Its population is over 60.000 inhabitants and it is built over the ruins of Kydonia - an ancient city of great importance constructed during prehistoric times -, as the archaeological excavations have revealed. It is the most picturesque city in Crete. Chania has also a busy airport(Chania Airport is named after "Daskalogiannis") and two ports: one smaller located at Chania's old town-harbour and the main one located in Souda - about 7km distance from Chania city - which is also the largest natural port of the Mediterranean.

 

 

 

The monuments scattered everywhere in Chania city reflect the influences of many conquerors' civilizations, since the ancient times. Archaeological sites, museums, temples, plateaus, unique buildings and historical districts are the living proof. Chania city has maintained its medieval nature and has preserved all its Venetian features unchanged along with its original colours and historical character. The Venetian Port with the lighthouse, the dockyards and the fortress Firka is of the most beautiful locations in Chania and it gathers of the most interesting and pleasant functions and activities the town can offer. The dreamy sensation of the Venetian old harbour and the life in the picturesque narrow alleys are unforgettable experiences for the visitor.

Plenty of cultural events such as exhibitions, festivals, theatrical plays, musical concerts, etc. are organized every year and contribute to the rich cultural life of the city.

Important monuments:

The House of Eleftherios Venizelos (built at the homonym plateau of Halepa)

The Mansion of the Baroness Von Swartz (built in the suberb of Halepa)

The Municipal Market of Chania (located downtown and hosted in a building of 1913)

*The beautiful Municipal Garden, which includes a small zoo with animals of the Cretan fauna and  the park "Eirinis kai Filias" (the "park of peace and friendship) are also located very close from the city's centre.

Nautical Museum of Crete (located at the entrance of the historical fortress "Firka")

The Administration Hall (built outside the walls of Chania old town)

Museums:

ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF CHANIA
NAUTICAL MUSEUM OF CRETE
BYZANTINE & POST-BYZANTINE COLLECTION
HISTORICAL ARCHIVE OF CRETE
WAR MUSEUM OF CHANIA
THE HOUSE OF E. VENIZELOS.

Conference and exhibition spaces & buildings:

The Grand Arsenal

The Venetian "Neoria" (dockyards)

The Mosque of Kioutsouk Hassan, or Giali Tzamisi

The French School

The Municipal Gallery

The Philological Association "Chrysostomos"

The Villa of Manousos Koundouros

The Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania

The Commercial and Industrial Chamber of Chania

The old Customs Office