Greek Cuisine Is Legendary the Actual Reference Describes a Not a Myth! Wide and Flat Dough Made of Flour and Water Which Is Cut Into Strips
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1 4 | Discover Chania 2016 Discover Chania 2016 | 5 Pure fascination The old Harbour will overwhelm you A place to fall when you will see it in love with for the first time The picturesque old Town of Cha- nia is altogether crowned by the buildings looking onto the old har- beautiful old harbor attracting vis- bor will amaze you as they are rem- itors and locals like a magnet and, iniscent to a bygone age when the thus, turning it to the busiest part east was harmoniously ‘flirting’ of the coastal front. with the west. The old harbor of All the little stone-paved alleys of Chania was built by Venetians be- this quarter of Chania lead to the tween 1320 and 1356. Nowadays, old harbor and one way or an- you can do yourself the favor and other, your enchanting walks will take a long walk along the large lead you to it. Pure fascination will bay, from one side to the other, overwhelm you when you will see between the Lighthouse and The it for the first time and the impos- Firkas Fortress. ing Venetian Lighthouse will cer- The harbor is packed with numer- tainly capture your vision at a first ous cute cafes, tavernas serving glance. fresh fish and Cretan dishes and Even if you may not be an archi- bustling small bars promising an tecture enthusiast, the first raw interesting time after dark. 2 8 | Discover Chania 2016 Discover Chania 2016 | 9 Old Town Chania The old town of Chania is burst- The town of Chania is a magical ing with life and activity from the destination itself, accumulating all first sunlight until late at night. The of the beauty of the Mediterranean closed market and the flea mar- Sea, as well as the maagic of its ket, small shops and picturesque cultures. Centuries of history are houses with unique architecture, traceable in every corner and every in court gardens with bougain- alley of the town center. In the nar- A walk around the villeas and other colorful flowers row streets of the hebrew neigh- center feels like a compose the puzzle of the town. borhood, to the Halepa and the peculiar treasure A walk around the center feels like Kum Kappi, historical buildings, hunting a peculiar treasure hunting, which the ruins of the fortification walls, leads you always to the same spot: byzantine churches, mosques and The old venetian port. Across the neoclassical mansions mingle with pear which ends to the lighthouse the modern part of the town. that stands as a tireless guardian The access to the center of Cha- and protector of the city since the nia is easy no matter which part of 16th century, there are all sort of the municipality you choose to stay restaurant and bars, offering fresh and so a visit to the town is defi- fish or delicious Cretan specialties, nitely something one must do be- the best view of the town and your fore leaving Crete. strongest memory from your holi- day in Chania. 3 12 | Discover Chania 2016 Discover Chania 2016 | 13 Greek cuisine is legendary The actual reference describes a not a myth! wide and flat dough made of flour and water which is cut into strips. This dough called the “laganon” was transferred to Italy by the Greeks who colonized the area in the 8th century BC and was then Greek myths reveal a lot about renamed to Latin “laganum” or Greek cuisine and nutrition and lasagne as it called nowadays! In most facts are confirmed by ar- addition, the first ever book about chaeological finds. cooking in history was written by The ancient Greeks glorified ev- Greek Archestratos in 320 BC. erything beautiful. This is why grapes and wine had their own God, Dionysus. Another God, the son of Apollo, Aristaeus, was ac- countable for teaching them how to make cheese. According to an- other myth, God Hephaestus had created his own tool with which he manufactured ‘cords’ of dough, meaning pasta and the first refer- The first ever book ence in history about pasta is, in- about cooking in history deed, made in 1000 BC in Greece was written by Greek. in using the word “laganon”. 14 | Discover Chania 2016 4 Tabakaria Enjoy delicious fresh fish and sea- food dishes at this quiet tavern which is a must among locals and connoisseurs. It is also a beautiful choice if you wish to escape the buzzing center of Chania for a romantic and spe- cial dinner by the sea. It lies on a quiet little port, Tabakaria, which used to house old leather-process- Tabakaria used to ing warehouses dating back to the 19th century. house old leather- The stone-built buildings and the processing narrow passages of steep stairs warehouses back leading down to the sea, create a at the 19th century. unique architectural complex. We strongly recommend Thalassi- no Ageri for delicious fresh fish and seafood cooked in Mediterranean style. Grilled octopus and calamari, sea urchin salad, lobster with pasta and home-made bread will satisfy your palate. Try their specialty: fish soup, prepared with the daily catch and fresh vegetables. A taste you will never forget. 16 | Discover Chania 2016 5 Tradition During summertime there are doz- ens of festivals and fairs organized in the wider area of Chania and they are beyond doubt the best way to get to know the unique culture of the Cretan people. Whether it is a family feast, a Cretan wedding you might- crash in or one of the many festivals organized by the municipality or the prefecture (Agricultural August – introducing local food products, Wine Fair – getting to know local wine, Festivals to celebrate the Pa- tron Saint etc) don’t miss out on that experience. At the central square of a village you can dance hand in hand until the early morning with the locals their frantic dances, drink homemade raki and wine and sing for the joys and the sorrows of life a mantinada, dance hand in hand accompanied by the Dionysian mel- until the early morning odies of the Cretan lyre! with the locals 18 | Discover Chania 2016 Chania tour Chania is a town with a very long seum and the Firka Fortress. The history that starts from the Mino- Byzantine Collection, behind Firka, an Era when it was called Kydonia, is at an entrance of the old town a very important city - state due to where many restored buildings its port and the sea trade. The Pal- date back to the Middle ages. ace of Kydonia lies under the mod- Admire the Franciscan monastery ern city and that’s why it hasn’t San Salvatore (15th century) and been excavated. Since that era, the neoclassical and old Venetian Venetian, Arabs and Ottomans buildings at Theotokopoulou str. conquered and left their “mark” in Wander in the narrow paths and the town. streets and discover the town his- In 1898 Chania became the capi- tory through the ages. Exit Zam- tal of the semi autonomous Cretan Wander in the narrow beliou str. to Chalidon str. where state until 1913 when Crete was paths and streets the Archaeological Museum, the officially united with Greece. and discover the town Hamam, the Catholic Church and Have a walk in the Old Port to- history through the the Orthodox Cathedral will draw wards the Lighthouse while en- ages. your attention. Buy souvenirs and joying a panoramic view of various herbs at the Municipal Market. Venetian, Ottoman and Neoclassi- Beautiful Neoclassical buildings cal buildings. are found at Tzanakaki, Nearchou In the Harbour you can see Kiutsuk and Sfakianaki str. Hasan Mosque, the Maritime Mu- 20 | Discover Chania 2016 6 tender & serve! The building hosting Boheme, was Welcome to Boheme! We invite you part of the monks’ cells of the Monas- to try our excellent suggestions for tery of Saint Francis. culinary delights, either you choose to The roof of Boheme is made of inter- enjoy breakfast, coffee, exquisite food war’s slats of German Railway and is with biological products and Cretan decorated with original works of the herbs or superb cocktails and drinks. great Greek artist Giannis Kyrou. The Our touch to this unique place was plane tree, which dominates the court- made in respect of the history of the yard offering generously its shadow, is Old City of Chania and we hope the about 400 years old and sole witness result will delight you. of the place. 22 | Discover Chania 2016 Discover Chania 2016 | 23 Fine Cosmos Overlooking the entire village of Pla- Dinning! tanias, Cosmos Restaurant awaits you, eager to share the secrets of Mediterranean tastes. Quality, luxu- ry and balance form the philosophy Pallas of the owners. Lengthy list of wines It is the place which presence changed and spirits, and friendly staff that significantly the entertainment in the will help you select the mouth-wa- area of the harbor. The building that tering dish and make your day. houses Pallas, is truly, a living piece of Nama the history, built in 1830, as home to Ali In the most privileged spot of Chania’s Old Village - Platanias 28210 68558 Pasha. harbor, you will find Nama. A classy www.cosmos-restaurant.gr Pallas is known for its classy, sophis- place to have your coffee, cocktail and ticated but still modern style. Bright dinner! The delicious food of creative areas with sofas, wooden tables, cuisine which praises the “sophisti- atmospheric bar, divine dishes, sig- cated” ingredients of cretan earth, the Kritamon nature cocktails, magnificent sea view, updated wine list of the sommelier, the overlooking the light house, courteous astonished view to the lighthouse and Cosy restaurant at the old Port with reception and excellent service, elec- the marina, as well as the stylish inte- a quiet back yard, suitable for every tro- lounge- classic soul & funk music, rior and exterior design, will defiantly occasion.