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Chania

Coordinates:35°31′N24°1′E/ 35.517°N 24.017°E/35.517; 24.017
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(Redirected fromHania)
This article is about the city of Chania. For the region of Chania, seeChania (regional unit).
"Hanya" redirects here. For the Japanese mask, seeHannya.
Not to be confused withCharnia.
Chania or Hania
Χανιά
Municipality
View of the "Venetian port" of Chania.
View of the "Venetian port" of Chania.
Official seal of Chania or Hania
Seal
Chania or Hania is located in Greece
Chania or Hania
Chania or Hania
Location within the region
Coordinates:35°31′N24°1′E/ 35.517°N 24.017°E/35.517; 24.017
CountryGreece
Administrative regionCrete
Regional unitChania
Government
• MayorPanagiotis Simandirakis[1](since 2019)
Area
• Municipality351.3 km2(135.6 sq mi)
Elevation
20 m (70 ft)
Population
(2021)[2]
• Municipality111,375
• Density320/km2(820/sq mi)
• Municipal unit
54,559
Demonym(s)Chanian, Chaniotis/Haniotis, Chaniotisa/Haniotisa
Time zoneUTC+2(EET)
• Summer (DST)UTC+3(EEST)
Postal code
73100
Area code(s)28210
Vehicle registrationΧΝ
Websitewww.chania.gr

Chania(Greek:Χανιά,Khaniá,[xaˈɲa]ⓘ), also sometimesromanizedasHania,is a city inGreeceand the capital of theChania regional unit.It lies along the north west coast of the islandCrete,about 70 km (43 mi) west ofRethymnoand 145 km (90 mi) west ofHeraklion.

The municipality has 111,375 inhabitants (2021). This consists of the city of Chania and several nearby areas, includingKounoupidiana,Mournies,Souda,Nerokouros,Daratsos, Perivolia, Galatas and Aroni.

History

[edit]

Minoan era

[edit]
Main article:Cydonia, Crete
Hellenistic head of a woman from thecemeteryof ancient Cydonia in theArchaeological Museum of Chania.

Chania was the site of aMinoansettlement, known fromLinear Btablets fromKnossosas having been namedKu-do-ni-ja(Mycenaean Greek:𐀓𐀈𐀛𐀊). The subsequent Greek settlement was likewise known asCydonia(Greek:Κυδωνία,Kydōnía), ultimately the source of the English word "quince".

Some notablearchaeologicalevidence for the existence of this Minoan city below some parts of today's Chania was found by excavations[3]in the district of Kasteli in the Old Town. This area appears to have been inhabited since theNeolithic Age.[4]

Ancient Greek and Roman eras

[edit]
Further information:Crete and Cyrenaica

Cydonia reemerged after the end of the Minoan period as an importantcity-stateinClassical Greece,one whose domain extended from Chania Bay to the feet of theWhite Mountains.The first major wave of settlers from mainlandGreecewas by theDorianswho came around1100 BC.Cydonia was constantly at war with other Cretan city-states such asAptera,Phalasarna,and Polyrrinia and was important enough for the Cydonians to be mentioned inHomer'sOdyssey.[5][6]In69 BC,theRoman consulQ. Caecilius Metellusdefeated theCretansand conquered Cydonia, to which he granted the privileges of an independent city-state.[citation needed]

Byzantine and Arab eras

[edit]
Further information:Byzantine CreteandEmirate of Crete

Cydonia was not well documented inlate antiquityor in the early medieval period, when it was first ruled by theByzantine Empire(395–824) and then by theEmirate of Crete(824–961). The Arabs seem to have begun calling the settlemental-Ḵān(Arabic:الخان), literally "theCaravanserai"or"Inn"but possibly transcribing the name of a neighborhood previously devoted to the worship of theMinoan godWelchanos.[7]The city had become known as Chania in Greek by the time of the second period of Byzantine rule (961–1204). In order to deter another Arab invasion, the Byzantines strongly fortified the city, reusing materials from ancient buildings in the area. Chania was the seat of aByzantinebishopric, which became theRoman Catholic Diocese of La Caneaunder Venetian rule and then the Latin titular see of Cydonia.[8]

Venetian era

[edit]
Further information:Kingdom of Candia
The old harbour during the Venetian era.
Venetian shipyards.

After the fall ofConstantinopleduring the 1204Fourth Crusade,Crete was distributed toBonifacio, Marquess of Montferrat.He in turn chose to sell it to theVenetiansfor 100 silver marks.[citation needed]In 1252, the Venetians managed to subdue the Cretans but in 1263, their rivals of Genoa, with local support, seized the city under the leadership ofEnrico Pescatore,count of Malta, and held it until 1285, when the Venetians returned.[citation needed]Under theVenetiannameLa Canea,the city was chosen to be the seat of the Rector (Administrator General) of the region and flourished as a significant commercial centre of a fertile agricultural region.[citation needed]

The Venetian rule was initially strict and oppressive but slowly the relations between the two parts improved. Contact withVeniceled to close intertwining ofCretanand Venetian cultures, without, however, the Cretans losing theirGreek Orthodoxnature.Its fortificationswere strengthened, giving Chania the form that it still has today. On the other hand, after the fall ofConstantinoplein 1453, many priests, monks and artists took refuge in Crete and reinforced theByzantinereligion and culture on the island. The city of Canea during the period that followed was a blend of Byzantine, Venetian, and Classical Greek cultural elements. Many of the important buildings of the town were built during this era and the intellectual activities (written word, music, education) were also promoted.[9]

Ottoman era

[edit]
Further information:Ottoman Crete
The old harbour during the Ottoman era.

During the opening months of theCretan War (1645–1669)the city's walls did not prevent anOttomanarmy from capturing it from the Venetians after a two-month siege. Many Cretans fled to escape persecution, many others were slaughtered or converted to Islam, while numerous Turkish Muslim settlers arrived changing the ethnic mix of the city.[10]

Under theOttoman TurkishnameHanya(خانیه), Muslims resided mainly in the eastern quarters, Kastelli and Splantzia, where they converted theDominicanchurch of St Nicholasinto the central Sovereign's Mosque (Turkish:Hünkar Camısı).[11]They also built new mosques such as theKüçük Hasan Pasha Mosqueor Yali Mosque on the harbour.[12]Public baths (hamam), and fountains were a feature of the Ottoman city.[13]Thepashaof Crete resided in Hanya.[14]

The city remained under Ottoman control despite fighting during theGreek War of Independence (1821-29),theCretan Revolt (1866–1869)and theCretan Revolt (1878).Due to the island's mixture of Muslim and Christian residents, Crete was the subject of international debate between the European great powers, most notably at theTreaty of Berlin (1878)which resulted in thePact of Halepa.During the 19th and early 20th century, interethnic violence on Crete eventually led to the mass migration of the island's local Muslim population to other Mediterranean islands or coastal cities. Mass conversions also occurred. Thepopulation exchange between Greece and Turkeyin 1922 resulted in the deportation of the island's last Muslim residents.[15]

Modern era

[edit]
Further information:Cretan StateandTheriso revolt
Eleftherios Venizelos(1864–1936), major political figure of the 20th century European scene, was born in Chania.

In 1898, during the final moves towards independence andenosis—union withGreece—theGreat Powersmade Chania the capital of the semi-autonomousCretan State(Kritiki Politeia), withPrince George of Greece,the High Commissioner of Crete living here. During these years Crete issued its own stamps and money. This was a very important transitional period when, no longer an isolatedvilayetof the Ottoman Empire, the city became more cosmopolitan and flourishing, regaining its role as the crossroad of civilizations, influenced by Europe as well as by the East. Many important buildings were built during this era, intellectual and artistic societies were created and a new class of local aristocracy brought a different atmosphere to the everyday life of the town. The district ofHalepahas many fine neoclassical embassies and consulates dating from this period.

However the main goal wasenosiswith Greece, which came afterEleftherios Venizelos's constant opposition to Prince George's rule over Crete. The series of conflicts includes theTherisos revoltin 1905, which overthrew Prince George and broughtAlexandros Zaimisto rule Crete. Finally, in 1908, Venizelos managed to establish a revolutionary government, recognized by theGreat Powers.His later election as the prime minister of Greece (1910) eventually led to Crete's union with Greece on 1 December 1913, following theBalkan Wars.The Greek flag was raised for the first time at Fort Firka in the Old Harbour in the presence of Venizelos and King Constantine.

Due to the popularity of Venizelos, Chania as with most of Crete remained staunchly pro-Venizelist,pro-Liberaland later pro-Republicanin theNational Schismand theinterwar period.The only attempt to overthrow the monarchistMetaxas Regimeoccurred in the city with the failed28 July 1938 uprising.

World War II

[edit]
Further information:Axis occupation of Greece during World War IIandBattle of Crete

Another important period for the city of Chania was the invasion and occupation byGermanforces duringWorld War II.The British force that faced the German paratroopers during theBattle Of Cretein 1941, had artillery elements over the hill of Dexameni in the south of the city. These elements bombarded the German forces in theMalemeairfield undetected, until they ran out of ammunition.George II of Greecestayed in a villa near the village of Perivolia outside Chania before escaping toEgypt.Part of the city was bombed and a significant proportion of the area's population was either executed or imprisoned due to participation in the resistance against the German rule. TheJewishcommunity of Chania was also eliminated during the German occupation. Most of them were transported off the island by theNazioccupiers in 1944. ABritishtorpedosank the shipTanais,which was carrying most of the Jewish prisoners.

Postwar era

[edit]

The city of Chania slowly regained its normal pace of development during the 1950s, trying to overcome the difficulties that the war had left in its aftermath. During the 1970s, Crete became a major tourist destination for Greek and international tourists, something that gave a significant boost to the city's economy and affected the everyday life and the overall culture of the locals. The capital ofCretewas moved toHeraklionin 1971.

Since the 1990s, the city of Chania has entered a new era, mainly due to construction and infrastructure such as a new airport, port and educational facilities, and it is considered a prominent tourist resort in theMediterranean Sea.

Geography

[edit]
SeeChania Regionfor maps
Chania lighthouse at the port

The city of Chania lies around 40 km (25 mi) from the west end of Crete. By road, the distance is approximately 52 km (32 mi).[16]

Cityscape

[edit]

The city of Chania can be divided into two parts: the old town and the modern city which is the larger one. The old town is situated next to the old harbour and is the matrix around which the whole urban area was developed. It used to be surrounded by theold Venetian fortificationsthat started to be built in 1538.[17]Of them, only the eastern and western parts have survived. From the south, the old town is continuous with the new, and from the north the physical border is the sea. The centre of the modern city is the area extending next to the old town and especially towards the south.

The old town

[edit]
Traditional street in the old town.
Colors of the old town

The borders of the Old Town are the partly destroyedold Venetian wall(and bulwarks) and this has been the cradle of all the civilizations which were developed in the area. The central part of the old town is named Kasteli and has been inhabited sinceNeolithictimes (ancientKydonia). It is located on a small hill right next to the seafront and has always been the ideal place for a settlement due to its secure position, its location next to the harbour and its proximity to the fertile valley in the south. Nowadays it is a bit more quiet than the neighbouring areas of the west part of the district. The Splantzia quarter (next to the east part of Kasteli) is also largely untouched.

The main square of the Old Town (next to the west end of Kasteli) isEleftherios VenizelosSquare, also known asSyntrivani(from Turkishşadırvan'fountain'). It is the heart of the tourist activities in the area. Next to this (on the west side) lies the Topanas district, which was theChristianquarter during theOttomanperiod. Its name comes from the Venetian ammunition warehouse (Turkishtophane), which was located there. TheJewishquarter (EvraikiorOvraiki) was located at the north-west of the Old Town, behind the harbour and within the borders of Topanas. The Topanas area has many narrow alleys and old buildings, some of which have been restored as hotels, restaurants, shops and bars. This makes it a popular place especially during the warm period (April–October). In the winter, it still remains a centre of activities (especially for nightlife).

Finally, a very distinctive area of the Old Town is theharbouritself and generally the seafront. Akti Tompazi, Akti Kountouriotou and Akti Enoseos (marina) all feature several historical buildings and nightlife. The main street that combines the modern town with the old town is Halidon Street.

The modern city

[edit]
The fountain in Eleftherios Venizelos Square

The modern part of Chania is where most locals live and work. It is less traditional than the old town, but there are still areas of some historical interest.

The oldest district (early 18th century) of the modern city is Nea Hora (meaning "New Town" ) which is located beyond the west end of the old town. It is a developing area with narrow old lanes leading to a small fishing harbour.

The district of Koum Kapi (the Venetians had first named it "Sabbionara", which means "the Gate of the Sand", the same as "Koum Kapi" ) situated beyond the walls at the eastern part of the old town, was also one of the first places to be inhabited outside the fortification walls. Initially, it was home for the "Halikoutes", a group of Bedouins fromNorth Africawho had settled there in the last years of Ottoman rule.[18]Nowadays it is a developing area with many cafes, bars and restaurants on its beach.

In the same era the district ofHalepabegan to grow to the east of the city and used to be home for the local aristocracy. Some of the historical buildings of the area (including oldembassiesof foreign countries) had been destroyed or abandoned during the later decades of the 20th century, and it was only recently when some interest was shown for the restoration of the remaining ones.[19]

View of the promenade.

Other historical buildings in the area includeEleftherios Venizelos's House (built 1876-1880), the old French school (now property of the Technical University of Crete, housing the Department of Architecture), the Church of Agia Magdalini (built 1901-1903), The "Palace" (built 1882, house of Prince George during the period of the Cretan independence) and The Church of Evangelistria (built 1908–1923). Part of the marine area of Halepa is called Tabakaria, where a unique architectural complex of old leather processing houses is situated.[20]

Castelli district.

Apart from the previously mentioned older districts of the modern part of the town, several new residential areas have been developed during the 20th century, like Agios Ioannis, Koumbes, Lentariana, Pachiana and Pasakaki. Sections of the city centre are dominated by colourless medium-height block buildings, typical of the urbanization period of Greece (1950–1970). However, there are still someneoclassicalhouses, especially in the eastern part of Chania. There are some parks and several sports grounds, the most important being the Venizeleio Stadium of Chania and the Swimming Pool at Nea Hora. The 1913 indoor market ( "Agora" ), is on the edge of the old town and is popular with tourists and locals alike. Some other important sites of the newer urban area are The Court House ( "Dikastiria", built late in the 19th century), the Public Gardens ( "Kipos", created in 1870), the Garden Clock-Tower ( "Roloi", built in 1924–1927), the Episcopal Residence (Bishop's residence, "Despotiko", built in the early 19th century) and the House of Manousos Koundouros (built in 1909), the Cultural Centre ( "Pnevmatiko Kentro" ). The central largest squares in Chania are the Market Square ( "Agora" ), the Court House Square ( "Dikastiria" ) and the "1866 Square".[21]

Since the 1990s, there has been a profound movement of Chania residents towards the suburbs, as well as towards areas around the city which used to be rural, mainly aroundKounoupidianain theAkrotiri Peninsula.[22]

The marina in the old harbour.
Panorama of the port.

Climate

[edit]
Chania, Greece
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
142
14
8
112
15
8
81
17
9
32
20
11
13
24
15
4.6
29
19
1.3
30
21
1.6
30
21
19
27
18
80
23
15
73
20
12
94
16
9
█Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
█Precipitation totals in mm
Source:[23]
Imperial conversion
JFMAMJJASOND
5.6
58
46
4.4
59
46
3.2
62
47
1.3
68
52
0.5
76
58
0.2
84
65
0.1
87
69
0.1
86
69
0.7
81
65
3.2
74
59
2.9
67
53
3.7
61
49
█Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
█Precipitation totals in inches

The city has a hot-summerMediterranean climate(Köppen:Csa), with sunny dry summers and mild rainy winters. During the period between April and October, clear-sky weather is almost an everyday feature. The atmosphere is always warm, but strong heat waves (temperatures above 38 °C) are not very common, since the prevailingetesianwinds ( "Meltemia" ) blow from theAegean Seaand pleasantly moderate the conditions. Intervals of sunny days are frequent during the windy and rainy winter as well. Snow and frost are rare near the coast, with very few exceptions, like the snowstorm on 13 February 2004, when 25–75 cm (9.8–29.5 in) of snow accumulated in the greater regional area, causing general chaos.[24]The last significant snowfall occurred on 8 January 2017 when the whole city and the old harbor were covered by snow. However, such cold days can be followed by much warmer and sunny weather.Heat wavescan occur from as early as March, oftentimes accompanied bySaharan dust,[25]whose main feature are the hotkatabatic winds(foehn winds) blowing from the south, also calledSirocco (Σιρόκος)or "Livas" (the wind fromLibya) by the Greeks.[citation needed]

The adjacent climate chart is based on data recorded during 1958–1997. The absolute maximum temperature recorded during this period was 42.5 °C (109 °F), while the absolute minimum recorded was 0 °C (32 °F).[citation needed]

However, the record minimum was broken on 13 February 2004 when the temperature dropped to −1 °C (30 °F) in the nearbyairportofSoudaand the record maximum was broken on 1 July 2021 when the temperature reached 44.3 °C (111.7 °F) in the city station operated by theNational Observatory of Athens.[26]

The climate in Chania is further complemented due to the terrain and can vary throughout its regions and elevations and according to its topography. At the south lies the mountain range ofLefka Ori.Furthermore, prevailing winds, such as those of the West side and South of Crete, in addition to the North side—all interact to form its climate.

Climate data for Chania Airport (Souda) 1971–2000
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 14.0
(57.2) 		14.3
(57.7) 		16.1
(61.0) 		19.9
(67.8) 		24.5
(76.1) 		29.0
(84.2) 		30.5
(86.9) 		30.0
(86.0) 		27.5
(81.5) 		23.4
(74.1) 		19.0
(66.2) 		15.6
(60.1) 		22.0
(71.6)
Daily mean °C (°F) 10.8
(51.4) 		11.0
(51.8) 		12.4
(54.3) 		15.8
(60.4) 		20.1
(68.2) 		24.7
(76.5) 		26.6
(79.9) 		25.9
(78.6) 		23.2
(73.8) 		19.4
(66.9) 		15.3
(59.5) 		12.4
(54.3) 		18.1
(64.6)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 8.1
(46.6) 		8.0
(46.4) 		8.9
(48.0) 		11.7
(53.1) 		15.2
(59.4) 		19.2
(66.6) 		21.4
(70.5) 		21.3
(70.3) 		19.1
(66.4) 		15.9
(60.6) 		12.4
(54.3) 		9.7
(49.5) 		14.2
(57.6)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 126.4
(4.98) 		101.9
(4.01) 		81.2
(3.20) 		26.9
(1.06) 		11.2
(0.44) 		2.0
(0.08) 		1.4
(0.06) 		1.4
(0.06) 		15.2
(0.60) 		61.5
(2.42) 		86.7
(3.41) 		98.9
(3.89) 		614.7
(24.21)
Average rainy days(≥ 0.1 mm) 17.0 14.7 12.0 7.8 3.9 1.4 0.2 0.6 2.6 9.8 10.8 15.8 96.6
Mean monthlysunshine hours 118.1 135.6 188.0 240.9 303.0 355.4 376.7 355.7 281.9 208.7 138.0 111.7 2,813.7
Source: Climate Atlas-Hellenic National Meteorological Service.[27]

Government

[edit]
Municipalities of Chania regional unit.Chaniais number 1.

The municipality of Chania was formed in the 2011 local government reform by the merger of the following seven former municipalities, that became municipal units:[28]

The municipality has an area of 351.306 km2(135.640 sq mi), the municipal unit 12.564 km2(4.851 sq mi).[29]The municipality forms the eastern shore of Chania Bay (Kolpos Chanion Κόλπος Χανίων) and is bordered byPlatanias(6) to the west,Sfakia(7) to the south andApokoronas(2) to the east.

Culture

[edit]
The previous site of theArchaeological Museum of Chania.
Center of Mediterranean architecture.
Nautical Museum of Crete

There are several museums,art galleries,theatreand music groups, educational and research institutions within the city.

The most important museums in Chania are:

Several theatre groups are active in Chania with the most important being the Municipal and Regional Theatre of Crete (DI.PE.THE.K).[33]The repertoire includes old and contemporary plays from Greek and foreign writers. The Venizelian Conservatory of Music ( "Odeion", established 1931) is also one of the most important cultural societies in Crete.[citation needed]A recent[when?]attempt from the municipality to create achamber musicgroup named "Sinfonietta" has been successful and its performances throughout the year have enriched the cultural event calendar of the city.[citation needed]There is also a significant community of people who focus onalternative/indiemusic as well asjazzand bands performing modern musical styles.[citation needed]A number of traditional [Cretan] musicians are also active in town.

There are fivecinemas(two of them open-air), concentrating both in commercial and independent movies and occasionally organizing small festivals.

There are numerous cafes, restaurants and bars throughout the Old Town and especially around the old Venetian harbour, at Enetiki Tafros (Venetian moat) and at Splantzia square, but also along the waterfront of the Koum Kapi and Nea Hora neighbourhoods. In summer, the bars and restaurants atPlataniasandAgia Marinaare also busy.

A snapshot from a cultural event in Chania.

During the summer period a variety of cultural events take place on a daily basis. Theatrical plays, concerts and several exhibitions from Greek and foreign artists are organized either by the municipality or by individuals. A venue which hosts many of these events is a theater located in the east bulwark of the Old Town ( "Anatoliki Tafros" ). Also, several festivals, conferences and sport events take place in Chania, especially between May and September.

A major role in the city's cultural life is played by the Municipal Cultural Corporation of Chania (DI.P.E.X.)[34]which organizes a significant part of the events taking place throughout the year.

There is aFrench,aGerman,anItalianand aSwedishconsulatein Chania.

Sports

[edit]
The old Stadium of Chania.

Water sportsare very popular in Chania. The localwater poloteam, Nautical Club of Chania, N.O.X.[35]has managed to be a protagonist in the primary league of the Greek national championship for years. Several athletes of this team have also played forGreece men's national water polo team,which has achieved major international successes.

Footballandbasketballare also very popular in the town, however not as successful. The main football team isChania FC(whose home ground is thePerivolia Municipal Stadium).Platanias FC(originally based at Maleme stadium near the town ofPlatanias) played in the top tier GreekSuper Leaguebetween 2012-2013 and 2017-2018. Platanias also played at Perivolia stadium during this period before returning to the smaller Maleme stadium after relegation.

The main clubs forathleticsare "Eleftherios Venizelos" and "Kydon". The "Antisfairisi" club is specialized intennis,table tennisand also has a significant tradition inchess.Many of the above sports are being practiced in the old Stadium of Chania, built in 1935 with the financial support of Elena Venizelou, then wife ofEleftherios Venizelos.

There is an open swimming pool for water sports in the suburb of Nea Chora. A new indoor pool, which was built on the nearby Akrotiri Peninsula in 2006, has not yet opened to the public because of the estimated operational costs.[36]

A modern indoor stadium for basketball, volleyball and other indoor sports and events, calledChania Kladissos Indoor Hall,was also built in 2005 near Nea Chora (Kladissos area).

There is a very active climbing and hiking club (Greek Mountaineering Club of Chania, E.O.S. Chanion[37]) organizing weekly excursions of varying difficulty on the mountains of Crete and several other longer term missions in mainland Greece and abroad.

Education and research

[edit]

Educational institutions located at the greater area of the city are:

  • Technical University of Crete
  • The Chania branch of the Technological Educational Institute of Crete[38]
  • The Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania
  • The Merchant Marine Academy of Crete (AEN KRITIS)

Other research and intellectual institutes and societies in Chania are:

  • The National Research Foundation "Eleftherios K. Venizelos"[39]
  • The Mediterranean Architecture Centre (KAM)[40]
  • The Institute ofOlive TreeandSubtropicalPlants of Chania
  • The Institute of Cretan Law
  • The Historical, Laographical and Archaeological Society of Crete
  • Institute of Regional Press, Chania

Primaryandsecondary schoolsare mainly public in Chania (as in all cities in Greece). However, there has been a slow development of some private high schools recently. Among the "Eniaia Lykeia" (Unified Upper Secondary Schools) of the town there is an autonomous Ecclesiastical Lyceum in Agios Mattheos.

Economy

[edit]
The central market ( "Agora" )
Sponges for sale in the Agora

Two main sources of wealth in Chania areagricultureandtourism.A large portion of the city's residents (not necessarily farmers) own many hectares of agricultural land where several plants are being cultivated, the most common ones beingolive treesandcitrus.Other important products includewine,avocados,dairyetc. The organization of the Agricultural August has been a recent attempt to promote local quality products including a series of activities organised by the Prefecture of Chania since 1999 has proved very successful.

On the other hand, starting from the early 1970s, tourism has developed rapidly.[41]Nowadays the tertiary sector is becoming more and more important for the locals, since an increasing number of them are participating in the business.

An important centre of the economic activities in the town is the Chania Chamber of Commerce and Industry (E.B.E.X.).[42]

Chania, has seen notable changes in its luxury residential market, reflecting its growing appeal to affluent tourists and expatriates. According to a recent report titled "Chania Construction Market Trends for 2025-2028" the annual change in luxury residential prices in 2024 for Chania has been significantly increased to 26% compared to 2021.[43]This trend indicates a rising demand for high-end accommodations and properties, further boosting the tourism and real estate sectors.

Health care

[edit]

The main hospital in the city is the General Hospital "Agios Georgios". Other health institutions include the Crete Naval Hospital, the branch of the National Centre for Emergency Medical Care (E.K.A.B.), and the Clinic of Chronic Disease. The Chania branch of the Organisation Against Drugs (Ο.ΚΑ.ΝΑ.) opened in 2003.[44]

The city has a number of private clinics (e.g., Iasis and Central Clinic of Chania[45]), as well as medical centres specialising in various areas.

Transport

[edit]

The city is served byChania International Airport(IATA code:CHQ) 14 km from Chania on theAkrotiri Peninsula.The airport is named afterDaskalogiannis,aSfakiothero who was skinned alive by the Ottomans in the 18th century.

Souda,some 7 km (4.3 mi) east of Chania, is the city's port, with daily ferries toPiraeus.Souda also hostsCrete Naval Base,a major Greek andNATObase.Kissamosport, 41 km (25.5 mi) to the west of Chania, has ferry connections toKythiraIsland and thePeloponneseregion.

TheA90 motorwayruns along the north coast of Crete connecting Chania toKissamosin the west andHeraklionandSitiato the east. It is currently being upgraded to motorway standard and is expected to be completed by 2028.

Notable residents

[edit]

Twin towns – sister cities

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See also:List of twin towns and sister cities in Greece

Chania istwinnedwith:[46]

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See also

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References

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  1. ^Municipality of Chania, Municipal elections – October 2023,Ministry of Interior
  2. ^"Αποτελέσματα Απογραφής Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2021, Μόνιμος Πληθυσμός κατά οικισμό"[Results of the 2021 Population - Housing Census, Permanent population by settlement] (in Greek). Hellenic Statistical Authority. 29 March 2024.
  3. ^Hogan, C Michael (January 23, 2008)."Cydonia".The Modern Antiquarian.RetrievedMarch 31,2012.Cydonia is one of the five great cities of Minoan Crete, although exact location of the ancient city was not even resolved until the latter half of the 20th century. The most powerful centre of western Crete, Cydonia produced Bronze Age pottery and Linear B writings circa 1700 to 1500 BC, and was one of the first cities of Europe to mint coinage. A temple of Britomartis was erected on Mount Tityros near the city. HISTORY Cydonia was likely established as a Neolithic settlement in the fourth millennium BC. Archaeological excavations in the old town of present day Chania have revealed the remains of Middle Minoan Period Cydonia. These explorations are difficult, since the entire Venetian city of Chania was developed over Cydonia, with virtually no recorded medieval or modern mention of the ancient city specifics until the first finds in 1965. (Andreadaki, ) Ancient mention of the civilization in Cydonia is also made by Polybius, Strabo, Scylax and by Hanno in thePeriplus.(Smith, 1878) Pashley was able to work out rather accurately the location of ancient Cydonia without any archaeological data; he deduced the location near the port and Old Town from passages in the classical literature. (Pashley, 1837)
  4. ^"Chania - A City Of Many Tales".Chania - A City Of Many Tales.Retrieved2024-04-03.
  5. ^Homer,Odyssey,Book XIX, l. 200.
  6. ^Homer (1811).The Odyssey of Homer, translated by Alexander Pope.J. Walker. p. 364.OCLC1062273753.
  7. ^Platon, Nikolaos (1947),Κρητικά Χρονικά Α[Kretika Chronika 1] (in Greek).
  8. ^"Chania - A City Of Many Tales".Chania - A City Of Many Tales.Retrieved2024-04-03.
  9. ^"Chania - A City Of Many Tales".Chania - A City Of Many Tales.Retrieved2024-04-03.
  10. ^"Turkish Occupation in Crete - Crete TOURnet - Greece".www.crete.tournet.gr.Retrieved2020-03-05.
  11. ^"Turkish Occupation in Crete - Crete TOURnet - Greece".www.crete.tournet.gr.Retrieved2020-03-05.
  12. ^"Turkish Occupation in Crete - Crete TOURnet - Greece".www.crete.tournet.gr.Retrieved2020-03-05.
  13. ^"Turkish Occupation in Crete - Crete TOURnet - Greece".www.crete.tournet.gr.Retrieved2020-03-05.
  14. ^"Turkish Occupation in Crete - Crete TOURnet - Greece".www.crete.tournet.gr.Retrieved2020-03-05.
  15. ^A. Adiyeke."Crete in the Ottoman Administration Before the Population Exchange".Archived fromthe originalon 2017-04-27.Retrieved25 March2016.
  16. ^"Google Maps".Retrieved25 March2016.
  17. ^"Chania - A City Of Many Tales".Chania - A City Of Many Tales.Retrieved2024-04-03.
  18. ^"Koum Kapi - A pretty quarter in Chania city full of history".Chania Holidays.2019-03-29.Retrieved2020-03-06.
  19. ^"Chania - A City Of Many Tales".Chania - A City Of Many Tales.Retrieved2024-04-03.
  20. ^"Chania - A City Of Many Tales".Chania - A City Of Many Tales.Retrieved2024-04-03.
  21. ^"Chania - A City Of Many Tales".Chania - A City Of Many Tales.Retrieved2024-04-03.
  22. ^"Ραγδαία αλλά" άναρχη "ανάπτυξη στα Κουνουπιδιανά - Χανιώτικα Νέα"(in Greek). 2021-02-15.Retrieved2024-03-18.
  23. ^ΕΜΥ
  24. ^Κρήτης, Αγώνας της (2017-02-12)."13 Φεβρουαρίου 2004: Όταν όλη η Κρήτη από τις παραλίες ως τα βούνα της ντύθηκε στα άσπρα | Φωτός+Βίντεο".Αγώνας της Κρήτης.Retrieved2023-06-08.
  25. ^"Khamsin and Foehn winds lead a major dust outbreak in Crete".www.beyond-eocenter.eu.Retrieved2023-06-08.
  26. ^"Ο μακρύς πρώτος φετινός καύσωνας σε αριθμούς και ρεκόρ".Χανιώτικα Νέα(in Greek). 2021-07-04.Retrieved2021-07-04.
  27. ^Κλιματικός Άτλαντας της Ελλάδας[Climatic Atlas of Greece].Εθνική Μετεωρολογική Υπηρεσία[Hellenic National Meteorological Service] (in Greek).
  28. ^"ΦΕΚ A 87/2010, Kallikratis reform law text"(in Greek).Government Gazette.
  29. ^"Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)"(PDF)(in Greek). National Statistical Service of Greece. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 2015-09-21.
  30. ^Historical Archive of CreteArchivedOctober 5, 2006, at theWayback Machine
  31. ^"Local index - HTTrack Website Copier".Retrieved25 March2016.
  32. ^Εθνικό Ίδρυμα Ερευνών και Μελετών "Ελευθέριος Κ.Βενιζέλος" - Ο τομέας δεν βρέθηκε (ή δεν είναι ενεργός).Venizelos Foundation.Archived fromthe originalon 2004-01-10.Retrieved2013-03-26.
  33. ^[1]ArchivedApril 11, 2007, at theWayback Machine
  34. ^Dipeh news | Κοινωφελής Επιχείρηση Δήμου ΧανίωνArchivedOctober 6, 2006, at theWayback Machine
  35. ^"Ναυτικός Όμιλος Χανίων".Retrieved25 March2016.
  36. ^"Παρέμβαση για το κολυμβητήριο – «φάντασμα» στο Ακρωτήρι Χανίων - HANIA.news"(in Greek). 2022-11-24.Retrieved2024-04-03.
  37. ^Σχολή Ορειβασίας Αρχαρίων 20140
  38. ^"ΤΕΙ Κρήτης - Παράρτημα Χανίων, Καλως ήρθατε".Archived fromthe originalon 2006-07-18.Retrieved2006-10-06.
  39. ^Εθνικό Ίδρυμα Ερευνών και Μελετών "Ελευθέριος Κ.Βενιζέλος" - Ο τομέας δεν βρέθηκε (ή δεν είναι ενεργός).Venizelos Foundation.Archived fromthe originalon 2013-06-17.Retrieved2013-03-26.
  40. ^ΚΕΝΤΡΟ ΑΡΧΙΤΕΚΤΟΝΙΚΗΣ ΜΕΣΟΓΕΙΟΥ - Η αρχιτεκτονική είναι η τέχνη διαχείρισης του χώρου, είναι πράξη πολιτισμού.Archived fromthe originalon 2016-01-09.Retrieved2018-12-28.
  41. ^"Πως αναπτύχθηκε ο τουρισμός στην Κρήτη – Όλο το χρονικό από την εποχή του Βενιζέλου".ΝΕΟΙ ΟΡΙΖΟΝΤΕΣ(in Greek). 2020-07-30.Retrieved2024-03-18.
  42. ^"Επιμελητήριο Χανίων - Αρχική".Retrieved25 March2016.
  43. ^"Chania Construction Market Trends 2025-2028"(PDF).arencos.com.2024-07-31.Retrieved2024-08-01.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  44. ^"About us | ΟΚΑΝΑ".www.okana.gr.Retrieved2024-04-03.
  45. ^ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΚΛΙΝΙΚΗ ΤΣΕΠΕΤΗ Α.Ε."Κεντρική Κλινική Τσεπέτη - Γενική Κλινική Χανιά Κρήτη".ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΚΛΙΝΙΚΗ ΤΣΕΠΕΤΗ Α.Ε.Retrieved2016-03-25.
  46. ^"Αδελφοποιήσεις Δήμου Χανίων".chania.gr(in Greek). Chania.Retrieved2020-01-10.
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