This is where ancient Kidonia was located, the most powerful city of western Crete, renowned enemy of Knossos and Gortynia. In the 13th century it was taken over by the Venetians, who fortified and organized it according to their prototypes. This is the period when the Cathedral and the palace of the High Commissioner were built. The city of Chania is characterized by a special charm, having managed to maintain its historical identity till now. Neoclassical buildings, venetian manor-houses and strong eastern influences have left their mark, creating a unique combination. The venetian lighthouse in the harbor reminds visitors of the old grandeur of the place, while old manor-houses have an evident presence here too. There’s also a mosque, built in 1645, that has been renovated and now houses the offices of the Greek National Tourist Organization. The harbor is protected by a huge seawall formed by massive rocks, which was constructed by the Venetians, as were the 15th century sea docks that still remain in excellent condition (they are now used for the Municipality’ s cultural events) and the traditional shipyard opposite.

DON’T FORGET TO VISIT
•  The Topana district, one of the most picturesque neighborhoods of the city. It is virtually a maze of narrow, medieval streets embellished with renaissance manors and old wooden houses. Walking down Theotokopoulos Avenue is well worth doing, not just for the folk art shops along the way, but because it also leads to the church of Agios Fragiskos (Saint Francis) which used to be the biggest venetian temple of Crete until it was turned into a mosque during the Turkish Occupation. There’s a hexagonal spring in the front yard, notable for its peculiar architecture. Today the temple houses the Archaeological Museum with a collection that includes important finds from the western part of the island, from the Neolithic Age to the years of the Roman Occupation: hand-painted minoan urns, earthenware pots from the Geometric Age, weapons, tools, statuettes and roman mosaic floors.
•  The castle Firka in the southern part of Topana. This fortress, where the greek flag was hoisted in 1913, hosts the Nautical Museum.
•  The Kastelli neighborhood, where the german bombing raids left very few traces of the venetian architecture. Yet this district maintains a very special flavor with its serene atmosphere, away from the bustling crowds of the harbor. In Anthiron St. and Karaneva St., visitors can see the ruins of the venetian wall, while in Tzarkarola St. they will come upon the impressive marble escutcheon of the homonymous mansion.
•  The venetian temple of Agios Rokos in the Spladgia square.
•  The church of Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas) with the minaret, reminiscent of the times when this christian temple used to be a mosque. 
•  The church of Agion Anargiron, decorated with byzantine murals. It used to be the only orthodox church that functioned with the permission of both the Venetians and the Turks.
•  The house of Eleftherios Venizelos east of the harbor. In the neighborhood of Halepas visitors can also see the palace of the island’s first High Commissioner, Prince George.
•  The temple of Agia Maria Magdalini (Santa Maria Magdalena). It’s the only church of russian-byzantine architecture in Greece. 
•  The cruciform building of Dimotiki Agora (Public Market) built in 1911, that separates the old from the new part of the city. The Historical Museum is nearby as well.