Kasteli hill above the Old Venetian Harbour, Chania
The hill above the harbour that has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and was the site of Minoan Kydonia.
Kasteli hill rises above the western side of the Old Venetian Harbour and is the oldest settled part of Chania. Excavations found Neolithic remains, a Minoan settlement with Linear A tablets, Classical and Hellenistic houses and Roman buildings. Greek tradition identified Kydonia as one of the main cities of ancient Crete, and Kydonia gave its name to the Latin word for quince (cydonia). Some excavated areas are visible from the street and are signposted, while finds are displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Chania in Chalepa. The hill is today covered by the Topanas quarter's lanes and houses.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open-air quarter, accessible at all hours; excavated areas visible from the street. |
| Address | Kanevaro Street and Kasteli hill, 731 31 Chania, Crete, Greece |
Why it matters
Site of ancient Kydonia, the oldest continuously inhabited part of Chania.
Site facts
- Built
- c. 3000 BCE onward
- Architect
- Minoan, Greek and Roman builders
- Style
- Minoan and Classical archaeological remains
- UNESCO listing
- Not a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Location
Kanevaro Street and Kasteli hill, 731 31 Chania, Crete, Greece
35.5171, 24.0160 View on map
Highlights
- Minoan Kydonia and its Linear A tablets
- Visible excavations beside the lanes
- Panoramic view of the harbour
Tips for visiting
- Combine the excavation viewpoints with a walk through Topanas.
- Visit the Archaeological Museum in Chalepa to see the finds.
When to visit
Morning, April to June and September to October
Accessibility
Cobbled slopes and steps; limited wheelchair access.