The Plane Tree of Splantzia

Looking for a bit of shade to continue your walk through Chania?
Make a stop under the plane tree of Splantzia!

Its History
Beneath the tree once stood an octagonal Arab-style kiosk, where titular dignitaries, prominent beys and aghas of the city had the privilege to sit and enjoy their coffee.

During the Ottoman occupation, Greek Christians who fought for Cretan freedom were hanged, executed, and tortured here. In the early days of the Greek War of Independence, fearing a spread of the uprising to Crete, the Turks hanged Bishop Melchisedek Despotakis of Kissamos (19 May 1821). He was dragged by his beard, naked, to the tree, and after his death, his body was dragged through the narrow alleys of the town by the Turkish mob. The same fate befell Hierodeacon Kalinikos from Veria.

Today, there is a commemorative plaque in the square in their memory.

Source: Wikipedia