HeritagePhoto Wikimedia CommonsLighthouse of Chania
Greece
This excursion brings us to West Crete and our first stop in Chania, the most ravishing city of Crete. It was an important Minoan city and the “mother of the Cretan cities”, according to ancient writers. The city is divided in the Old City, with the gorgeous harbor and the New City, beyond its Venetian fortifications. The Old City is one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean and is called “Venice of the East”. We can admire samples of all the civilizations that have passed from here: archaeological Minoan sites, Turkish minarets and mosques, Muslim neighborhoods, Venetian fortresses, dockyards, fountains, squares, arches, mansions, Loggia and the Lighthouse of Chania, Chania 731 32.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Lighthouse of Chania
Welcome to the Venetian Harbor of Chania, a maritime masterpiece that has served as the pulsing heart of this city since the 13th century. As we stand here at the edge of the promenade, your eyes are naturally drawn across the…
Listen in the app2The Byzantine Foundations and the First Walls
As we move along the western edge of the harbor near the Firka Fortress, we are walking over layers of time. Before the Venetians arrived, Chania was an important center for the Byzantine Empire. …
Listen in the app3The Great Arsenals and the Spirit of Shipbuilding
Turning our attention toward the eastern basin of the harbor, we encounter the Arsenali Veneziani, or the Great Arsenals. These seventeen massive, vaulted stone buildings were constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries to serve…
Listen in the app4The Long Causeway and the Sea’s Embrace
We now begin the walk along the stone mole, a massive breakwater that stretches nearly 1.5 kilometers to protect the inner harbor from the often-turbulent Cretan Sea. This walk takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and offers some…
Listen in the app5The Egyptian Restoration and the Minaret Silhouette
As we arrive at the base of the lighthouse, the most striking feature is its architecture. While the lower, square base is clearly Venetian, the upper tower is distinctly different. …
Listen in the app6A Beacon Through Modern Conflict
The lighthouse has not only survived the elements but also the ravages of modern warfare. During World War II, Chania was a major focal point during the Battle of Crete in 1941. …
Listen in the app7The Yali Mosque and the Ottoman Legacy
As we walk back toward the mainland, we must mention the Yali Mosque, or the 'Mosque of the Sea,' which sits prominently on the harbor front. Built shortly after the Ottoman conquest in 1645, it was the first mosque constructed…
Listen in the app8Lighthouse of Chania
As our journey around the Lighthouse of Chania comes to a close, we return to the bustling promenade. The best way to end your visit is to find a seat at one of the harborside cafes as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. …
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What is Lighthouse of Chania?
Lighthouse of Chania is a place in Greece with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Greece |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 35.5196, 24.0167 |
| Last updated |
