Point d'intérêt
Splantzia Square
Recommandé par 15 habitants,
Conseils des habitants
Emmanouil & Vicki
May 3, 2022
Near Kastelli and Koum Kapi, north-east of the old town of Chania, is the Splantzia district. Its distinctive feature is its square with the church of Agios Nikolaos (St Nicholas), part of the old Dominican friary, which was converted into the Mosque of Sultan Ibrahim during the Turkish period. The church of St Nicholas was converted into a barracks for the Turkish Janissaries, but was also their place of daily prayer. The church was renamed “Hügar Tzamissi”, probably a corruption of “Hükümdar Tzamissi”, meaning “Mosque of the Sovereign”. It housed the scimitar of the Turkish dervish who was the first to enter the city, a sacred and miraculous relic to the Turks. The minaret which was added to the church has two distinctive circular balconies. At the center of the square, there is a huge plane tree and there is a catacomb between the church and the plane tree. During Ottoman rule, under the plane tree, there was an octagonal Arabian kiosk, to which the aristocrats of the Turkish state had the right to sit. Now there is a monument in honor of Greek Christians who were tortured and killed at this point during the Greek Revolution. After excavations that took place, a large tank was found in the catacomb. On the Venetians and the Turks, an underground fountain was constructed and used as ritual space. Today, on the perimeter of the square, small cafes and taverns are housed, while the huge plane tree offers rich shade and coolness during the summer months. It is now respectively a very popular hangout spot for the local youth and an alternative to the nightlife scene of the Venetian Harbor. While you're there visit The Church of St. Caterina and St. John the Hermit An unorthodox looking Greek Orthodox chapel built during the Venetian area, hence the architectural influences that underwent many transitional uses until it was restored as a temple of worship. Nearby is the church of San Rocco, a round Venetian church which is no longer in use. St Rocco protected the inhabitants of Chania from the plague, a sign that the scourge of Europe in the Middle Ages did not leave Chania untouched. During the Turkish period, the Splantzia was the Turkish quarter, the equivalent of the Christian quarter in Sindrivani Square in the harbour, the center of the social and political life of Chania.
Near Kastelli and Koum Kapi, north-east of the old town of Chania, is the Splantzia district. Its distinctive feature is its square with the church of Agios Nikolaos (St Nicholas), part of the old Dominican friary, which was converted into the Mosque of Sultan Ibrahim during the Turkish period. The…
Adeste Villas
June 27, 2019
Enjoy coffee or mezze at Bourbos kafeneion under the plane trees or have a drink while listening to electro hits in Kleidi bar
Theo Julia
June 9, 2019
Drink, eat and enjoy at this nice little square. Best time to visit is afternoon-night.
George
June 7, 2018
daytime coffee and evening drinks hub
Katerina
October 15, 2017
milti-cultural picturesque square surrounded by a church with both orthodox and muslim elements, a catholic venetian church that is now used as a gallery, a traditional "Dali-friendly" cafe, a bar, a bakery and a restaurant with both cretan and ethnic cuisine
Activités uniques à proximité
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