Splantzia was once the vibrant Turkish district of Chania, known in old maps as Ponte de Viari. It served as the main gathering place for the Ottoman population, much like the nearby “Santrivani” did for the Christians. At its center stood a majestic plane tree — a witness to history, under which many Christians were executed during the Turkish occupation. Next to the tree was an elegant Arabic-style kiosk and a subterranean water tank.
Surrounded by gardens, traditional Turkish coffee houses, and shops, Splantzia was a bustling hub of Ottoman daily life. Nearby, you can still visit the Church of Aghioi Anargyroi, and tucked behind Tsouderon Street lies the historic Mosque of Aga Tzamisi.
Santrivani Square (also known as the Plateau of Mavrovounio during the period of the Cretan State) is today officially named El. Venizelos Square. Despite its modest size, Santrivani has long been the most popular meeting place in Chania. With its marble paving, cafés, elegant hotels, clubs, and modern shops, it formed the heart of the city’s social and commercial life.
The square was named after a large fountain adorned with lion heads, a section of which is now preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Chania. On the north side, buildings that once stood were destroyed in the great fire of 1932, opening the square up to the sea and creating a more scenic view.
Historically, there were two distinct passageways: a narrow arcade for pedestrians and a wider road for carriages. Today, a modern marble fountain adorns the square, making Santrivani a charming blend of past and present — a vibrant stop for both locals and visitors exploring the Old Town of Chania.
Chania CityGeorgioupolisElafonisiBeach BalosFalassarnaKalyvesMalemeSfakia BeachStalosHalepaKasteliKoum KapiNea ChoraProfitis EliasSplantziaTampakariaTopanasRethymnon CityAgia GaliniAnogiaArgyroupolisArkadi MonasteryBali monasteryMelidoni cavePlakiasPreveliPreveli monasteryPsiloritisSpiliFortezzaVenetian Harbor
