Chania Church of the Virgin Mary

Location: Town

Located in the Old Town of Chania, on Halidon Street, the Metropolitan Church of the Virgin Mary (alternative name: Panagia Trimartiri) is dedicated to the Presentation of Mary. 

The original 14th-century main building of the church was constructed on top of the ruins of an older chapel, possibly dating to the 11th century. In 1645, when the Ottoman Occupation period began, it was converted into a soap factory, though its bell tower and the icon of the Virgin Mary remained unharmed.

After the 1856 Ottoman Reform Edict, which granted freedom of religious beliefs, the local Christian community asked for permission to build a new temple on the site of the older Venetian church. Permission was granted and the construction was funded by the sultan, as well as by Mustafa Pasha and his son. According to a local legend, Mustafa Pasha had an apparition of the Virgin Mary, who commanded him to discontinue the use of the temple as a soap factory to save his son.

Reconstruction works were completed in 1860, while the church was officially established in 1861 by the Bishop of Kydonia. It is a three-aisled basilica with Venetian architectural elements, such as curved columns, cornices and curved openings. The middle aisle is higher and topped by a pointed arch, while the other aisles are covered by cross-ribbed vaults. The belfry can be found on the northeast side. The north aisle (the former Dominican church of Saint Nicholas that had been transformed into a mosque) and the south aisle of the cathedral are dedicated to Saint Nicholas and the Cappadocian Fathers respectively. It boasts many impressive icons and frescoes crafted in the 19th century.

Parts of the church were damaged during the Cretan Revolt of 1897 and reconstructed with funding provided by the Russian Czar. Severe damages, which have also been restored, were incurred by bombings during the Second World War as well.

The church celebrates annually on November 21st.

Top Tours and activities

• Chania Trikke city tour

  Category: Activities

  See some of the finest spots in Chania's Old Town on a Trikke scooter, including the Ottoman and Venetian alleyways, the square of Splantzia, Halidon street, and an array of beautiful church buildings.

  40 minutes Map

  from € 28.00

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