Chania. Centuries-old history

While the picturesque Chania looks likely to - Venetian than on - Crete, it belongs to the oldest Greek cities. Her story begins in Minoan times. Some sources report that Kydonia (name of Chania in Minoan times), he founded the legendary King Minos, while others argue that it made the grandson of King Kidon. The city's name engraved on tablets found in excavations at Knossos. Kydonia was at the center of modern Chania, on the hill of Castello. The city flourished in the XIII century, during the reign of the Venetians, the city was renamed La - Kaneyu. However, the peak flowering of the city falls on the XVI century. Probably that is why the Turks by attacking Crete, primarily seize Hania (1645). When 250 years later, Crete gained its independence, namely Chania became the capital of the autonomous Cretan State. Function of the administrative center of the island she served until 1971, when the government moved to Heraklion. Long and complicated history of the city reflected in its building. The greatest impression architecture Venetian port. It was built in XIV century on the initiative, as the title indicates, the Venetians. Although the port is still amazing beauty, from a practical point of view it was a complete fiasco. The water depth near the waterfront has been inadequate, and northerly winds threatened to moor vessels. In 1497 the eastern side of Port Venetians raised stone stockpiles. To this day, they survived seven (two more have come to the XVII century). Most likely, they were initially 23 and, in addition to weapons, there were kept the galley. Immediately after the arsenals, on the Cape, an outstanding interior port, stands a lighthouse. Although he was built for Venetians, during the Ottoman occupation, it was rebuilt so that the shape it resembled a minaret. With this beacon makes the old port of some fabulous views. On the west side of the port there is another memory of the Turks Mosque Janissary. The Turks built it immediately after the seizure of power in Chania in 1645, as a sign of his power and far-reaching plans. Janissaries were specially trained soldiers, who brought the prisoners from the Christian boys. They were forced to move to Islam, was subjected to brutal training and was educated in the spirit of religious fanaticism and reckless obedience. After independence, the Cretans made the mosque a warehouse. Today, there is travel agency. Just behind the port is the old city, surrounded by ancient defensive walls. Of fortification are preserved only fragments. The walls were built at the turn of XV-XVI centuries, although in the vicinity of the hill Castelli can still find the remains of the Byzantine era. Inside the walls are numerous historic buildings. The oldest quarter is Castelli. It is located on a hill between the port and docks area Sandrivani. It found traces of human settlement related to the IV millennium BC Archaeologists have discovered Minoan villas, streets and squares. House of the Minoans, made of stone and red clay, have been carefully reconstructed. In the eastern part of the quarter opened a mirrored pool, which served for ritual ablutions, which suggests that might have existed near the Minoan palace. During the reign of the Venetians on the hill of Castello was built two temples: in the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the monastery church of Santa - Maria - dei - Miracoli. The ruins of the latter can be seen today on the streets of St. Mark. Another old quarter is Topanas. Although it was built by Venetians, but during the Turkish rule became a favorite place for Turks. To him the adjacent territory of the former Jewish quarter, which leads to the Venetian loggia. Although from it leaving only the outer walls the Renaissance, it is still adorn the old town. Derived on the wall inscription: "There will never be the low priced one who is rich in spirit," recalls the cultural traditions of the Venetian rulers. If we talk about the richness of spirit, almost opposite the Loggia is the Archaeological Museum. It is located in a former church of San - Francesco XVI century. When the Turks rebuilt it into a mosque Yousuf Pasha, they added the western part. The temple houses a collection of archaeological finds from the Late Neolithic to Roman times. The most interesting exhibits, late - Minoan printing, toys, found in the tomb of the Child (Geometric period, VIII century BC), worship animals (FV-II cent. BC. Er.) And the Roman mosaics (III century. To BC). About 30 km south - east of Ha - Nyi, a small village Alikampos, is the Byzantine church of Panagia. This is a real jewel of art of that period. The church was built at the turn of the XIII-XIV centuries, and consists of a single nave with a semicircular apse, typical of early Christianity. It is decorated with ceramic plates and unusual frescoes by John Pagomenosa. This wizard created a distinctive style, based on the context of primitive art from the Byzantine style. In the church you can see the frescoes, representing the Virgin (Panagia) and her Assumption. There is also an image of four Greek Church Fathers, scenes from the life of Jesus, Archangel Michael, as well as the Emperor Constantine from St. Helena.