Did you know that Chania has been inhabited since the Neolithic Period? We’d love to share the amazing history of this little town with you. You’ll discover its remarkable architecture along the way, including a magnificent lighthouse, churches, mosques, shipyards and the old town’s well preserved houses. They’re a reminder of all the people and cultures that have influenced local life, from ancient times through to the Byzantine era, the Venetian occupation and Turkish rule. I’ll also point out the entertainment and cultural offerings that make the modern town so vibrant.
During this tour, I’ll give you local insight, share fun facts, and introduce you to Chania’s cultural identity through storytelling. We’ll explore some secret spots and find the old town’s hidden treasures too.
Some of the stories you can look forward to include:
• The legend behind the Cathedral of Chania
• The history of Chania’s Jews
• The Venetian families that were powerful here, like the Renieri, Delfino and Colombo
• How Felice Napoleone Canevaro, Dominikos Theotokopoulos and Ioannis Daskalogiannis shaped the city
• The ancient city of Kydonia
This tour is a valuable introduction to Chania’s turbulent history.
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for this walk. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars en route for a quick (or lengthy!) stop.
Music:
Xserra – Bouzouki (Freesound.org)
Shorthopper – Joura Accordian (Freesound.org)
Get directions to Chania’s Turbulent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Find below list of stays near Chania’s Turbulent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour:
Casa Alba Seaview House is a luxury boutique house on the scenic Venetian Harbour. The property is 200 metres from Mosque of Kioutsouk Hassan and boasts views of the sea. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
There is a dining area and a kitchen. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is offered.
Firkas Fortress is 200 metres from Casa Alba Seaview House, while Archaeological Museum of Chania is 300 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 11 km from Casa Alba Seaview House.
from
€399
/night
Cretan Renaissance is hosted in a Venetian manor house, characterized by the Ephorate of Byzantium Antiquities and UNESCO as a historical monument to be preserved.
The unique placement of Cretan Renaissance offers to visitors a panoramic view of the old port, of the breakwater and Lighthouse of Chania. It boasts uniquely decorated rooms and suites with free WiFi. Traditional Cretan breakfast is served.
Fitted with well-chosen furnishings and Cocomat mattresses and pillows, all air-conditioned units include a flat-screen TV with cable channels. All units include a seating area where you can relax. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while looking out at the sea or garden. All rooms are fitted with a private bathroom, while some come with a spa bath. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
The hotel also offers bike hire and car hire. Firkas Fortress is 200 metres from Cretan Renaissance, while Archaeological Museum of Chania is 300 metres away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 11 km from the property.
Antica Casa Studios are located in Chania Town, just a few metres from the old Venetian Harbour. It offers elegantly decorated units with views of the Venetian harbor or the surrounding area of the Venetian buildings.
Opening to a balcony, the self-catering studios come with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. The studios include a fridge and basic kitchenware to prepare meals. A hairdryer and free toiletries are also featured.
Guests can have Cretan breakfast prepared with homemade local products at Fagotto Jazz Bar-Cafe, 10 metres away, with a wider range of options. Various restaurants and cafés can be easily reached on foot.
The international airport of Chania is 10 km away and Nea Chora Beach is within a 5-minute walk. Souda Port is at 7 km. The staff can help you with bike and car rentals, arrange taxi transfer and guided tours and excursions. Limited public parking spaces are available nearby.
from
€137
/night
Decorated with antique furniture, Casa Leone overlooks the charming Venetian Harbour and the 15th-century Faros Light House in Chania. It offers a waterfront terrace and fully air conditioned guest accommodations.
Chandeliers, beamed ceilings and four-poster beds with muslin drapes are standard in most of Casa Leone’s rooms and suites. Each is furnished with tea/coffee facilities, a satellite LCD TV and a seating area.
A traditional Cretan breakfast is served daily in the classic breakfast room with its large mirrors and wooden paneling. Lots of fish taverns and traditional eateries are scattered around the harbour.
Guests can relax on the sun terrace or enjoy reading a book on the courtyard with it elegant fountain. A free internet computer is accessible in the lobby.
Casa Leone provides car rental service and can organizes excursions. Souda Airport is 17 km away, while the nearest port is 7 km from the property. The beach, taxi and bus station are 500 metres away.
from
€122
/night
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