The Jewish community dates back to the Ottoman occupation when they established themselves in the old town of Chania. By that time the Christian community was in the area known as Topanas (Theotokopoulou street). Only one of the two synagogues of Chania survives to this day.
The Jewish community is the area outlined by Chalidon, Zampeliou, Skoufon, and Portou streets. The district lays behind the Venetian Monastery of St. Francis (old Archaeological Museum), and the circular Lando bastion. It is one of the most central neighbourhoods of the old town. The main street of the Jewish Quarter was the picturesque alley of Kondilaki Street, where the remaining synagogue is located. The second synagogue was destroyed by the bombings of World War II.
The surviving synagogue originates from the Venetian period and was converted into a synagogue during the 17th century. The obvious Romanesque architectural features testify to earlier use.
The synagogue was abandoned in May 1944 when the Nazis rounded up the entire Jewish population of the city and put them on board the tanker Tanais, bound for Pireaus and then Auschwitz. On June 9th 1944 the tanker was spotted by a British submarine which opened fire and torpedoed the Tanais, killing all on board.
Today the once Jewish district is one of the busiest streets in the old town of Chania with shops, restaurants, mansions etc.
The Jewish community is the area outlined by Chalidon, Zampeliou, Skoufon, and Portou streets. The district lays behind the Venetian Monastery of St. Francis (old Archaeological Museum), and the circular Lando bastion. It is one of the most central neighbourhoods of the old town. The main street of the Jewish Quarter was the picturesque alley of Kondilaki Street, where the remaining synagogue is located. The second synagogue was destroyed by the bombings of World War II.
The surviving synagogue originates from the Venetian period and was converted into a synagogue during the 17th century. The obvious Romanesque architectural features testify to earlier use.
The synagogue was abandoned in May 1944 when the Nazis rounded up the entire Jewish population of the city and put them on board the tanker Tanais, bound for Pireaus and then Auschwitz. On June 9th 1944 the tanker was spotted by a British submarine which opened fire and torpedoed the Tanais, killing all on board.
Today the once Jewish district is one of the busiest streets in the old town of Chania with shops, restaurants, mansions etc.
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Venetian fortifications
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Venetian harbour
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Byzantine walls - Kastelli Hill - Acropolis of Kydonia
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Jewish Quarter
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Morning run or beach walk
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