History of Chania

Chania stands on the site of the ancient city of Cydonia: archeological excavations on Kastelli hill has brought to light a Minoan settlement with a building of the megaron type. Tombs of the Minoan or Late Minoan period have been found all over the town.

Ancient Cydonia flourished throughout the Roman period. Under the Arabs it was named Al Hanim – of which ‘Chania’ is a corruption – and under the second period of the Byzantine rule it went into decline.

In 1252 the Venetians effectively rebuilt it in accordance with Western urban planning models, later adding fortifications to keep out the pirates. They also rebuilt the castle (Kastelli), where the governor had his palace and which was the location of the Catholic Church and the houses of the Venetian officials.

At this time, Chania became a place of considerable commercial and economic importance, sometimes being called the ‘Venice of the East’.

In 1645 it was taken by the Turks, although they were never fully in control of the hinterland. In the period of Ottoman rule, Chania became the seat of the pasha, and after 1850 the castle of Chania housed the administration of the entire island.

After the proclamation of Cretan autonomy in 1897, the Turks left and Chania became the capital of the independent state. It was also the seat of the High Commissioner.

The seat was set on the union of Crete with Greece when the Greek flag was raised over the castle 1 December 1913).

The battle of Crete began near Chania (at Malame and Galata) in 1941. Military operations were centered around Chania, and the city later became a focus for the resistance movement.