Splantzia Square

Splantzia is one of the most special districts of the city of Chania, a stone's throw from the Old Port, and Lotos Luxury Apartments unreservedly recommends it.

In the center of the district is the picturesque square of Splantzia, which is officially called 1821 square, in honor of the Greek revolution for independence.
It is a wonderful little square with big plane trees that offer shade during the summer months.

Splantzia is full of neat cafes, taverns and shops. This beautiful neighborhood is one of the "hidden treasures" of the city of Chania, which is known only to locals and well-informed travelers. It is ideal to relax after your walk in the city of Chania.

Around the square there are also two famous churches in the city of Chania. The largest of these is the imposing church of Agios Nikolaos built in 1320 AD.

The Church of St. Nicholas was a Dominican monastery during the Venetian occupation. Later, in the Ottoman years, it was turned into a mosque. And now it functions as an orthodox church. You can not miss it, not only because of its size, but also because it has both a bell tower and a minaret.

Between the church of Agios Nikolaos and the plane tree in Splantzia there is the Turkish underground fountain surrounded by railings. The tank had such a capacity that it covered the city of Chania for six months.

In 1821, when the Greek revolution began in mainland Greece, a terrifying historical event took place in the central square of Splantzia:
To prevent the local Greek population from joining the revolution, the Turks hanged the local Orthodox bishop of Kissamos, Melchisedek Despotakis (May 19, 1821) from the large plane tree in the square. At the same point they also executed some of the prominent Greeks of Chania.
Today a plaque commemorates this heinous event. For this reason, the square is officially called "1821 square".

On the other side of Splantzia Square is the Venetian Church of Agios Roccos . A typical church of the Venetian period, today it is no longer used for religious purposes but as an art space where various photography and painting exhibitions take place.
Saint Roccos, whose memory is celebrated on August 16, was born in 1295 in Montpellier, France.
The construction of the church took place in 1630, probably after the outbreak of the plague epidemic, as Agios Roccos was the protector of Chania from the plague. Below the cornice there is the inscription:

DEO O (PTIMO) .M. (AXIMO) ET D (IVO). ROCCO DICATVM. M.D.CXXX.
TO THE EXCELLENT AND GREAT GOD AND TO SAINT ROCCO 1630

During the Turkish Occupation in Chania, Agios Roccos was used as a military outpost. Most likely the Ottoman conquerors avoided destroying him for fear of the Saint and his attributes regarding the plague.
During the Cretan State and until 1925 it functioned as a gendarmerie station.

Now, enjoy your ride and see you later again!

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