Chania Clock Tower

Location: Town

The Municipal Garden of Chania is a true oasis in the midst of the city's commercial center that lends itself to a refreshing walk. Located between Andrea Papandreou and Tzanakaki Streets, it was created by Philhellene Reouf Pasa in 1870. Boasting a pond with ducks and swans, it was designed according to European standards and planted with a plethora of evergreen plants, as well as endemic and exotic trees under the supervision of Reouf Pasa himself.

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The historic Kipos Cafe has been operating on the premises ever since the garden first opened its gates to the public. Originally, it was an elegant kiosk with pergolas and columns, whose ends had the shape of a harp. In its present form, the building dates back to 1936. This cafe was a significant cultural point of reference for artists and politicians and has hosted such personalities as Eleftherios Venizelos, Nikos Kazantzakis, Kostas Karyotakis, Mikis Theodorakis, Maria Kalas and Manos Hatzidakis, to name but a few. Its present owner has established the European Historic Cafes Association, with the aim of protecting and preserving the cultural heritage of historical sites that function as cafes. Famous for its delicious waffles and its aromatic coffee, it also organizes music nights and other events.

Another unique feature of the garden is an open-air cinema first established in 1905. Projecting quality films throughout the summer, it is sure to delight all lovers of the 7th art.

On the northeastern part of the garden, you will encounter the famous Clock Tower of Chania Town (or "To Roloi", as it is called in Greek). Its construction started in 1924 and was completed in 1927, using river sand and big stone blocks from the quarries of Lentariana and Halepa. It was designed by the local engineer D. Kollaros and is made up of three parts: the base, the tower, whose walls converge upwards, and the roof, which has the form of a circular pavilion. Today, the Clock is an integral part of the Municipal Garden and one of the most prominent landmarks of Chania Town.