Khanía, chief town of its nomos, lies in the southeast corner of Khaniá Bay on the north coast of Crete. The town was founded by the Venetians in the 13th century, under the name of La Canea, on the site of ancient Kydonia. It suffered heavy damage during World War II.
The old town is surrounded by its 16th century walls, with a total length of
3km/2mi. To the north is the Venetian harbor (boating marina), with a lighthouse at the end of the pier, several Venetian arsenals (ca. 1500; now used as boat-sheds) and part of the old fortifications.
The Gothic church of San Francesco now houses the Archeological Museum. Other features of interest are the church of San Salvatore (16th C.), the Janissaries' Mosque (1645), a number of fine Venetian mansions and the large Market Hall.
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