Places nearby
Etz Hayyim Synagogue
Revived almost 50 years after the Nazi deportation of Crete's Jewish community in 1944, it's the island's sole testament to over 2,000 years of rich Cretan Jewish heritage through Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Venetian, and Ottoman eras.
Today, Etz Hayyim Synagogue serves as an active place of worship for a diverse Havurah (fraternity) and a vibrant community center. It hosts exhibitions, lectures, readings, films, and concerts while its staff conducts research on Cretan Jewish history and engages with local and international schools. The synagogue also welcomes Jews of all backgrounds and non-Jewish visitors for guided tours. Since its rededication in 1999, it has become a key fixture in the religious and cultural life of Chania.
Folklore Museum of Chania
Located in the heart of the Old Town on Halidon Street, the museum features exhibits showcasing traditional island life from the 18th and 19th centuries. Explore these displays and imagine the daily experiences of the island’s past residents.
The museum features a diverse collection of tools, raw materials, and products from traditional home crafts, small industries, and rural life. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised by exhibits showcasing rural occupations, home arts, craftwork, and typical rural interiors. A highlight of the museum is the workshop dedicated to reviving Cretan embroidery art, where visitors can see traditional embroidery paintings being created.
Municipal Art Gallery of Chania
The Gallery features a vibrant collection of fine art spanning the last three centuries. It showcases paintings, engravings, and sculptures by Greek and local artists from the 18th century to the present. The core of the collection, donated by Lykourgos Manousakis in the late 1950s, highlights this rich artistic heritage.
In the following years, notable donations were made along with contributions of individual works from various artists, both local and international. The Municipal Art Gallery of Chania has become a hub for broader cultural development, engaging in significant editorial work and organizing exhibitions, lectures, meetings, educational programs, and other activities throughout the year.
Venetian Harbor
The iconic Venetian Harbor in Chania is a picturesque, must-see destination that transports you through its rich historical architecture. As the city’s main landmark, it invites you to stroll past historic buildings brimming with stories and through vibrant cafes, shops, and restaurants, giving the feeling of stepping onto the set of another era.
The Venetian Harbor, showcases the city's crucial role during the Venetian era (1204 – 1669). As the island’s capital back then, Chania’s harbor was the second most significant after Venice, accommodating over 40 galleys and controlling Eastern Mediterranean trade. Its finely crafted Venetian architecture still exudes charm and unique character.
