city, right in the center of the town, a brilliant cross-shaped building that was completed in 1913, and its size is in proportion to that of Marseille.
Located near the city center is the Public Gardens right next to the Park of Peace and Friendship of nations. The gardens are the prettiest in Crete. The public garden offers a small zoo with animals amongst a plentitude of Cretan fauna.

The Venetian harbor is picturesque at all times of the day and seasons and attracts many people both visitors and locals alike, for its beauty and for its choices of entertainment satisfying all tastes and demands. The old city districts “within its walls” preserve their Venetian nobility. Narrow paved alleys are surrounded with tasteful renewed houses, from various ages, provide the perfect location for a pleasant walk.
Many neoclassic houses have also been saved and are being renovated in picturesque, historic neighborhoods near downtown, such as Halepa, Tabakaria etc.
Another reference point and great attraction are the Tombs of Venizelos located a few kilometers off the east side of town, on the way to the airport. These are the graves of Eleftherios Venizelos and his son Sophocles, Prime Minister of Greece from 1943 to 1952. In the same place there is the statue of the hero Spyros Kagialedaki or Kagiales who used his body as a flagpole to hold up the Greek flag during the bombardment of the Cretan rebels from the “Great Powers” who did not want Crete to unite with the rest of Greece. From the hill of the church of the Prophet Elias where the graves are located, is a magnificent view of the city of Chania which is truly magical. You can admire this view while having a coffee or refreshment; needless to say your experience will have… another taste.