In our country, the national football team holds the title of ‘the beloved choice of the Greeks’.

In 2004, a miracle unfolded as Greece triumphed in the Euro, prompting millions to swell with pride and shed tears of emotion!

However, the bond between Greeks and football extends far beyond 2004. It's just that the year stands out as a milestone, evoking nostalgic memories for those who adore the beautiful game, even among those who aren't avid fans of the sport.

To preserve this cherished memory in the hearts and minds of all, and to educate the world about the history of football, the Panhellenic Association of Friends of the Greek National Team ‘Galanolefkos Faros’, in partnership with the Municipality of Chania, established the Museum of the National Football Team.

It was inaugurated in 2012 and is located at 40 Tsouderou Street, in the historic Old Town of Chania.

Initially, the museum began with just 200 exhibits. However, as of 2024, visitors now have the opportunity to view 4,000 items, including an impressive collection of 500 shirts from national teams of other countries!

The museum comprises two halls. The first, named EURO 2004, pays tribute to the European Champions, while the second hall is dedicated to the Greek national coach, ALKETAS PANAGOULIAS.

The founders of the Museum stress that it belongs to all Greek fans and, of course, to all Greek internationals who have proudly worn the blue and white shirt adorned with the National Emblem.

Admission to the public is free.

Contact numbers: 00306974331691 (Nikos Flekkas) and 00302821044713.

For more information, click HERE.

Behold, the Arkoudiotissa Cave, where you'll encounter a bear!

But fear not, for it's merely a stalagmite fashioned in the likeness of this friendly creature!

Situated near the Gouverneto Monastery in Akrotiri, Chania, Arkoudiotissa Cave is accessible on foot from the monastery.

According to Wikipedia, this cave is thought to have been utilised for religious purposes since ancient times, with evidence of worship dedicated to Artemis and Apollo. However, during the Christian era, it was consecrated to Panagia Arkoudiotissa (Bear Virgin Mary). Ascetics also inhabited the caves in the vicinity.

Further along the path, after descending 140 metres, lies the primary church of a monastery, now abandoned. Thought to date back to the 5^th or 6^th century, it was established by St John the Hermit.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The Monastery of Agia Triada Tzagaroli (or Tzagarolon) is one of the most significant monastery complexes from the conclusion of Venetian rule in Crete.

It is a Patriarchal and Stavropegic monastery located on the Akrotiri peninsula.

The location originally housed a smaller monastery, and in 1611, the Venetian authorities of Chania tasked the hieromonk Jeremiah Tzagarolos, hailing from an influential Venetian-Cretan family with ties to both Orthodox and Catholic communities, to reconstruct it. Jeremiah Tzagarolos opted to construct a more extensive monastery complex on the same site, personally designing the plans for it.

The monastery suffered destruction during the 1821 revolution when it was set ablaze by the Ottomans, resulting in the loss of numerous relics. Nine years after this event, Ottoman authorities granted permission for the monks Kalliopios and Gregory to complete the church of the monastery. In 1864, a bell tower was added to the complex. The monastery operated as a seminary for thirteen years starting in 1892. Later, it transformed into a hospital and headquarters for revolutionaries during the events of the 1896-97 revolution.

During World War II, the Greeks initially used the monastery to store supplies. After the German occupation of Crete, the Germans established the School of Anti-Aircraft Artillery there in 1942, and by 1944, 150 to 200 soldiers were stationed at the monastery.

The west side of the complex features monks' cells, wine cellars, and the old olive press. The library is situated on the north side, while the ossuary and the administrative area are located on the south side.

Info: Wikipedia

Includes:

• Pitch with natural grass
• Track and field athletic facilities with 8 running lanes
• Hammer/discus cage
• Mats for high jump and pole vault
• Valves for long jump and triple jump
• Journalists’ box
• Two gyms with equipment for weightlifting and gym equipment
• Seats for 1500 people

Photo Municipality of Chania

It holds the title of being the oldest operating open-air cinema!

The Municipal Cinema of Chania, Cine Kipos, is situated in the Municipal Garden of Chania. From early June to mid-September, it provides entertainment and diverse options for children, young adults, and film enthusiasts. Its screenings are well-attended every night.

Since the summer of 2023, the screenings at the Municipal Cinema of Chania have become even more special and inclusive as the cinema canteen has been operated by employees of the Social Cooperative of the Psychiatric Sector of Chania.

For information and screening schedules, see here and here.

Contact Details:

2821 034200

politismos@chania-culture.gr

Originally, the collection was established through generous private donations, with a significant portion contributed by the Municipal Library of Chania. With three thousand volumes of Greek and foreign language books, along with an array of board games, the library offers something for every reader.

Catering to children, teenagers, and adults, it provides lending services to all members of the community.

Additionally, it hosts educational programmes tailored specifically for primary school children, enriching their learning experiences within its premises.

The Stalos Municipal Library serves as the cultural hub of the Nea Kydonia Municipal Unit, aiming to boost literacy and, concurrently, promote the cultural heritage of the region.

OPENING HOURS

Monday-Wednesday-Friday (afternoons) : 6 pm – 9 pm

CONTACT DETAILS:

Telephone : 2821 0 99787

Info: Municipality of Chania