View source for Chania

{{Short description|City in Western Crete, Greece}}
{{About|the city of Chania|the region of Chania|Chania (regional unit)}}
{{Redirect|Hanya|the Japanese mask|Hannya}}
{{Distinguish|Charnia}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2025}}
<!--Hanya redirects here-->
{{Infobox Greek Dimos
| name              = Chania or Hania 
| name_local        = Χανιά
| type = municipality
| image_map         = 2011 Dimos Chanion.png
| periph            = [[Crete]]
| periphunit        = [[Chania (regional unit)|Chania]]
| pop_municipality  = 111375
| area_municipality = 351.3
| pop_municunit     = 54559
| population_as_of  = 2021
| mayor             = Panagiotis Simandirakis<ref name=mayor>[https://ekloges.ypes.gr/current/d/home/en/municipalities/9325/ Municipality of Chania, Municipal elections – October 2023], Ministry of Interior</ref>
| since             = 2019
| elevation         = 20
| coordinates       = {{coord|35|31|N|24|1|E|format=dms|region:GR-94_type:city(109000)|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code       = 73100
| area_code         = 28210
| licence           = ΧΝ
| demonym           = Chaniotis/Haniotis, Chaniotisa/Haniotisa
| districts         =
| website           = [http://www.chania.gr www.chania.gr]
| image_skyline     = Aerial view of the Old Venetian Harbour in Chania, Greece.jpg
| caption_skyline   = View of the "Venetian port" of Chania.
| city_seal         = Chania Logo.png
| city_flag         =
}}

'''Chania''' ({{langx|el|Χανιά}}, {{translit|el|Khaniá}}, {{IPA|el|xaˈɲa|pron|el-Χανιά.ogg}}), also sometimes [[romanization of Greek|romanized]] as '''Hania''', is a city in [[Greece]] and the capital of the [[Chania (regional unit)|Chania regional unit]]. It lies along the north west coast of the island [[Crete]], about {{convert|70|km|mi|abbr=on}} west of [[Rethymno]] and {{convert|145|km|mi|abbr=on}} west of [[Heraklion]].

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

==History==

===Minoan era===
{{main|Cydonia, Crete}}
[[File:AMC - Hellenistischer Frauenkopf.jpg|thumb|220px|left|Hellenistic head of a woman from the [[Cydonia, Crete#Necropolis|cemetery]] of ancient Cydonia in the [[Archaeological Museum of Chania]].]]

Chania was the site of a [[Minoan civilization|Minoan]] settlement, known from [[Linear B]] tablets from [[Knossos]] as having been named {{translit|gmy|Ku-do-ni-ja}} ({{langx|gmy|𐀓𐀈𐀛𐀊}}). The subsequent Greek settlement was likewise known as '''[[Cydonia, Crete|Cydonia]]''' ({{langx|grc|Κυδωνία}}, ''Kydōnía''), ultimately the source of the English word "[[quince]]". 

Some notable [[archaeological]] evidence for the existence of this Minoan city below some parts of today's Chania was found by excavations<ref name="Hogan">{{cite web | url=http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/10881/cydonia.html#fieldnotes | title=Cydonia | publisher=The Modern Antiquarian | date=January 23, 2008 | access-date=March 31, 2012 | author=Hogan, C Michael | quote=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 the ''Periplus''. (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)}}</ref> in the district of Kasteli in the Old Town. This area appears to have been inhabited since the [[Neolithic|Neolithic Age]].<ref name="web1">{{Cite web |title=A City Of Many Tales |url=https://www.chaniatourism.gr/history/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Chania |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Ancient Greek and Roman eras===
{{further|Crete and Cyrenaica}}
Cydonia reemerged after the end of the Minoan period as an important [[city-state]] in [[Classical Greece]], one whose domain extended from Chania Bay to the feet of the [[Lefka Ori|White Mountains]]. The first major wave of settlers from mainland [[Ancient Greece|Greece]] was by the [[Dorians]] who came around {{nowrap|1100 BC.}} Cydonia was constantly at war with other Cretan city-states such as [[Aptera, Greece|Aptera]], [[Phalasarna]], and Polyrrinia and was important enough for the Cydonians to be mentioned in [[Homer]]'s ''[[Odyssey]]''.<ref>[[Homer]], ''[[Odyssey]]'', Book XIX, l. 200.</ref><ref>{{cite book | author = Homer | date = 1811 | title = The Odyssey of Homer, translated by Alexander Pope | publisher = J. Walker | page = 364 | oclc = 1062273753 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=5TNWAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA364}}</ref> In {{nowrap|69 BC,}} the [[Roman consul]] [[Quintus Caecilius Metellus Creticus|Q. Caecilius Metellus]] defeated the [[Cretans]] and conquered Cydonia, to which he granted the privileges of an independent city-state.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

===Byzantine and Arab eras===
{{Further|Byzantine Crete|Emirate of Crete}}
Cydonia was not well documented in [[late antiquity]] or in the early medieval period, when it was first ruled by the [[Byzantine Empire]] (395–824) and then by the [[Emirate of Crete]] (824–961). The Arabs seem to have begun calling the settlement {{translit|ar|al-Ḵān}} ({{langx|ar|الخان}}), literally "the [[Caravanserai]]" or "[[Inn]]" but possibly transcribing the name of a neighborhood previously devoted to the worship of the [[Minoan religion|Minoan god]] [[Welchanos]].<ref>{{citation |first=Nikolaos |last=Platon |title=Κρητικά Χρονικά Α |language=Greek |date=1947 |trans-title=Kretika Chronika 1 |publisher= |location= |url= }}.</ref> 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 a [[History of the Eastern Orthodox Church#Byzantine_period|Byzantine]] bishopric, which became the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of La Canea]] under Venetian rule and then the Latin titular see of Cydonia.<ref name="web1"/>

===Venetian era===
{{Further|Kingdom of Candia}}
[[File:Chania Ven.jpg|thumb|250px|The old harbour during the Venetian era.]]
[[File:Venetian shipyards, Chania.jpg|250px|thumb|Venetian shipyards.]]
After the fall of [[Constantinople]] during the 1204 [[Fourth Crusade]], Crete was distributed to [[Boniface I, Marquis of Montferrat|Bonifacio, Marquess of Montferrat]]. He in turn chose to sell it to the [[Republic of Venice|Venetians]] for 1000 silver marks.<ref>{{Citation |title=Venice in Byzantium: the Empire of Romania |date=1989 |work=Byzantium and Venice: A Study in Diplomatic and Cultural Relations |pages=149 |editor-last=Nicol |editor-first=Donald M. |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/byzantium-and-venice/venice-in-byzantium-the-empire-of-romania/C716582373A1AEDB3E26ED2F4ED15B15 |access-date=2025-06-18 |place=Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge University Press |doi=10.1017/cbo9780511660917.011 |isbn=978-0-521-42894-1|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

In total, about 10,000 Venetians are estimated to have moved to Crete during the first century of Venetian rule—by comparison, Venice itself had a population of {{circa|60,000}} at this period.<ref name="Detorakis">{{cite book | first = Theocharis E. | last = Detorakis | title = Ιστορία της Κρήτης | trans-title = History of Crete | location = Athens | year = 1986 | page = 167 | language = el | oclc = 715204595 }}</ref> The colonization wave of 1252 also resulted in the establishment of Canea (modern [[Chania]]), on the site of the long abandoned ancient city of [[Kydonia]].<ref name="Detorakis"></ref>

The Venetian rule was initially strict and oppressive but slowly the relations between the two parts improved. Contact with [[Venice]] led to close intertwining of [[Cretan]] and Venetian cultures, without, however, the Cretans losing their [[Greek Orthodox]] nature. [[Fortifications of Chania|Its fortifications]] were strengthened, giving Chania the form that it still has today. On the other hand, after the fall of [[Constantinople]] in 1453, many priests, monks and artists took refuge in Crete and reinforced the [[Byzantine]] religion 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.<ref name="web1"/>

===Ottoman era===
{{Further|Ottoman Crete}}
[[File:Chania Ottoman.jpg|thumb|250px|The old harbour during the Ottoman era.]]

During the opening months of the [[Cretan War (1645–1669)]] the city's walls did not prevent an [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] army 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.<ref name="web0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.crete.tournet.gr/en/crete-guide/17-history-of-crete/40-Turkish%20Occupation%20in%20Crete|title=Turkish Occupation in Crete - Crete TOURnet - Greece|website=www.crete.tournet.gr|access-date=2020-03-05}}</ref> 

Under the [[Ottoman Turkish language|Ottoman Turkish]] name '''Hanya''' ({{lang|ota|خانیه}}), Muslims resided mainly in the eastern quarters, Kastelli and Splantzia, where they converted the [[Dominican Order|Dominican]] [[Church of Saint Nicholas, Chania|church of St Nicholas]] into the central Sovereign's Mosque (Turkish: ''Hünkar Camısı'').<ref name="web0"/> They also built new mosques such as the [[Küçük Hasan Pasha Mosque]] or Yali Mosque on the harbour.<ref name="web0"/> Public baths ([[Turkish bath|hamam]]), and fountains were a feature of the Ottoman city.<ref name="web0"/> The [[pasha]] of Crete resided in Hanya.<ref name="web0"/>

The city remained under Ottoman control despite fighting during the [[Greek War of Independence|Greek War of Independence (1821-29)]], the [[Cretan Revolt (1866–1869)]] and the [[Cretan 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 the [[Treaty of Berlin (1878)]] which resulted in the [[Pact 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. The [[population exchange between Greece and Turkey]] in 1922 resulted in the deportation of the island's last Muslim residents.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.academia.edu/1810085|title=Crete in the Ottoman Administration Before the Population Exchange|author=A. Adiyeke|access-date=25 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427134256/http://www.academia.edu/1810085/Crete_in_the_Ottoman_Administration_Before_the_Population_Exchange|archive-date=2017-04-27}}</ref>

===Modern era===
{{Further|Cretan State|Theriso revolt}}
[[File:Ελευθέριος Βενιζέλος.jpg|thumb|[[Eleftherios Venizelos]] (1864–1936), major political figure of the 20th century European scene, was born in Chania.]]
{{Unreferencedsect|date=August 2024}}
In 1898, during the final moves towards independence and ''[[enosis]]''—union with [[Greece]]—the [[Great Powers]] made Chania the capital of the semi-autonomous [[Cretan State]] ({{translit|el|Kritiki Politeia}}), with [[Prince 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 isolated ''[[vilayet]]'' of 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 of [[Halepa]] has many fine neoclassical embassies and consulates dating from this period.

However the main goal was ''enosis'' with Greece, which came after [[Eleftherios Venizelos]]'s constant opposition to Prince George's rule over Crete. The series of conflicts includes the [[Therisos revolt]] in 1905, which overthrew Prince George and brought [[Alexandros Zaimis]] to rule Crete. Finally, in 1908, Venizelos managed to establish a revolutionary government, recognized by the [[Great Powers]]. His later election as the prime minister of Greece (1910) eventually led to Crete's union with Greece on 1 December 1913, following the [[Balkan 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-[[Venizelism|Venizelist]], pro-[[Liberal Party (Greece)|Liberal]] and later pro-[[Second Hellenic Republic|Republican]] in the [[National Schism]] and the [[interwar period]]. The only attempt to overthrow the monarchist [[Metaxas Regime]] occurred in the city with the failed [[1938 Greek coup d'état attempt|28 July 1938 uprising]].

===World War II===
{{Further|Axis occupation of Greece during World War II|Battle of Crete}}
{{Unreferencedsect|date=August 2024}}
Another important period for the city of Chania was the invasion and occupation by [[Germany|German]] forces during [[World War II]]. The British force that faced the German paratroopers during the [[Battle of Crete]] in 1941, had artillery elements over the hill of Dexameni in the south of the city. These elements bombarded the German forces in the [[Maleme]] airfield undetected, until they ran out of ammunition. [[George II of Greece]] stayed in a villa near the village of Perivolia outside Chania before escaping to [[Egypt]]. 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. The [[Jewish]] community of Chania was also eliminated during the German occupation. Most of them were transported off the island by the [[Nazi Germany|Nazi]] occupiers in 1944. A [[United Kingdom|British]] torpedo [[Sinking of the SS Tanais|sank the ship ''Tanais'']], which was carrying most of the Jewish prisoners.

===Postwar era===
{{Unreferencedsect|date=August 2024}}
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 of [[Crete]] was moved to [[Heraklion]] in 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 the [[Mediterranean Sea]].

==Geography==
{{Hatnote|See [[Chania (regional unit)|Chania Region]] for maps}}
[[File:Lighthouse of Chania in November.jpg|thumb|Chania lighthouse at the port]]
The city of Chania lies around {{convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the west end of Crete.  By road, the distance is approximately {{convert|52|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&rlz=1T4SUNC_en___GB365&q=chania,+crete,+greece+to+falasarna,+greece&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl|title=Google Maps|access-date=25 March 2016}}</ref>

===Cityscape===
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 the [[Fortifications of Chania|old Venetian fortifications]] that started to be built in 1538.<ref name="web1"/> 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 ====
{{unreferencedsect|date=June 2025}}
[[File:La vieille ville vénitienne et turque (La Canée, Crète) (5743879845).jpg|thumb|right|220px|Traditional street in the old town.]]
[[File:Alley in Chania's old town.jpg|thumb|right|Colors of the old town]]

The borders of the Old Town are the partly destroyed [[Fortifications of Chania|old 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 since [[Neolithic]] times (ancient [[Kydonia]]). 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) is [[Eleftherios Venizelos]] Square, also known as ''Syntrivani'' (from Turkish ''şadırvan'' '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 the [[Christians|Christian]] quarter during the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] period. Its name comes from the Venetian ammunition warehouse (Turkish ''tophane''), which was located there. The [[Jewish]] quarter (''Evraiki'' or ''Ovraiki'') 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 the [[harbour]] itself 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 ====
[[File:Fountain in Chania, Crete 002.jpg|thumb|250px|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 from [[North Africa]] who had settled there in the last years of Ottoman rule.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-03-29|title=Koum Kapi - A pretty quarter in Chania city full of history|url=http://www.chania-holidays.gr/koum-kapi-chania-crete/|access-date=2020-03-06|website=Chania Holidays|language=en-US}}</ref> Nowadays it is a developing area with many cafes, bars and restaurants on its beach. 

In the same era the district of [[Halepa]] began 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 old [[embassies]] of 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.<ref name="web1"/>

[[File:Chania harbour.jpg|thumb|250px|left|View of the promenade.]]

Other historical buildings in the area include [[Eleftherios 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.<ref name="web1"/>[[File:Chania Kastelli.jpg|thumb|right|250px|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&ndash;1970). However, there are still some [[Neoclassical architecture|neoclassical]] houses, 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".<ref name="web1"/>

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 around [[Kounoupidiana]] in the [[Akrotiri Peninsula (Crete)|Akrotiri Peninsula]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-15 |title=Ραγδαία αλλά "άναρχη" ανάπτυξη στα Κουνουπιδιανά - Χανιώτικα Νέα |url=https://www.haniotika-nea.gr/ragdaia-alla-quot-anarchi-quot-anaptyxi-sta-koynoypidiana/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |language=el}}</ref>

{{wide image|Harbor, Venetian shipyards and Lighthouse in Chania. Crete, Greece.jpg|1000px|The marina in the old harbour.}}
{{wide image|Chania banner.jpg|1000px|align-cap=center|Panorama of the port.}}

===Climate===
{{climate chart|[[Chania, Greece]]
|7.5|14.4|141.7
|7.7|14.9|112.4
|8.6|16.6|80.7
|11.1|20.1|31.8
|14.5|24.4|13
|18.5|28.7|4.6
|20.6|30.3|1.3
|20.5|29.9|1.6
|18.2|27.3|18.7
|15.1|23.1|80.1
|11.9|19.6|72.8
|9.3|16.2|93.9
|float=right
|source=<ref>[http://www.hnms.gr/ ΕΜΥ]</ref>
}}

The city has a hot-summer [[Mediterranean climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|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 prevailing [[etesian]] winds ("Meltemia") blow from the [[Aegean Sea]] and 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 {{convert|25|-|75|cm|abbr=on}} of snow accumulated in the greater regional area, causing general chaos.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Κρήτης |first=Αγώνας της |date=2017-02-12 |title=13 Φεβρουαρίου 2004: Όταν όλη η Κρήτη από τις παραλίες ως τα βούνα της ντύθηκε στα άσπρα {{!}} Φωτός+Βίντεο |url=https://agonaskritis.gr/13-φεβρουαρίου-2004-όταν-όλη-η-κρήτη-από-τις/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=Αγώνας της Κρήτης |language=en-US}}</ref> 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 wave|Heat waves]] can occur from as early as March, oftentimes accompanied by [[Saharan dust]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Khamsin and Foehn winds lead a major dust outbreak in Crete |url=http://www.beyond-eocenter.eu/index.php/news-events/104-khamsin-and-foehn-winds-lead-a-major-dust-outbreak-in-crete |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=www.beyond-eocenter.eu}}</ref> whose main feature are the hot [[katabatic wind|katabatic winds]] ([[Foehn wind|foehn winds]]) blowing from the south, also called [[Sirocco|Sirocco (Σιρόκος)]] or "Livas" (the wind from [[Libya]]) by the Greeks.{{cn|date=July 2023}}

The adjacent climate chart is based on data recorded during 1958–1997. The absolute maximum temperature recorded during this period was {{convert|42.5|°C|0|abbr=on}}, while the absolute minimum recorded was {{convert|0|°C|0|abbr=on}}.{{cn|date=March 2024}} 

However, the record minimum was broken on 13 February 2004 when the temperature dropped to {{convert|-1|°C|F|abbr=on}} in the nearby [[Souda Air Base|airport]] of [[Souda]] and the record maximum was broken on 1 July 2021 when the temperature reached {{Convert|44.3|C|F}} in the city station operated by the [[National Observatory of Athens]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-04|title=Ο μακρύς πρώτος φετινός καύσωνας σε αριθμούς και ρεκόρ|url=https://www.haniotika-nea.gr/o-makrys-protos-fetinos-kaysonas-se-arithmoys-kai-rekor/|access-date=2021-07-04|website=Χανιώτικα Νέα|language=el}}</ref>

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 of [[Lefka 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.

{{Weather box
| location = Chania Airport ([[Souda]]) 1971–2000
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| Jan high C = 14.0
| Feb high C = 14.3
| Mar high C = 16.1
| Apr high C = 19.9
| May high C = 24.5
| Jun high C = 29.0
| Jul high C = 30.5
| Aug high C = 30.0
| Sep high C = 27.5
| Oct high C = 23.4
| Nov high C = 19.0
| Dec high C = 15.6
| year high C = 
| Jan mean C = 10.8
| Feb mean C = 11.0
| Mar mean C = 12.4
| Apr mean C = 15.8
| May mean C = 20.1
| Jun mean C = 24.7
| Jul mean C = 26.6
| Aug mean C = 25.9
| Sep mean C = 23.2
| Oct mean C = 19.4
| Nov mean C = 15.3
| Dec mean C = 12.4
| year mean C = 
| Jan low C = 8.1
| Feb low C = 8.0
| Mar low C = 8.9
| Apr low C = 11.7
| May low C = 15.2
| Jun low C = 19.2
| Jul low C = 21.4
| Aug low C = 21.3
| Sep low C = 19.1
| Oct low C = 15.9
| Nov low C = 12.4
| Dec low C = 9.7
| year low C = 
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 126.4
| Feb rain mm = 101.9
| Mar rain mm = 81.2
| Apr rain mm = 26.9
| May rain mm = 11.2
| Jun rain mm = 2.0
| Jul rain mm = 1.4
| Aug rain mm = 1.4
| Sep rain mm = 15.2
| Oct rain mm = 61.5
| Nov rain mm = 86.7
| Dec rain mm = 98.9
| unit rain days = 0.1 mm
| Jan rain days = 17.0
| Feb rain days = 14.7
| Mar rain days = 12.0
| Apr rain days = 7.8
| May rain days = 3.9
| Jun rain days = 1.4
| Jul rain days = 0.2
| Aug rain days = 0.6
| Sep rain days = 2.6
| Oct rain days = 9.8
| Nov rain days = 10.8
| Dec rain days = 15.8
|Jan humidity=70.3
|Feb humidity=68.7
|Mar humidity=66.9
|Apr humidity=62.7
|May humidity=60.2
|Jun humidity=52.4
|Jul humidity=49.3
|Aug humidity=52.4
|Sep humidity=57.8
|Oct humidity=65.6
|Nov humidity=71.1
|Dec humidity=72.2
| Jan sun = 118.1
| Feb sun = 135.6
| Mar sun = 188.0
| Apr sun = 240.9
| May sun = 303.0
| Jun sun = 355.4
| Jul sun = 376.7
| Aug sun = 355.7
| Sep sun = 281.9
| Oct sun = 208.7
| Nov sun = 138.0
| Dec sun = 111.7
| source 1 = Climate Atlas-Hellenic National Meteorological Service.<ref name="climate_data">{{cite web | url=http://climatlas.hnms.gr/sdi/ |script-title=el:Κλιματικός Άτλαντας της Ελλάδας |trans-title=Climatic Atlas of Greece |script-website=el:Εθνική Μετεωρολογική Υπηρεσία |trans-website=Hellenic National Meteorological Service |language=el}}</ref>
| date = May 2018
| source 2 = Humidity 1958-2010<ref name="Mean Pyrgos Climatic Averages">{{cite web
  | url=http://hnms.gr/hnms/english/climatology/climatology_region_diagrams_html?dr_city=Astros
  | title=Mean Chania Souda Climatic Averages
  | publisher=Hellenic National Meteorological Service
  | access-date=27 August 2025
  | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216055110/http://hnms.gr/hnms/english/climatology/climatology_region_diagrams_html?dr_city=Astros
  | archive-date=16 December 2010
  | url-status=dead
  }}</ref>
}}

== Government ==
[[File:2010 Dimi Chanion numbered.svg|thumb|Municipalities of Chania regional unit. ''Chania'' is number 1.|243x243px]]

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:<ref name=Kallikratis>{{Cite web|url=http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wGYK2xFpSwMnXdtvSoClrL8-SrPzKAEPjjtIl9LGdkF53UIxsx942CdyqxSQYNuqAGCF0IfB9HI6hq6ZkZV96FIukI0UzcPsWCK0LpLhpa7rhiWB4R5ntTnoWw7U8E1Amg.|title=ΦΕΚ A 87/2010, Kallikratis reform law text|language=el|publisher=[[Government Gazette (Greece)|Government Gazette]]}}</ref>

* [[Akrotiri, Crete|Akrotiri]]
* Chania
* [[Eleftherios Venizelos, Crete|Eleftherios Venizelos]]
* [[Keramia]]
* [[Nea Kydonia]]
* [[Souda]]
* [[Theriso]]

The municipality has an area of {{convert|351.306|km2|abbr=on}}, the municipal unit {{convert|12.564|km2|abbr=on}}.<ref name=stat01>{{cite web|url=http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf|publisher=National Statistical Service of Greece|title=Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)|language=el|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921212047/http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf|archive-date=2015-09-21}}</ref> The municipality forms the eastern shore of Chania Bay (Kolpos Chanion Κόλπος Χανίων) and is bordered by [[Platanias]] (6) to the west, [[Sfakia]] (7) to the south and [[Apokoronas]] (2) to the east.

==Culture==
[[File:Archaeological Museum of Chania.jpg|thumb|250px|The previous site of the [[Archaeological Museum of Chania]].]]
[[File:Center of Mediterranean Architecture, Chania.jpg|250px|thumb|Center of Mediterranean architecture.]]
[[File:Naval Museum of Chania in Crete 001.JPG|thumb|250px|[[Nautical Museum of Crete]]]]

There are several museums, [[Art gallery|art galleries]], [[theatre]] and music groups, educational and research institutions within the city.

The most important museums in Chania are:

* Chania's new Archaeological Museum at 15 Skra Str. Chalepa, Chania, replaces the former [[Archeological Museum of Chania in Saint Francis Monastery|Archeological Museum of Chania]]. The museum houses findings from different parts of the region and from several historical and prehistorical periods.
* [[Folklore]] Museum (Old Town)
* Historical Archive<ref>[http://www.chania.gr/sightshow.jsp?lang=en&id=48 Historical Archive of Crete] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061005195821/http://www.chania.gr/sightshow.jsp?lang=en&id=48 |date=October 5, 2006 }}</ref> (the second most important in Greece)
* [[Nautical Museum of Crete]] (Old Town)
* Municipal Art Gallery<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pinakothiki-chania.gr/|title=Local index - HTTrack Website Copier|access-date=25 March 2016}}</ref>
* [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]]/Post-Byzantine Collection (Old Town)
* House of Eleftherios Venizelos<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.venizelos-foundation.gr/endocs/biografia.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040110041122/http://www.venizelos-foundation.gr/endocs/biografia.jsp |archive-date=2004-01-10 |script-title=el:Εθνικό Ίδρυμα Ερευνών και Μελετών "Ελευθέριος Κ.Βενιζέλος" - Ο τομέας δεν βρέθηκε (ή δεν είναι ενεργός) |website=Venizelos Foundation |access-date=2013-03-26 }}</ref>
* Museum of Chemistry
* [[School life museum]]
* [[Museum of Typography]], Chania

Several theatre groups are active in Chania with the most important being the Municipal and Regional Theatre of Crete (DI.PE.THE.K).<ref>[http://www.culture.gr/2/22/224/22419/e2241901.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070411145917/http://www.culture.gr/2/22/224/22419/e2241901.html|date=April 11, 2007}}</ref>  The repertoire includes old and contemporary plays from Greek and foreign writers. A number of traditional [Cretan] musicians are also active in town.

There are five [[movie theatre|cinemas]] (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 at [[Platanias]] and [[Agia Marina, Crete|Agia Marina]] are also busy.

[[File:Chania culture.jpg|thumb|left|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{{which|date=June 2025}} 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.)<ref>[http://www.dipeh.gr/ Dipeh news | Κοινωφελής Επιχείρηση Δήμου Χανίων<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061006224139/http://www.dipeh.gr/ |date=October 6, 2006 }}</ref> which organizes a significant part of the events taking place throughout the year.

There is a [[France|French]], a [[Germany|German]], an [[Italy|Italian]] and a [[Sweden|Swedish]] [[consulate]] in Chania.

==Sports==
[[File:ChaniaStadium.jpg|thumb|220px|The old Stadium of Chania.]]

[[Water sports]] are very popular in Chania. The local [[water polo]] team, Nautical Club of Chania, N.O.X.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nox.gr/|title=Ναυτικός Όμιλος Χανίων|access-date=25 March 2016}}</ref> 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 for [[Greece men's national water polo team]], which has achieved major international successes.

[[Football (soccer)|Football]] and [[basketball]] are also very popular in the town, however not as successful. The main football team is [[Chania FC]] (whose home ground is the [[Perivolia Municipal Stadium]]). [[Platanias F.C.|Platanias FC]] (originally based at Maleme stadium near the town of [[Platanias]]) played in the top tier Greek [[Super League Greece|Super League]] between 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 for [[Athletics (sport)|athletics]] are "Eleftherios Venizelos" and "Kydon". The "Antisfairisi" club is specialized in [[tennis]], [[table tennis]] and also has a significant tradition in [[chess]]. 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 of [[Eleftherios 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-24 |title=Παρέμβαση για το κολυμβητήριο – «φάντασμα» στο Ακρωτήρι Χανίων - HANIA.news |url=https://hania.news/2022/11/24/%cf%80%ce%b1%cf%81%ce%ad%ce%bc%ce%b2%ce%b1%cf%83%ce%b7-%ce%b3%ce%b9%ce%b1-%cf%84%ce%bf-%ce%ba%ce%bf%ce%bb%cf%85%ce%bc%ce%b2%ce%b7%cf%84%ce%ae%cf%81%ce%b9%ce%bf-%cf%86%ce%ac%ce%bd%cf%84/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |language=el}}</ref> 

A modern indoor stadium for basketball, volleyball and other indoor sports and events, called [[Chania 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<ref>[http://www.eoshanion.gr/ Σχολή Ορειβασίας Αρχαρίων 2014<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{gr}}</ref>) 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==
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<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chania.teicrete.gr/eng/ |title=ΤΕΙ Κρήτης - Παράρτημα Χανίων, Καλως ήρθατε |access-date=2006-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060718140237/http://www.chania.teicrete.gr/eng/ |archive-date=2006-07-18 }}</ref>
* 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"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.venizelos-foundation.gr/indexen.jsp |script-title=el:Εθνικό Ίδρυμα Ερευνών και Μελετών "Ελευθέριος Κ.Βενιζέλος" - Ο τομέας δεν βρέθηκε (ή δεν είναι ενεργός) |website=Venizelos Foundation |access-date=2013-03-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617010119/http://www.venizelos-foundation.gr/indexen.jsp |archive-date=2013-06-17 }}</ref>
* The Mediterranean Architecture Centre (KAM)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kam-arsenali.gr/ |script-title=el:ΚΕΝΤΡΟ ΑΡΧΙΤΕΚΤΟΝΙΚΗΣ ΜΕΣΟΓΕΙΟΥ - Η αρχιτεκτονική είναι η τέχνη διαχείρισης του χώρου, είναι πράξη πολιτισμού<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2018-12-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109233150/http://kam-arsenali.gr/ |archive-date=2016-01-09 }}</ref>
* The Institute of [[Olive Tree]] and [[Subtropical]] Plants of Chania
* The Institute of Cretan Law
* The Historical, Laographical and Archaeological Society of Crete
* Institute of Regional Press, Chania

[[Primary education|Primary]] and [[secondary school]]s are 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==
[[File:Chania - Agora 1.jpg|thumb|250px|The central market ("Agora")]]
[[File:Chania - Markthalle - Schwämme.jpg|thumb|Sponges for sale in the Agora]]

Two main sources of wealth in Chania are [[agriculture]] and [[tourism]]. 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 being [[olive trees]] and [[citrus]]. Other important products include [[wine]], [[avocados]], [[dairy]] etc.{{cn|date=November 2025}} 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.{{cn|date=November 2025}}

On the other hand, starting from the early 1970s, tourism has developed rapidly.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-30 |title=Πως αναπτύχθηκε ο τουρισμός στην Κρήτη – Όλο το χρονικό από την εποχή του Βενιζέλου |url=https://www.neoiorizontes.gr/pos-anaptychthike-o-toyrismos-stin-kriti-olo-to-chroniko-apo-tin-epochi-toy-venizeloy/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=ΝΕΟΙ ΟΡΙΖΟΝΤΕΣ |language=el}}</ref> 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.).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chania-cci.gr/|title=Επιμελητήριο Χανίων - Αρχική|access-date=25 March 2016}}</ref>

Chania, has seen notable changes in its luxury residential market, reflecting its growing appeal to affluent tourists and expatriates. According to a 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-31 |title=Chania Construction Market Trends 2025-2028 |url=https://arencos.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chania-Construction-Market-Trends-2025-2028-Report.pdf |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=arencos.com}}</ref> This trend indicates a rising demand for high-end accommodations and properties, further boosting the tourism and real estate sectors.

==Health care==
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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About us {{!}} ΟΚΑΝΑ |url=https://www.okana.gr/el/about-us |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=www.okana.gr}}</ref>

The city has a number of private clinics (e.g., Iasis and Central Clinic of Chania<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chaniaclinic.com|title=Κεντρική Κλινική Τσεπέτη - Γενική Κλινική Χανιά Κρήτη|author=ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΚΛΙΝΙΚΗ ΤΣΕΠΕΤΗ Α.Ε.|work=ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΚΛΙΝΙΚΗ ΤΣΕΠΕΤΗ Α.Ε.|access-date=2016-03-25 }}</ref>), as well as medical centres specialising in various areas.

==Transport==
The city is served by [[Chania International Airport]] ([[IATA airport code|IATA code]]: CHQ) 14 km from Chania on the [[Akrotiri Peninsula (Crete)|Akrotiri Peninsula]]. The airport is named after [[Daskalogiannis]], a [[Sfakia|Sfakiot]] hero who was skinned alive by the Ottomans in the 18th century.

[[Souda]], some {{convert|7|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Chania, is the city's port, with daily ferries to [[Piraeus]]. Souda also hosts [[Crete Naval Base]], a major Greek and [[NATO]] base. [[Kissamos]] port, 41 km (25.5 mi) to the west of Chania, has ferry connections to [[Kythira]] Island and the [[Peloponnese]] region.

The [[A90 motorway (Greece)|A90 motorway]] runs along the north coast of Crete connecting Chania to [[Kissamos]] in the west and [[Heraklion]] and [[Sitia]] to the east. It is currently being upgraded to motorway standard and is expected to be completed by 2028.

== Notable residents ==

* [[Elpis Melena]] (1818–1899), born as Marie Espérance von Schwartz, German writer
* [[Eleftherios Venizelos]] (1864–1936), prime minister of Greece 1910–1920, 1924, 1928–1932, 1933; widely considered as the most important statesman of modern Greece born in the village Therisso
* [[Alexis Minotis]] (1898–1990), stage and screen actor active between the 1930s–1980s
* [[Constantine Mitsotakis]] (1918–2017), politician, prime minister of Greece 1990–1993, and later the honorary president of the New Democracy party. Father of prime minister [[Kyriakos Mitsotakis]] and former foreign minister [[Dora Bakoyannis|Dora Bakoyianni]].
* [[George Psychoundakis]] (1920–2006), Cretan WW II hero and author
* [[John Craxton]] (1922–2009), painter and British honorary consul
* [[Maro Douka]] (1947–), novelist
* [[Ioanna Karystiani]] (1952–), novelist
* [[Christos Sartzetakis]]  (1929–2022), President of the Third Hellenic Republic from 1985 to 1990
* [[Mikis Theodorakis]]  (1925–2021), composer
* [[Nikos Christodoulakis]] (1952–), politician, economics professor and electronics engineer, Minister for Economy and Finance of Greece from 2001 to 2004
* [[Nana Mouskouri]] (1934–), singer, one of the top-selling female singers of all time
* [[John Aniston]] (1933–2022), actor and father of well-known American actress [[Jennifer Aniston]]
* [[Eftichios Vlahakis]] (1935–2014), Greek-American entrepreneur
* [[Charis Galanakis]] (1981–), agricultural, food and environmental scientist
* [[Triantafyllia Manolioudaki|Triantafillia Manolioudaki]] (1986–), Water polo Player 
* [[Mihail Anastasakis|Mihalis Anastasakis]] (1994–), Hammer throw athlete
* [[Christos Frantzeskakis]] (2000–), Hammer throw athlete
* [[Apostolos Papastamos]] (2001–), [[Swimming at the 2020 Summer Olympics|2020 Olympic]] swimmer
* [[Stefanos Kasselakis]] (1988–), candidate for the 2023 SYRIZA leadership

==Twin towns – sister cities==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Greece}}

Chania is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web |title=Αδελφοποιήσεις Δήμου Χανίων|url=https://www.chania.gr//dimos/erga-aderfop/sistercitiesall.html|website=chania.gr|publisher=Chania|language=el|access-date=2020-01-10}}</ref>

{{div col|colwidth=15em}}
*{{flagicon|CYP}} [[Engomi]], Cyprus
*{{flagicon|CYP}} [[Famagusta]], Cyprus
*{{flagicon|CYP}} [[Paphos]], Cyprus
*{{flagicon|CYP}} [[Polis, Cyprus|Polis]], Cyprus
*{{flagicon|GRC}} [[Axioupoli]], Greece
*{{flagicon|GRC}} [[Ermoupoli]], Greece
*{{flagicon|GRC}} [[Karpathos]], Greece
*{{flagicon|NZL}} [[Wellington]], New Zealand
{{div col end}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:ChaniaDeWit1680.jpg|Map of Chania, 1680
File:Mosque harbour Chania.jpg|[[Küçük Hasan Pasha Mosque]], Ottoman mosque now used as an exhibition hall
File:Domed church in Eastern Chania.jpg|Evangelistria church
File:Chania - Katholische Kirche - Innenhof.jpg|Statue of [[Francis of Assisi]] outside the [[Assumption Cathedral, Chania|Catholic church of Chania]]
File:Πύλη ενετικού διοικητηρίου 8380.jpg|View from the old Venetian quarter
File:Firkas Fortress, Chania 02.jpg|Inside the [[Fortifications of Chania|Firkas Fortress]]
File:Old Clock Chaina Crete.JPG|Clock tower of Chania
File:After the massacre - ruined street in Christian Quarter, Canea, Crete.jpg|A ruined street in Chania's Christian quarter following fighting between the town's Christians and Muslims, 1897.
File:Agiosrokkos Chania.jpg|The church of Saint Rocco in Splantzia.
File:Cathedral of Chania.jpg|The [[Presentation of the Virgin Mary Holy Metropolitan Church|Orthodox Cathedral]].
File:Hania Prefecture.JPG|Prefecture building, Eleftherias Square
File:Maritime Museum of Crete (3).jpg|[[Nautical Museum of Crete|Maritime Museum of Crete]]
File:Lighthouse Chania evening sun.jpg|[[Chania Lighthouse]]
File:Chania Old Harbour in Crete, Greece 001.jpg|View of the promenade
File:Shopping street in the old town of Chania on Crete, Greece.jpg|A street in the old town
File:Venizelos graves St Elijah church.jpg|Church of St Elijah at the {{ill|Venizelos Graves|el|Τάφοι Βενιζέλων}}
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Cretan cuisine]]
* [[Chania Power Station]]
* [[List of settlements in the Chania regional unit]]
* [[Mount Tityros]]
* [[Presentation of the Virgin Mary Cathedral, Chania]] (Greek Orthodox)
* [[Assumption Cathedral, Chania]] (Roman Catholic)

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{EB1911 poster|Canea}}
* [http://www.chania.gr/ Municipality of Chania]

{{Sister bar|auto=y}}
{{Geographic location
|Centre = Chania
|North = [[Sea of Crete]]
|Northeast = [[Akrotiri (Crete)|Akrotiri]]
|East = [[Souda]]
|Southeast =
|South = [[Eleftherios Venizelos (Crete municipality)|Eleftherios Venizelos]]
|Southwest =
|West = [[Nea Kydonia]]
|Northwest =
}}
{{Chania div}}
{{Kallikratis-Crete}}
{{Crete (island)}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Chania| ]]
[[Category:Capitals of former nations]]
[[Category:Capitals of Greek states]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Greece]]
[[Category:Greek prefectural capitals]]
[[Category:Mediterranean port cities and towns in Greece]]
[[Category:Minoan sites in Crete]]
[[Category:Municipalities of Crete]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Greece]]
[[Category:Populated places in Chania (regional unit)]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns of the Aegean Sea]]