Touristic Attractions

KNOSSOS
The Minoan palace is the main site of interest at Knossos, an important city in antiquity, which was inhabited continuously from the Neolithic period until the 5th c. AD. The palace was built on the Kephala hill and had easy access to the sea and the Cretan interior. According to tradition, it was the seat of the wise king Minos. The Palace of Knossos is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur, and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros.

The first excavation of the site was conducted in 1878 by Minos Kalokerinos of Herakleion. This was followed by the long-term excavations 1900-1913 and 1922-1930) of the Englishman Sir Arthur Evans, who uncovered virtually the entire palace.

The earliest traces of inhabitation in the area of the palace go back to the Neolithic period (7000-3000) BC). The site continued to be occupied in the Pre-palatial period (3000-1900 BC), at the end of which the area was leveled for the erection of a large palace. This first palace was destroyed, probably by an earthquake, about 1700 BC. A second, larger palace was built on the ruins of the old one. This was partially destroyed about 1450BC, after which the Mycenaeans established themselves at Knossos.

The palace was finally destroyed about 1350 BC by a major conflagration. The site it covered was occupied again from the Late Mycenaean period until Roman times. Extensive reconstruction of the Palace of Knossos was carried out by the excavator, Sir Arthur Evans.

It was a multi-storey building covering an area of 20.000 square meters. Impressive features of it are the variety of building materials used, and the painted plaster, marble revetment and wall-paintings adorning the rooms and passages. The advanced level of technology attained by the Minoans is also demonstrated by some original architectural and structural features, such as the light -wells and polythyra, the use of beams to reinforce the masonry, and the complex drainage and water-supply systems.

The palace is set around a large Central Court, an area used for public meetings. A second courtyard, the West Court, acted both as the official approach to the palace and a ceremonial area.

The west wing was occupied by the official rooms for administrative and religious activities, including the Tripartite Shrine, the Sacred Repositories and the Pillar Crypts. The Throne Room is out standing amongst them, with its lustral basin and the gypsum throne flanked by benches. The most important areas in the south wing are the South Propylon, the Corridor of the Procession and the South Entrance, with the fresco of the Prince of the Lilies. The east wing contained the residential quarters and large reception rooms, the most important being the Hall of the Double Axes and the Queen's Hall. These rooms are approached by the imposing Grand Staircase.

From the North Entrance, a road led to the harbour of Knossos. The North Entrance is flanked by elevated stoas, the one at the west being decorated with the Bull Hunt fresco.

A large, stone-paved processional way, the Royal Road, led from the Small Palace and the city to the Norh-west conrner of the palace, where there was an open-air theatral area.

Around the palace extended the Minoan settlement, with the cemeteries on the hills. Important buildings from this same period include: the South House, the House of ther Chancel Screen, the Small Palace, the Caravanserai, the Royal Villa and the Temple-Tomb. The Villa Dionysos with its floor mosaics (2nd c/. AD) is an important building of the Roman period.
The numerous finds from the palace, all of exceptionally high quality art, pottery, vessels, figurines, the archive of Linear B tablets, and the original wall-paintings, are all housed in Herakleion Museum.

PHAISTOS
Phaistos is located 62 km south of Iraklion and, administratively, is part of the Municipality of  Kamilari. It was the second biggest city of the Minoan Crete and it is built on a hill, at an altitude of 100 m from sea level, in the fertile valley of Messara.
The valley is surrounded by mountain ranges and in the south extends the Libyan Sea.
You can access Phaistos from Iraklion taking the road to Moires- Timbaki, an asphalt road of fairly good condition with a panoramic view to the Messara valley. The site can be accessed also from the south.
Regular public transportation is available from Iraklion and Rethimnon.
Ariving at Phaistos you will find a large parking area in a few distance from the palace. You have to walk for a while through a paved road until the entrance of the archaeological site where there is a restaurant- bar and shops with post-cards, guide-books, maps etc. for the visitors.

History
The exact location of Phaistos was first determined in the middle of the 19th century by the British admiral Spratt, while the archaeological investigation of the palace started in 1884 by the Italians F. Halbherr and A. Taramelli. After the declaration of the independent Cretan State in 1898, excavations were carried out by F. Halbherr and L. Pernier in 1900-1904 and later, in 1950-1971, by Doro Levi, under the auspices of the Italian Archaeological School at Athens.
Although many inscriptions were found by the archaeologists, they are all in Linear A code which is still undecipherd, and all we know about the site, even its name are based to the ancient writers and findings from Knossos.

According to mythology, Phaistos was the seat of king Radamanthis, brother of king Minos. It was also the city that gave birth to the great wise man and soothsayer Epimenidis, one of the seven wise men of the ancient world.
Excavations by archaeologists have unearthed ruins of the Neolithic times (3.000 B.C.).
During the Minoan times, Phaistos was a very important city-state. Its dominion, at its peak, stretched from Lithinon to Psychion and included the Paximadia islands. The city participated to the Trojan war and later became one of the most important cities-states of the Dorian period.
Phaistos continued to flourish during Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic times. It was destroyed by the Gortynians during the 3rd century B.C. In spite of that, Phaistos continued to exist during the Roman period.
Phaistos had two ports, Matala and Kommos.

The Palace of Phaistos
Since 1900, continuous archaeological excavations from the Italian Archaeological School, have brought to light the magnificent Minoan palace of Phaistos with its great royal courts, the great staircases, the theatre, the storerooms and the  famous disk of Phaistos.
The first palace was built at 2.000 B.C. This palace was destroyed at 1.700 B.C. by an earthquake. It was built again, more luxurious and magnificent and it was destroyed again, probably by another earthquake, at 1.400 B.C.

The location of the palace was carefully chosen, so as not only to absolutely control the valley of Messara, but to also offer a panoramic view of the surrounding area with the scattered villages, just like today, at the foot of the mountains Psiloritis and Asterousia.
The palace dominated and controlled the Messara valley and it was the center of the city. It was the administrational and economical center of the area.
Goods not only for consumption but mainly for trade were kept in its huge storerooms. The palace was surrounded by luxurious mansions and crowded urban communities. Along with the surrounding settlements covered an area of 18.000 sq. meters.
A paved road leads to the ruins of the Royal Minoan villa of Agia Triada, 3 km west of Phaistos.

GORTYS
Gortys, also known as Gortyn or Gortyna is one of the most important cities in Crete with an unbroken history of 6,000 years and one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Greece. It lies in south central Crete in the fertile Mesara plain, the site of the first human habitation of Crete at the end of the Neolithic period (5th millennium BC).
Gortys is about 40 minutes’ drive south of Heraklion on Crete, on the same road that will take us to Phaistos and Matala. Gortys is about 1 km past the village of Agii Deka, at the side of the main road.
The name Gortys or Gortyna
According to one tradition, Gortys was named after its founder Gortys, the son of Radamanthys, king of Phaistos and brother of Minos.
Another story is that it was founded by Gortys from Tegea in Arcadian Gortynia.
A third variation on the same myth has Gortys founded by Queen Gortyna of Crete, mother of King Taurus.

Excavations at Gortys
Federico Halbherr is studying the Laws of Gortys
SOURCE: http://www.scuoladiatene.it/
Gortys was one of the first areas of Crete to attract the attention of researchers and archaeologists as early as the period of Turkish occupation in the late 19th century, when Minoan civilisation was still a matter of conjecture and myth.
In 1884 the discovery and preservation of the Great Inscription by Iosif Hatzidakis, Stefanos Xanthoudides and Italian Federico Halbherr led to excavations in the Gortys area. Excavations were undertaken by the Italian Archaeological Mission in collaboration with the Archaeological Service after Crete became an autonomous state in 1898, and lasted until 1940.

Excavations in the wider area of Gortys brought important buildings and finds to light, although a large part of the Roman city still remains unexplored today. The most important finds are displayed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum, while some will be housed in the Mesara Archaeological Museum once this is built in a few years’ time.
History of Gortys

The area has been inhabited since the end of the Neolithic period. Habitation continued in Minoan times, a fact proven by the Minoan country villa found in the Kannia area near Mitropolis village, not far from Gortys.
From the middle of the 1st millennium BC, Gortys replaced Phaistos as the chief power in the Mesara, centred around the fortified acropolis with the temple of Athena Poliouchos (“Protector of the City”).

After the Roman conquest of Crete in 67 BC, Gortys, which was well disposed towards Rome, became capital of Crete, replacing Knossos. Gortys was declared the capital of the Roman province of Crete and Cyrenaica, a position it held until the Arab conquest of Crete in 828 AD.

Gortys reached the peak of its power in the 2nd century AD, while its final period of glory was in the early Christian period (until the 7th century AD).
It is believed that Gortys expanded across a wide area and had a large population. It may have been built using stone from the nearby Roman quarry in the village of Ambelouzos, known in Crete as the “Labyrinth of Mesara”.

In 796 AD the city was hit by an earthquake which almost destroyed it. After the Andalusian Arabs conquered Crete in 828 AD, the capital was transferred to Chandax, modern-day Heraklion.

Gortys archaeological site
Usually a visit to Gortys is limited to the archaeological site open to the public: the church of St Titus, the Odeon and the famous Plane Tree. But how representative is the picture the visitor gains of the grandeur of this city, once the capital of Crete?
The city of Gortys extended across a wide area, but unfortunately only a small part of it has been excavated. What the uninformed (and guided) visitor sees is only the tip of the iceberg.
Stand at the entrance to the archaeological site and look across the road. You will see some blue signs which are usually ignored, but those curious enough to follow them will be amazed at what they see.


MATALA
Matala was the ancient port of Phaistos and Gortys and a former fishing community which has developed into a modern holiday center. It is located 4 km south-west of the village of Pitsidia and 75 km from Iraklion. It is built on the coast line of the Messara bay inside a small and picturesque inlet.
Facilities

History
Matala was the port of Phaistos during the Minoan period, following the destruction of Kommos, and the port of Gortys during the Roman period when Gortys was proclaimed capital of Crete by the Romans. The Gortynians occupied Matala at 220 B.C.
Ruins of the ancient city are still visible on the sea bed as the ancient city was sunk in the sea. The archaeological pick has unearthed some traces of the palaces built by the nobles from the ancient cities of Phaistos and Gortys.
There is also a cave known as "Brutospeliana" and legend has it that it was frequented by the Roman general Brutus.
Owing to its exceptional natural beauty, Matala became the meeting place of the "Flower Children" in 1.968. Although their conference failed to realize, yet they were compensated by the incomparable beauty of the area, which so much contrasts with the concept of destruction and war.

Sights
The magnificent inlet of Matala features one of the best beaches in Crete. The artificial caves, carved into the north face of the coast, have been probably used as prehistoric dwellings and places of worship, while during the 1st-2nd century were used as tombs.
These caves, in combination with the sandy beach, form a semicircle on both sides of which jut up towering rocks; they act as a magnet for many people. During the 60's the caves were hosting a hippie commune. Today, the tomb-caves of Matala are protected by the Archaeological Service.

The "Koule" fortress on the Kastri hill is an attraction that should not be missed by the visitor.
There is also a hewn-in-the-rock church dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. It is more like a catacomb and was used by the early-Christians during the years of persecutions.

South of Matala there is a huge rock formation known as the rock of "Theosyni" that offers a panoramic view of the Messara Bay. The rock rises from the sea while at sea level it caves in deep to form a natural marine cave, named "Kouroupi". This cave provides shelter to wild pigeons and to the Mediterranean seal.

The beauty of the coast continues south of "Kouroupi", where following a path along the rock, you reach the enchanting "red sand" beach, a place for those who are young and daring. The spectacular red sand beach is known as "Ammoudia". To get there take the sandy trail from "Kouroupi" that leads south. This location is ideal for camping.

The picturesque local taverns on the beach of Matala are ideal for romantic and carefree nights. Taste the local wine and snaps (raki) with a traditional meal or fresh fish from the Libyan sea.
The turquoise blue sea, and the red disk of the sun which sets in the evening horizon create a hue of colors that evoke novel emotions.

VAI
Vai is famous for its palm forest located right on the beach. It is the largest palm forest in Crete and these palms are endemic Cretan palms (Phoenix theophrastii) and were not imported inadvertently by Saracene pirates eating dates (as some would like you to believe). This superb beach, discovered by a few hippies in the 70s became a favourite with long term campers in the 80s until it got turned into something of a rubbish dump by their carelessness. A sad but not uncommon story in Crete and elsewhere. Finally, it was declared a protected area, camping was forbidden, the beach got fenced off and entrance only allowed during day time. The beach is free but you will pay a parking fee if you come by car.

AGIOS NIKOLAOS
Agios Nikolaos, capital of the Prefecture of Lassithi, is one of the most highly developed tourist towns in Greece.
It lies along the west of the Mirabello bay. The main road axis of the island passes right outside the city limits , connecting it with Iraklion (66 km) to the west, Sitia to the east (70 km) and Ierapetra to the south (36 km).
Agios Nikolaos is the administrative, communications, cultural and commercial center of the Prefecture, with approximately 8500 inhabitants.
The climate in the area is mild with extremely low humidity. It is an ideal place to relax and recover one's energy.

Access
There is frequent bus service from Iraklion. There are boat connections all year round from the port of Agios Nikolaos to Piraeus. During the summer there are also connections with the islands of Cyclades and with the islands of Kassos, Karpathos, Kos. Tours to Santorini are also organized during the summer.
Agios Nikolaos does not have an airport but the city is served by the airports of Iraklion and Sitia.

Sights
The sea in Agios Nikolaos is superb and the surrounding area of the city is noted for its sandy beaches and beautiful bays.
The landmark of the city is a small lake, known as "Voulismeni" that is located in the center of the city, at the foot of the cliffs. Its shape is circular with a diameter of 137m.
According to the mythology, the goddess Athena used to take her bath in this lake. The depth of the lake is 64 m and was connected to the sea only recently, with a canal opened at 1870.
It is an especially picturesque site with many open-air cafes and restaurants along the bank. Small boats leave the harbor to visit the Venetian fortress of Spinaloga, near Elounda .
Every summer the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos organizes cultural events, music and dance events, theatrical performances, exhibitions, shows. Also, during the Naval week, artistical swimming, water skiing, wind-surfing contests are organized.

The "Goddess of Myrto"
Agios Nikolaos also possesses the second finest Archaeological Museum in Crete, where splendid archaeological findings from throughout the Prefecture of Lasithi are exhibited.

History
In the site where the town is built today, used to be the ancient "Lato pros Kamares", which was the harbor of "Lato Etera", an important and powerful city located near the village of Kritsa. In the Roman and the first Byzantine period it also served as a harbor.
During the Venetian occupation, the Venetians built the fortress Mirabello(meaning beautiful view), in the site where the Prefecture building stands today. Nothing of the fortress is saved today, but it gave its name to the Prefecture and to the bay, that is called Mirabello.

The tower of Mirabello-Old gravur
When the Venetians built another port in the area of Elouda in the northwest, named "Porto di San Nicolo", the importance of the harbor of Agios Nikolaos lessened.
The city is named after the small Byzantine church of Agios Nikolaos, located on the peninsula. The church has fine frescoes from the 8th, 10th and 11th century.

Facilities
Agios Nikolaos has numerous and high-quality tourist accommodation of all types and class. Some of the oldest hotels are located in Eleftheria square, but there are many new fine hotels not only in the town, but all along the coast. There are also many cafes, restaurants, bars and shops.

ANOGIA
Situated 55 kilometers far from Rethymnon, at the Southeast, Anogia is a big village with approximately 2500 permanent residents, built at a height of 700 meters on the mountain Idi or Psiloritis. It is considered as one of the most scenic and active villages of the Prefecture and of the whole of Crete, keeping many of its traditional features, rich in culture and with a great past -and present- in genius singers and musicians based on the traditional music such as Nikos Xylouris, his brother Psarantonis and Loudovikos of Anogia.

The village has also a great tradition of resistance against the dominants of the area, as it occurs with many other villages on the island. Anogia had participated to all the revolts against the Ottomans and, following their independent spirit, also resisted strongly to the German occupation during the World War II, which resulted to a total destruction of the village and an order of the Germans to seize and execute every male of Anogia who could carry a gun.

There are many things to see when in the village and the area.
Those who like Nature will find a paradise here; the Nida plateau is found some 25 kilometers far from Anogia at the South. The place is worth visiting in every season both for the famous Idaion Antron (meaning "the Cave of Idi"), a cave with very important archaeological finds and its wild nature, and for the ski resort available in winter and early spring.
Once in the area it is also worth visiting the Observatory situated at a height of 1750 meters, at the East of the plateau.

Don't miss to visit the holm - oak tree wood , found near the church of Aghios Yakinthos, the protector of the lovers; the church is situated at a distance of 18 kilometers far from Anogia at the South (at the mid-way to the Nida plateau) and it is a beautiful dry stone building.

Very close to Aghios Yakinthos, 16 kilometers far from Anogia at the South, it is found the archaeological site of Zominthos, close to the homonymous settlement. Excavations there have brought to light the ruins of a Late Minoan settlement.
One of the most interesting buildings of the area are the "Mitata", dry stone vaulted constructions used by the stock farmers as provisional dwellings and as places of storage of the local cheese, left there to mature.
Inspired by the local environment and the traditional architectural features, is the monument of the "The winged Partisan of Peace", a dry stone construction very interesting and original.
Within the village you may also see the statue of Manolis Skoulas, the Cretan hero of the revolution of 1866.

The village has a museum dedicated to the local painter and sculptor Grylios, as well as a representation of the typical house of Anogia and the everyday life in the early 20 th century; there is also a manufacture of hand made glass, using the traditional technique of blowing and the open theatre "Nikos Xylouris" where several cultural events take place in summer.
A local feast ("panighyri") takes place on the Ascension Day. 
A wide range of cultural activities take place in summer: during "Yakintheia" in early July and "Anogia" in August, concerts of traditional and modern music, dance performances and theatrical plays are presented in the open theatre "Nikos Xylouris". The events gain in fame year after year and many visitors both Greeks and from abroad arrive to the village to attend them. 

RETHYMNO
Rethymnon is the capital of the Prefecture of the same name and it is built between two other large cities of Crete. In the east is Iraklion (80 km) and to the west is Hania (60 km).
It lies along the north coast, having to the east one of the largest sand beaches in Crete (12 km) and to the west a rocky coastline that ends up to another large sand beach after 10 km.
It is the administrative, communications and commercial center of the Prefecture with approximately 25.000 inhabitants.

Access
There is direct connection all year round from the port of Rethymnon to Piraeus.Tours to Santorini are also organized during the summer.
Rethymnon does not have an airport but the city is served by the airports of Hania and Iraklion.
Public buses can be used for travelling to Hania, Iraklion and most of the towns and villages of the Prefecture of Rethymnon.

History
There are evidences that Rethymnon city is built on the site of ancient Rithymna that flourished during Mycenean times. In the 3rd century AD, for some unknown reason, it lost its importance, and is only mentioned as a large village. However, Rithymna retained its autonomy and independence, as is evidenced by the coins which, as a free city, it continued to mint. During the Byzantine period the town continued to be inhabited, and parts of Roman and Byzantine mosaics have been found.
Rethymnon became a city during the Venetian occupation. The Venetians needed an intermediary port for their operations for their ships travelling from Iraklion to Hania. They also needed an administrative center, so Rethymnon became the third bigger city in Crete and an important cultural center. Rethymnon was destroyed in 1567 when Algerian pirates conquered, robbed and burned it. The Turks took over Rethymnon at 1646.
During the period of Ottoman rule, Rethymnon fell into decline as did the other towns in Crete. During the difficult years of the struggle for independence, its inhabitants were actively involved and, as a result, many of its freedom – fighters were executed.
In 1897, the Russian army took Rethymnon and held it until 1909. In 1913, it became part of Greece, together with the rest of Crete.
City map & virtual tour
With this map you will enjoy a virtual tour in the town of Rethymno. It features a distance calculator, many photos and information on the most important sites of the town.
During the German occupation, the Rethymniots took an active part in the resistance against fascism.
In the last 25 years, Rethymno has seen a significant growth, in economy by the development of tourism and in culture by the operation of the university.

Sights
The town still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with its buildings dating from the 16th century, arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, small Venetian harbor and narrow streets.
The Venetian Loggia, an elegant building of the 16th century, that used to be a Venetian gentlemens's club and today houses the information office of the ministry of culture and a sales point of the archaeological museum.
The Fortezza castle, at the top of a low hill named "Palaiokastro" dominates the town. It was built in 1590 to protect the city from the pirates raids and the Turks.
The name "Palaiokastro which means 'The old Castle" was in use even by the Venetians which demonstrates the existance of an even older castle at this place. - Probably the acropolis of the ancient town of Rithymna.
The interior of Fortezza accommodated the following basic buildings: the storeroom of the artillery, where canons and weapons were kept, the residence of the Councillors, where one of the city's two Venetian councillors lived, the residence of the Rector, which represented a luxurious, magnificent building in the central square of the fortress.
Today parts of those buildings, as well as of some others built later, can be seen. The view from up there is magnificent, especially at night.
The municipal theatre "Erofili" stands also at Fortezza's premises. It is an outdoor theatre that hosts almost all the performances during the Renaissance Festival.
Rimondi fountain with rich decoration is situated at Platanos square, the centre of the Venetian town. It was built in 1626, by A.Rimondi, in order to provide the citizens with drinkable water.
Neratzes mosque formerly the Holy Virgin church, was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans. Today it is used as a music conservatory. Outstanding elements of this building are the doorframe and the three domes. Next to the mosque there is the impressive minaret, built in 1890.
Kara Mousa Pasa Mosque also a venetian monastery that was turned into mosque by the Turks. Today it is the house of the Restoration Board.
Porta Guora the entrance to the Venetian town is the only remnant of the defensive wall.
Folklore & history museum (Vernardou 28-30. Open Monday to Friday 09.30-14.30. Closed Saturday and Sunday.) Housed in a restored Venetian building with an interior courtyard. Eight halls with collections that include textile and basket weaving, embroidery & lace, costumes, ceramics, historic photographs and maps, weapons and coins. Over 5.000 items dating from the 17th to the 20th century are displayed.
The Archaeological museum of Rethymno (8am to 3pm, closed on Monday), just opposite the entrance of the fortress, exhibits objects from the Neolithic to the Roman period, found at the prefecture of Rethymno (mainly Eleftherna, Monastiraki and Armeni). Clay figurines, funerary coffers, grave offerings, statues, grave steles, red-figure vases, bronze vessels, jewellery and glass vases, are some of the objects on display.
The municipal gardens are ideal for those in search of shade and tranquillity.
Throughout the year various activities are organized which draw a large crowd. The Wine Festival is held there annually at the beginning of July. Another festival is held on 7-8th of November, in memory of the destruction of Arkadi Monastery.

Facilities
Rethymnon is a city that caters to the needs of the visitor.
There are a lot of places to stay ranging from luxury hotels to rent a room, bed and breakfast apartment buildings.
Night life can range from extremely intense on the pubs and bars around the harbor and inside the old city , to relaxed on small bars right on the beach.
There is always fresh fish to be found in the tavernas around the harbor and there are many other restaurants and tavernas outside the city in equally attractive surroundings.
Arabatzoglou Street
A commercial street with old buildings.
Shopping could also be interesting at Rethymnon. There are lots of small shops with attractive merchantise from souvenirs, cards, etc to the most rare kind of sponge.

CHANIA
Hania is the capital of the Prefecture of the same name and the second biggest town in Crete, with a population of 60.000 inhabitants.
It is the administrative, economical, communications and commercial center of the Prefecture.

Access

    Hania has daily sea connection with Piraeus via ferry boats. The bay of Suda that serves as the port of Hania, is the biggest and safest bay in the East Mediterranean.
    The airport of Hania is located at Sternes, in Akrotiri, 14 km east of the town. Hania is connected by air to Athens but there are also several charter flights from all over Europe during the summer. At the airport are car rentals and taxis for all parts of the island.


History

    Hania is built on the site of the ancient city of Kydonia. This site was inhabited from Neolithic times and through all phases of the Minoan Period. Kydonia developed into a very important center of the Minoan civilization and it was famous for its pottery workshops. During the Roman period Kydonia was an important city. Kydonia was destroyed in 828 AD by the Saracene pirates. During the Byzantine period Hania ceased to be an important city.
    When the Venetians came they settled in Kastelli, the hill which commands the harbor, and they fortified it. They built there their cathedral, Santa Maria, as well as a palace, theatre and houses for their nobility. The city flourished as an economical and intellectual center. The fear of a Turkish invasion forced the Venetians to enclose the entire town with a wall and a moat.
    In 1645 the Turks occupied Hania after a two months siege. In 1850 they transferred the capital of the island there.
    With the liberation of Crete from the Turks, in 1897, Hania became the capital of the autonomous Cretan State. In 1913, along with the rest of Crete, it was united with the rest of the Greek State.
    Hania was the birth place of one of the greatest statesman of the new Hellenic Republic, Eleftherios Venizelos.
    Venizelos' influence on the history of Greece was paramount, from his participation to the talks with the Ottomans that resulted to granting Crete independence in 1897, to the final union of Crete with Greece in 1913.

Sights
Chania is one of the nicest towns in Crete, with wonderful houses, parks and squares and a well designed town-plan.
The Public Market is an impressive building, in the town center, built at the beginning of the present century (1911) and houses grocery stores, butchers' shops, a fish market and vegetable shops.
The Public Gardens, next to the Market, are ideal for those in search of shade and tranquillity.
Northeast of the gardens is the beautiful neighborhood of Chalepa where the residences of Prince George and Eleftherios Venizelos were.
The old city has preserved to a great extent the distinctive atmosphere and charm of the Venetian and Turkish periods. Entire Venetian, Turkish and Jewish quarters are saved, with well preserved buildings in the narrow picturesque streets.
One of the most significant buildings is the large Venetian church of Aghios Frankiskos which today houses the Archaeological Museum of Chania.
The old city leads at the harbor, where many Venetian and Turkish buildings are preserved. At the entrance of the harbor, at its northerst point, is the renovated fort "Firkas", built on 1629, that today houses the Maritime Museum of Hania as well as a summer theatre, where drama performances are presented.
Opposite the Firkas fort, is the magnificent Venetian lighthouse, built on the 16 century and restored by the Egyptians.
The harbor is protected by a Venetian breakwater, built of huge stones. At the center of the breakwater are the ruins of a fortress.
West of Chania, at a distance of 4.5 km, is the hill of Profitis Ilias, where the memorial and tomb of Eleftherios Venizelos and his son Sophokles are located.
Chania can be the starting point for a tour to the western Crete, a part of the island with magnificent natural beauty. There are lots of places worth seeing , within driving distance (two to three hours) , the most famous being the Samaria Gorge. This is a National Park of Greece that starts at the village of Omalos, at an altitude of 1227 m. and ends after a walk of approximately 18 Km to the beach of Agia Roumeli. The Gorge is open from May to the beginning of October and is definitely a must for everyone.

Facilities
Chania offers a large number of accommodation in hotels of all categories. There are also guest houses and hostels.
The old city is full of restaurants and taverns, housed in renovated houses, or even in the open-air remains of old buildings. There are also plenty of bars and night spots . Night life in Chania is very intense with most places staying open throughout the night. Usually a night out for most locals starts with dinner , continues with a visit to bars and discos and ends with coffee and sweets in the early morning.