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Da Molin Tower: A Venetian Echo in Alikianos

Explore the ruins of Da Molin Tower in Alikianos, Crete, where Venetian history and local legends intertwine amidst a backdrop of natural beauty.

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The Da Molin Tower, located in Alikianos, Crete, stands as a ruinous testament to the Venetian presence on the island. Built by the Da Molin family in the 13th century, the tower has witnessed centuries of Cretan history, including a tragic wedding massacre that, according to local legend, continues to haunt the site.

A brief summary to Da Molin Tower - Ενετικός Πύργος Δα - Μολίνου

  • Alikianos, 730 05, GR

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos.
  • Engage with local guides for a richer understanding of the tower's history and significance.
  • Explore the surrounding village for traditional Cretan cuisine at nearby restaurants.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Chania, take the bus to Alikianos. The bus ride takes approximately 27 minutes and costs between €1 and €3. From the Alikianos bus stop, the tower is a short walk away; ask locals for directions to the ruins near the Church of Agios Georgios.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Chania. A taxi ride to Alikianos will take around 16 minutes and cost approximately €16-€20. From there, follow local directions to the tower ruins.

  • Driving

    If driving from Chania, head southwest on the road to Lakki. Alikianos is approximately 12 km from Chania. Parking is available in the village. From the village center, the tower is a short walk. Be aware that the roads in the village can be narrow.

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Discover more about Da Molin Tower - Ενετικός Πύργος Δα - Μολίνου

In the verdant landscape of Alikianos, just 12km southwest of Chania, the skeletal remains of the Da Molin Tower offer a glimpse into Crete's Venetian past. Constructed in 1229 by Marco Da Molin, the tower was once part of a grand three-building complex, serving as the seat of the local lords during the Venetian era. The tower, originally known as 'Vigla,' featured jagged ramparts and bore inscriptions reflecting the times. Over the centuries, the tower has been a silent observer of pivotal events, most notably the tragic 'Cretan Wedding' of 1527. This grim event saw a massacre unfold within its walls, forever associating the tower with the betrayal and bloodshed of the Kantanoleos revolt. According to the legend, the tower is haunted due to a gruesome crime that took place during the wedding of the Da Molin's daughter to the son of the revolutionary Georgios Kantanoleon. Today, only a portion of the southwest corner remains, a haunting reminder of the tower's storied past. Visitors can explore the ruins, imagining life within its walls and reflecting on the events that shaped its destiny. The tower is located near the church of Agios Georgios.

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