Chania is a great introduction to Cretan history and all the island has to offer! Its monuments span over 5,000 years, from Minoan houses and streets dating back to 3,500 BC to the Byzantine, Arab, and Venetian walls, impressive arsenali (shipyards), mansions and cisterns of the Renaissance, Ottoman mosques and hamams of the early modern era, as well as modern structures such as the Agora, a covered market inaugurated in 1913.
During this tour through the old city of Chania, you will see and learn a lot about its monuments, explore the "hidden corners" of its old neighborhoods, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish, and get a deeper understanding of historic events as well as valuable context from social life, traditions, religion, and other local elements you might be interested in.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Bottled water
✔ Tea and coffee
✖ Lunch
✖ Private transportation
Departure & Return
Departure:
,
I will be waiting for you at the bus stop / terminal at Kotzampasi Square, holding a paper with your name
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
1
Municipal Market of Chania
We will see the Agora from outside (as it is under reconstruction)
Duration: 5 minutes
2
Church of Agios Nikolaos
we will visit the church and talk about local christian customs and beliefs
Duration: 10 minutes
3
we will see and talk about the history of the walls, parts of which date back to the 6th century
Duration: 5 minutes
4
we will talk about ancient Kydonia and see its remains, which date to 3500 BC
Duration: 10 minutes
5
we will talk about the venetian shiyards (arsenali) and the importance of Crete and Chania for Venice
Duration: 5 minutes
6
we will talk about the unique style and symbolism of the mosque
Duration: 5 minutes
7
we will walk through the Jewish Quarter and learn about the island's jewish community and its tragic end
Duration: 10 minutes
8
we will visit the fortress and learn about its history and importance
Duration: 15 minutes
9
we will visit the church and talk about differences in rite and style with the Orthodox ones
Duration: 10 minutes
10
This used to be the main square of the Muslim Quarter, so we'll talk about how it used to look like and events that took place here.
Duration: 10 minutes
11
We'll talk about the Ottoman baths (hamam) and their significance for local Muslims as a spot of social interaction
Duration: 5 minutes
12
We'll walk through this area called "the balkony of the city" and enjoy great views of the port while learning more about the administration buildings of the Venetian and Ottoman periods
Duration: 10 minutes
13
Etz Hayyim Synagogue
We will visit the Synagogue (if open at the time of visit) and learn more about the Jewish community of Crete
Duration: 15 minutes
14
We will visit this former church/catacombs/mosque, now turned into a gift shop and get to see how this small space has had so many uses over the centuries
Duration: 10 minutes
15
We will walk through this Venetian mansion and learn more about the Venetian nobles of Chania
Duration: 10 minutes
16
We will visit the Orthodox cathedral and learn about the Greek Orthodox church and its differences with other Christian denominations
Duration: 10 minutes
17
We will visit a knivemaker's workshop and learn more about this famous tool that became a kind of ornament
Duration: 5 minutes
18
Chania Town
Walking from our meeting point to and between all of the places mentioned above
Duration: 60 minutes
Additional info
• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Total tour duration includes walking and visiting each mentioned sights
