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Kastélli: A Window to Chania's Ancient Past

Explore Kastélli Hill in Chania: Uncover layers of Minoan, Venetian, and Byzantine history in this continuously inhabited ancient settlement.

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Kastélli Hill in Chania, Crete, is a historically significant site, continuously inhabited for over 5000 years. It was the center of the Minoan city of Kydonia and later served as a Byzantine and Venetian stronghold, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's rich and layered past.

A brief summary to Kastélli

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the uneven terrain of Kastélli Hill.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat, especially during summer.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around Chania's Old Town and Venetian harbor.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Chania's Venetian Harbor, Kastélli Hill is a short walk. Head east along the harbor front, passing the Archaeological Museum of Chania. Continue up Kanevarou Street, which leads directly to the heart of Kastélli. The walk is uphill but manageable, offering scenic views of the harbor. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses (Chania City Bus) serve the Old Town. Check for routes that stop near the Venetian Harbor or Plateia Syntagmatos, both within walking distance of Kastélli. From either stop, follow the walking directions. A single urban bus ticket costs approximately €1.20 - €2.50 depending on where you purchase the ticket.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Chania. Ask your driver to take you to Kanevarou Street in Kastélli. The fare from the central bus station or a hotel in the New Town should be around €5-€10. Ensure the driver uses the meter.

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Discover more about Kastélli

Kastélli Hill, rising above the Venetian harbor in Chania, is a place where history whispers from every stone. This low hill was strategically important for settlement due to its proximity to the sea and the fertile Chaniotiko plain. The earliest evidence of habitation dates back to the Neolithic period (3000-2900 BC). Kastélli's significance grew as the center of the Minoan city of Kydonia, a major urban hub with connections throughout the Aegean. Archaeological excavations have revealed impressive architecture, pottery, and Linear A tablets, indicating a sophisticated society with a centralized economy. The hill's strategic value continued through the Byzantine era when a fortress was constructed using materials from ancient Kydonia. Under Venetian rule, Kastélli became the heart of Chania, fortified with a new wall and filled with elegant mansions and public buildings. The Venetian cathedral stood here until its destruction during World War II. Although much of the district was destroyed by German bombings, the area remains a fascinating site. Today, visitors can explore ongoing archaeological excavations, revealing layers of Minoan, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian history. While the main excavation site at Agia Ekaterini Square is fenced off, it offers a tangible connection to Chania's ancient roots.

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