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Byzantine Walls of Chania: A Historical Fortress

Explore the ancient Byzantine Walls of Chania, a historic fortress revealing layers of Crete's rich past and strategic importance.

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The Byzantine Walls of Chania, located in the city of Chania, Greece, are the remains of fortifications built in the 6th and 7th centuries AD on the foundations of Hellenistic walls. These walls were erected to protect the city from Arab raids and were reinforced in the 10th century to prevent further invasions. Today, sections of the wall can still be seen, offering a glimpse into the city's layered past.

A brief summary to Byzantine Walls

  • Rianou 6, Chania, 731 32, GR

Local tips

  • Explore the sections of the wall along Sifaka Street to see the recycled building materials from the Hellenistic and Greco-Roman periods.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Archaeological Museum to see artifacts from the same period.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the remains of the wall involves walking on uneven surfaces.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Byzantine Walls are located in the old city of Chania, easily accessible by foot from most central locations. From the Venetian Harbor, walk inland towards the Kastelli area. The remains of the walls are visible along various streets, including Sifaka Street. No entrance fee is required to view the walls.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus at the KTEL Central Bus Station, walk towards the city center and the Old Town. Follow signs towards the Venetian Harbor and then proceed towards the Kastelli area. The Byzantine Walls are a short walk from the harbor. Bus tickets within the city typically cost around €1.10 - €1.70.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Chania and can take you directly to the Old Town near the Byzantine Walls. A short taxi ride from the Chania city center will cost approximately €5-€10. Ensure the taxi is licensed and agree on the fare beforehand.

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Discover more about Byzantine Walls

The Byzantine Walls of Chania stand as a testament to the city's long and storied past. Originally built during the Byzantine era in the 6th and 7th centuries AD, these walls were constructed upon the foundations of earlier Hellenistic fortifications. Their primary purpose was to defend the city, then known as Kydonia, from the threat of Arab invasions. In the 10th century, during the second Byzantine period, the walls underwent reinforcement to bolster the city's defenses against potential future incursions. This reconstruction involved using materials recycled from Hellenistic and Greco-Roman structures, an interesting example of resourcefulness that is still visible today, particularly along the northern wall on Sifaka Street. The walls feature an irregular outline, incorporating straight sections interspersed with small rectangular or polygonal towers. In some areas, the natural rock formations were integrated into the defensive structure, while on the southern, eastern, and western sides, the wall provided complete coverage. Over time, as Chania expanded, the Byzantine Walls were superseded by Venetian fortifications built between 1336 and 1356. These new fortifications rendered the Byzantine Walls obsolete, leading to their gradual disrepair and integration into the growing settlement. Today, while much of the original structure has been covered by modern construction, sections of the wall remain visible, offering visitors a tangible link to Chania's ancient and medieval history. These remnants serve as a reminder of the city's strategic importance and the various civilizations that have shaped its identity.

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