The wall of the acropolis of Chania, located at the “Kastelli” site, consists of a fortified enclosure measuring 820 meters in length and encompassing an area of 35.6 square meters. This ellipsoidal structure runs from east to west. On the south side, along Sifaka Street, five rectangular towers and three other differently shaped towers are still preserved. Scholars believe that the Byzantine wall of the acropolis was constructed in the 7th century due to fears of Arab raids. However, the site has been continuously used from prehistoric times to the present day.
The lower part of the Sifakas Street wall incorporates older fortification structures from the Hellenistic period. The construction of the wall utilized recycled building materials such as columns and stone blocks from ancient Kydonia, which were available after the devastating earthquake measuring 8.3 – 8.7 on the Richter scale. The wall has undergone several reconstructions over the centuries.
During the initial phase of construction, primarily sandstone or limestone buildings, columns with smooth shafts, architraves with corbels, and small architectural components were used. In a later phase, smaller buildings made mostly of limestone were incorporated. Excavations on the outer side of the wall, along the pedestrian street of Sifakas Street, revealed the existence of a rampart with a maximum height of 2 meters, which was used to strengthen the wall.
Means of Access:
- Car
- On Foot
Disabled Access:
- Yes
