The Chania Lighthouse is located at the entrance to the port of Chania, on the island of Crete. It was built in 1864 on the site of the original Venetian lighthouse. It is a protected archaeological site in Greece since 1962. It is one of the oldest lighthouses not only in Greece, but also in the whole world.
The lighthouse in the old port of Chania has stood for more than five centuries. The lighthouse that has become a symbol of recognition of the city around the world. Its history is intertwined with the history of the port.
The Chania Lighthouse was originally a sea station built by the Venetians to protect the city from incoming Turks or pirates. In 1645, the Turks took control of the city, leaving the lighthouse in ruins.
Egyptian troops, helping the Ottoman Empire defend Crete, rebuilt the lighthouse in 1864, only the base of the original lighthouse remained.
In May 1915 a white light was installed, indicating that it was an official lighthouse in the Greek network. The lighthouse was damaged in World War II and was repaired in 2006