Chania Halepa (in town)

General information

Halepa is a suburb of Chania Town and one of the most charming neighborhoods in the region. Located east of the center of Chania, it is a historical place full of impressive mansions and neoclassical houses.

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This is a place full of history. During the previous centuries, it was the upscale part of the city, and many prominent people, such as politicians, wealthy merchants, and aristocratic families, used to dwell there. Most of them built residences influenced by Western European architecture. This is also where the agreement known as the Pact of Halepa was signed in 1878. The agreement put an end to the Ottoman occupation period and marked the beginning of the autonomy of Crete.
Although many of the old buildings have been deserted, several have remained in good condition. A walk around Halepa will take you back to the 19th and 20th centuries.

Some lovely traditional taverns serving Mediterranean and Cretan cuisine can be spotted in Halepa. You can taste delicious dishes with meat or fish, as well as savory Cretan drinks such as raki, tsikoudia, and rakomelo. Also, you can find elegant places to stay. Many old buildings house traditional hotels where you can enjoy a pleasant stay. Alternatively, villas with all kinds of comforts and apartment complexes with swimming pools are some more costly but high-quality accommodation choices, especially for families.

What to see in Halepa

Strolling around the area, you will find a few historical buildings, as well as churches and other places of interest.

The House of Venizelos

The statesman Eleftherios Venizelos was one of the most prominent leaders in modern Greece and a really important figure for Crete, as the union of the island with the rest of the country came true thanks to his efforts. He was born and spent many years of his life in Halepa, living in the house constructed by his father. The House of Venizelos currently operates as a museum, with an exhibition dedicated to the leader’s life as well as the modern political history of Greece.

Elena Venizelou Square

Elena Venizelou was the second wife of Eleftherios Venizelos. On this square, you will find a metallic statue of Venizelos that was constructed while the couple was still alive.
The National Research Foundation "Eleftherios K. Venizelos," formerly known as Villa Bloom, can be found on the square. The villa was constructed by the merchant Emmanuel Bloom during the mid-19th century, and for a while, it also housed the Italian Embassy.
Right next to this building, you will see the Catholic Church of the Nativity of Mary, which was also built during the 19th century. The construction work started in 1878 and lasted one year. The church fulfilled its purpose of becoming a religious center for foreign consuls who resided in Chania. It was later abandoned and partly damaged during the Second World War, and its restoration took place in 1996. It has been fully functional since 1997.

The Palace of Prince George of Greece and Denmark

Built in 1882, the neoclassical villa where Prince George started living in 1898 is one of the signature landmarks of Halepa. The palace is in relatively good condition, although it has been abandoned for several years. During the mid-20th century, it housed a military hospital.

The Church of Saint Mary Magdalene

The church of Saint Mary Magdalene is definitely one of the most appealing buildings in the area. It was built by Prince George in memory of his wife and his sister. Its Russian architecture is a rare occurrence when it comes to Orthodox churches in Greece. The construction started in 1901 and finished in 1903, and it was funded by the Grand Duke George of Russia.

Embassies

Despite its impressive design, the neoclassical building of the former Greek Embassy has unfortunately been abandoned ever since Crete regained its autonomy and became a part of the modern Greek State. Its entrance is now closed, and some of its exterior walls have been vandalized.
The former building of the German Embassy is one of the best-preserved ones, and it currently houses a hotel. It was built in 1870, and you will find it on the hill of Halepa.
The French Embassy has unfortunately not been restored, and although it has been heavily damaged, one can easily guess that it used to be one of the most impressive buildings in the area. It is located near the National Research Foundation "Eleftherios K. Venizelos".
The Austrian-Hungarian Embassy has also been turned into a hotel. It was constructed during the late 19th century and became private property in 1933. It was the first neoclassical building in Chania to undergo a full restoration.
The former British Embassy on Venizelou Str. 164 is another successfully restored mansion that now houses a luxurious hotel.

The French School

With a neoclassical style of architecture, the main building of the French School was constructed in 1858. It has been state property since 1970, when the school was shut down. It currently houses the Technical University of Crete.

The Church of Evangelistria

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this Orthodox Christian church is among the biggest ones in Chania. It’s a cruciform church with a dome and two bell towers. Its architecture is quite impressive, with many neoclassical elements perfectly blending the Orthodox tradition with the aesthetics of ancient Greece.

The Tower of Halepa

This unusual building is a blend of modern and Ottoman architectural styles, reflecting the city's history and the changes it underwent over time. The Tower was originally constructed during the 18th century in order to house a Turkish Aga. The structure was designed to resemble a Venetian-style fortress, and although the tower's fortification was created only for aesthetic purposes, eventually it became functional by offering shelter during the Cretan Revolution in 1897.
The tower was severely damaged due to bombing that occurred during the Second World War, and its remains were incorporated into a modern building.

Tabakaria

The waterfront neighborhood of Tabakaria is the only part of Halepa that has an industrial background. During the 19th century, there used to be over 80 tanneries in this area, and leather production was a central aspect of the economy of Chania until the Second World War. When the war was over, the use of modern machinery replaced the old, traditional tanneries.
Most of the tanneries are currently abandoned, with very few exceptions. There have been attempts to restore at least a few of them, while others have already been renovated and turned into restaurants and taverns with a pleasant view of the sea and the historical neighborhood.

Kouloura

Kouloura is a small, naturally occurring pool, not an actual beach, with crystal-clear waters. It is rocky, safe for diving from the rocks, and only 2 meters deep.

The Church of the Transfiguration of Jesus

This is a small, traditionally designed church, not widely known as a tourist attraction. Its location makes it an excellent viewpoint since it offers a wonderful view of the sea and the little pool of Kouloura.

The Church of Agia Kyriaki

Located near Tabakaria, the small chapel of Agia Kyriaki replaced the ruined monastery of Agia Kyriaki, which was constructed during the early 16th century.