Around the Old Venetian Port of Chania, you’ll find remarkable landmarks that tell the story of Chania’s rich past. These are the must-see sights along the waterfront:

• The Lighthouse: The iconic 21-metre lighthouse stands at the harbour entrance. Initially built by the Venetians around the 16th century, it was rebuilt in its present form by Egyptian craftsmen during Ottoman rule (c.1830). With its distinctive minaret-like shape, the lighthouse is Chania’s symbol – magnificent at sunset and visible everywhere along the quay. (Note: You can walk the long breakwater to get up close, though the lighthouse is not open to climb.)
• Firkas Fortress: This Venetian fortress (built circa 1580–1645, completed just before the Ottoman conquest) anchors the harbour’s northwest corner. Its name, “Firka”, means barracks – indeed, it housed Venetian troops and later Ottoman soldiers. A heavy chain was once strung from here across to the lighthouse base to close the port in emergencies. Don’t miss the fortress’s small corner watchtower: this is where the Greek flag was raised in 1913 to celebrate Crete’s unification with Greece. Today, the fort’s grounds offer superb views, and its buildings host the Maritime Museum of Crete.
• Maritime Museum of Crete: Located at the entrance of Firkas Fortress, this museum (also called the Nautical Museum) showcases Chania’s seafaring history. Inside, you’ll find model ships, historic naval instruments, photographs and relics from ancient Minoan times through World War II. (A museum annexe in one of the old arsenals even displays a full-size replica of a Minoan ship!) It’s a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts, providing context to the harbour’s maritime past.
• Grand Arsenal (Megalo Arsenali): The westernmost and most significant Venetian shipyard building, distinguished by its thick walls. It was the last arsenal built (completed in the early 1600s) and later modified by the Ottomans, who added a second storey. Over the years, it has served as a school, hospital, and even Chania’s City Hall, which was built in the early 20th century. After suffering damage in WWII, the Grand Arsenal was beautifully restored in the 1990s. Today, it houses the Centre for Mediterranean Architecture, hosting exhibitions, cultural events, and conferences that showcase an impressive blend of medieval and modern architecture.
• Mosque of the Janissaries (Yali Tzami): This distinctive domed structure gracing the harbour front is the oldest Ottoman building in Crete (built around 1645, shortly after the Ottoman conquest). Its official name is Kioutsouk Hasan Mosque, and it is in honour of the first Janissary commander of Chania. Featuring an elegant cubic base and multiple domes, the mosque was once an Islamic house of worship; it ceased religious function in the early 20th century. After restoration (the minaret was removed long ago), it now serves as an exhibition hall for art and local crafts. It’s a photogenic landmark, especially when illuminated in the evening.
• Neoria (Venetian Shipyards): Lining the eastern side of the harbour, the Neoria are the arched shipyard halls where Venetian ships were built and repaired. Seventeen were originally built between the 16th–17th centuries – long vaulted structures open on the seaside so galleys could be dragged in for repairs. Several of these impressive stone halls still stand in a row by the water. You can peek inside some; one arsenal at the end (the Moro Dockyard) has been renovated to house the local sailing club and a stunning replica of a Bronze Age Minoan. These venerable walls bring the harbour’s shipbuilding history to life.
• Other Highlights: As you explore, notice the Byzantine Walls on Kastelli Hill (rising just behind the harbour, marking the site of ancient Minoan Kydonia and later fortifications) and the restored Venetian arsenals now hosting tavernas and cultural spaces. The Splanzia Fountain (an old Venetian fountain, now relocated to the Archaeological Museum) and the remains of the Sabbionara Gate (the old sea gate at the east bastion) are further reminders of the harbour’s layered history. Every corner has a story – from the Topanas quarter (the old Venetian neighbourhood by the fortress) to the customs house and the quaint fishing boats bobbing in the marina.