Chania, Harbor, Firka Tower

Hania is the capital of the Chania Prefecture. The settlement in Ancient Cydonia begun in the Minoan Period, however, remains found in the city indicate that the area has been constantly populated since the Neolithic Period. Around 1200BC Cydonia was destroyed and it was probably reinhabited as indicated by the findings in the hill of Kasteli (which stands behind the Venetian port) around 8th Century BC. The city prospered in the Roman Period. The remains of the basilica and the early Christian tombs indicate that the city was also populated in the Byzantine Period. During the Arab occupation it was destroyed severely. The name Chania is given in 1211. Venetians inhabited the city in 1252. The city and the port were surrounded by walls. Two complexes of shipyards were built at the southern and eastern side of the port, in order to repair the ships during winter. Furthermore, to protect the port from the north winds, a jetty was constructed and a lighthouse in its end. During the Turks occupation churches were turned into mosques and Christian fortunes were commandeered by the conquerors.