Agios Nikolaos Church

Agios Nikolaos church is located on the side of one of the nicest squares in Chania city: Splantzia square (or 1821 square, as it is officially called), lying in the center of the homonymous Splantzia quarter. In spring and summer, the shady square with the big trees comes alive by the buzzing cafes, taverns and shops around it. Agios Nikolaos church was built between the 13th and the 14th centuries as a Dominican monastery, and this is the reason for its distinct architecture. During the Ottoman occupation of Crete, it was converted to a mosque, like all the other Christian churches in Chania city. It was at that period that the tall minaret was built on the corner of the church, which has been recently restored. The building became a church again in 1918, after the liberation and reunion of Crete with Greece, and it was dedicated to Agios Nikolaos, the patron saint of the sailors. Today, it is the only church in Greece that has both a bell tower and a minaret. And if you are observant, you will also find the "secret" underground fountain, after descending the stairs in front of the church...