The architecture of Chania is unique both to the island of Crete and the country of Greece as a whole. It features influences from Ottoman, Venetian, and local styles. Each neighborhood has a unique mix of these architectural styles.
Venetian Architecture (13th to 17th century)
Venetians ruled the city from 1204 until 1669. The city was so famous during this time that Chania was known as “La Canea” and was the capital of the island.
Within the city of Chania, the influence of the Venetian occupation can be seen from its fortifications. This was necessary because Chania was founded on the water. The Venetians were known for building ports and docks, and at one point there were over 40 galleys in Chania, making it a major trading port in the eastern Mediterranean.
The architectural legacy is most evident at the 16th-century stone Grand Arsenal. It is the largest of the shipyards and is now the home to the Center of Mediterranean Architecture. If you continue east, you will find the beautiful Moro Neorio (Venetian shipyard) which is now home to the Sailing Club of Chania.
The charming countryside of Crete is known for its stone houses, watermills, and fountains. These are mostly found on the outskirts of Chania and in the rural areas, because Chania has since been built up.
Ottoman Influence (17th to 19th century)
The Yali Mosque is one of the most visited sites in Chania and is a great example of Ottoman Architecture from the 1600s. It is the oldest structure from the Ottoman period in the city.
It is also known as the Mosque of the Janissaries because it was home to the famous Janissary soldiers. These were non-Muslims who were enslaved from a young age as political prisoners of war and trained to become elite warriors. They were given special perks in society and a pension.
The architecture of the Mosque has Arabic writings, and the back courtyard is typical of Ottoman buildings of its time. However, the garden of palm trees and minaret which once stood there was bombed during the Nazi occupation of Chania in the 1940’s.
Today, it serves as an exhibition area for local artists, and there are no longer services held in the Mosque.
19th-Century Crete
Towards the end of the 19th century, the island staged multiple revolutions for its freedom and managed to become a semi-autonomous state of the Ottoman Empire. It was known as the “Cretan State” and had its own flag and currency. At this point, a group of European engineers and builders made a push to modernize the islands’ buildings. These efforts of course focused on the capital, Chania.
Most notably, Italian engineer Nicolas Maguzo took on the building of Chania’s main square.
Next, in 1901, the famous Veronese engineer Michele Sanmicheli was hired to help extend the city beyond the inner walls. They demolished certain areas of the walls to build the famed Municipal Market.
Savvakis’s Legacy
Some of the other noticeable sights built in the early 1900s were by the famous engineer Michalis Savvakis. His buildings include:
- The house of revolution leader Manousos Koundouros, with its characteristic balcony
- The house of political leader Charalambos Pologiorgis, (today the home of the Health Service)
- The engineer’s own house and office, which were sold eventually to a monastery, are now the home of the Orthodox Bishop
- The two-story Technical Chamber of Western Crete
- The home of captain Soos, a well-known English merchant
Venetian Lighthouse
The Venetian lighthouse is an iconic sight which reflects the multifaceted nature of the city. It was built in Venetian times in the 16th century, and was rebuilt in the 1800’s by the Turks to resemble a minaret. Today it is known as the “Egyptian lighthouse” because its current form was built at a time when the city was occupied by Egyptian troops.
Parti Architecture and the Future of Cretan Architecture
Parti Architecture was founded in 2017 in Chania – Crete, by a team of young architects,
engineers and interior designers. A Parti (or Parti pris) is the departure point of an
architectural idea. It refers to the project’s central thread or concept which can be
expressed in various ways.
They are known for creating a series of holiday homes, hotel complexes and residences
both in Crete and on the Greek islands. You can see all of their creations here.
Other Sights Near Chania
If you’re looking for other adventures in the local area of Chania, it’s worth taking a trip to the southern coast of Crete. There, you will find the beautiful fishing village of Loutro, which is known for its white buildings and scenic bay of Loutro.
It’s also worth visiting the quaint village of Vrysses, which is only a short drive from Chania. It is popular in Vrysses to sit in a cafe and enjoy a local dish of Greek yogurt, thyme, and roasted nuts.
One other must-visit beach near Chania in Crete is Balos. This beach is found near the end of the Gramvousa peninsula and is one of the most popular places to take pictures on the island of Crete. The white sand is beautiful along with the red of the Cretan mountains and the green-blue of the sea.
