West Crete Gems: Exploring Historic Neighborhoods, Ancient Sites, and Religious Monuments
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Chania Town
Discover the hidden gems of West Crete, from medieval neighborhoods and ancient sites to religious monuments. Immerse yourself in history and create unforgettable memories.
Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chania Town - The old city of Chania is a unique historical monument

A walking tour in the historic center of Chania, the crossroads and the cobbled roads of civilizations, begin in the
Municipal Market which opened in 1913 on the demolished Venetian bastion Piatta Forma.

It is a splendid cruciform building that accommodates more than 70 shops, where you can find all local products. Next in “stivanadika”, one of the most popular tourist roads in Chania.You can find the leather market and the hand made traditional boots of Crete named “Stivania”.
A visit to the Municipal Art Gallery of Chania ,Temple of Eisodion, the Catholic Church of Chania
and the temple of Agios Fragkiskos that hosts the Archaeological Museum.
The Byzantine Walls of Kydonia, the ruins of the Venetian Monastery and the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (1615).
Reaching the end of Kasteli citadel unfolds in front of us the unique Venetian Port of Chania with the two groups of Venetian Neoria (14-16th century) ,Great Arsenal, which, completely renovated, hosts today the Center of Mediterranean Architecture .From the opposite side is located the long harbour breakwaters with the small castle of San Nicolo that ends to the Egyptian lighthouse, the principal characteristic of the port.

Walking to the west along Akti Topazi Street, we stop at the Muslim mosque of Kiutzuk Hasan (1645) which hosts several exhibitions during the summer. Continuing our seaside walk we can see the Fountain Square, while at the west end of the port is located Firkas castle where the Greek Flag was raised officially on December 1st 1913 for the union of Crete with Greece. The castle hosts Maritime Museum of Crete and Historical, Folklore and Archaeological Society of Crete.

Walking circumferential of the castle, we walk up Theotokopoulou Street, where we can see at the left the church of San Salvatore (15-17th century) that hosts Byzantine and Postbyzantine Collection of Chania . The traditional district of Topana, as it was named because of the Venetian powder magazine that existed there (top hane in Turkish), begins from there.

At the end of Theotokopoulou Street we walk down Douka Street and arrive at the center of the aristocratic neighborhood of the Venetian city. There we can admire the huge aristocratic houses of the Venetian and later Turkish noble, the buildings of wonderful architecture of Theofanous Street, which have been renovated and are used as hostels. The Palazzo of Renier family in Moschon Street that was built in the 15th century with the small family chapel of Agios Nikolaos and the impressive entrance with the Latin sign and the blazon of the family is very special.

The old Jewish District or \

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
Additional Information

Let the medieval districts of Castelli, Tophane, Splantzia, Firkas Fortress, Kum Kapi, and the iconic lighthouse of the ancient Venetian harbor captivate you with their vibrant colors and ambience. The Archaeological Museum’s square houses the largest 11th-century temple. Venizelos initiated the Public Market in 1913 where delectable Cretan merchandise can be purchased, accompanied by a swig of raki. A tour of the Agia Triada monastery offers an awe-inspiring temple dedicated to the renowned artist Merkourio. Additionally, relics from the monastery’s destruction in 1821, including icons, sacred apparatus, crosses, vestments, handwritten files, and books (Gospels dating back to 1568-1758) can also be observed. Optional detour for a swim in a small bay with natural shade and turquoise waters. Concluding with the ruins of the ancient city-states of Kydonia and Aptera and the Intzedin castle, the most notable archaeological site. A day that offers a journey back in time, collecting precious moments and creating memories that last a lifetime!

Location
Chania Town
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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up to 15 guests
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May 2024
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