n response to the Turkish threat, the Venetians established a continuous naval presence in Crete, leading to the construction of the Neoria (Arsenali) in Heraklion (Handaka) and Chania. These facilities initially provided docking for a limited number of ships, primarily during the winter months, thereby enhancing the residents’ safety. The Neoria were essential for vessel repairs and equipment maintenance. The first two Neoria in Chania were completed in 1526. By 1593, 16 Neoria had been constructed, though they required repairs. The southern complex was finished in 1599 with the addition of the 17th Neorio.
In 1607, the construction of five additional Neoria, known as Neoria Moro, began at the eastern mouth of the port, concurrent with the extension of the northeastern bastion. These were named after the General Provveditore who proposed their construction. Two of these Neoria were completed, and the masonry of the others was built up to the beginning of the domes. Later, the third Neorio was covered with a simple tiled roof, which collapsed during the bombings of 1941.
Originally, the Neoria were open to the sea, allowing water to flow inside a few meters to facilitate boat retrieval. They featured vaulted ceilings and interconnected arched openings in the thick walls. Each Neorio is approximately 50 meters long, 9 meters wide, and 10 meters high on average. The south side of each Neorio has a door, two large windows, and a round skylight at the top. The entrance to the Neoria complex was located roughly in the middle of the southern side, at what is now the end of Daskalogiannis Street, with part of the grand gate still preserved.
During the Turkish occupation, the lack of port maintenance and the decline of its strategic role led to the abandonment of the Neoria’s original use, and they were repurposed as military warehouses. Out of the initial group of 17 Neoria, nine were gradually demolished. Today, seven adjacent domes remain, along with one further west, known as the Great Arsenali, which now houses the Center for Mediterranean Architecture. From the Moro complex, the two southernmost Neoria are still intact.
Means of Access:
- On Foot
Disabled Access:
- Yes
