Crete - Sights

Tabakaria is the tannery district of Chania. In contrast to the affluent and aristocratic district of Halepa, Tabakaria has no fancy architecture, but industrial buildings of the 19th century and rich history. It is a very atmospheric neighborhood, extending from the end of Koum Kapi towards the east. It is also very scenic with unique architecture features and the sea as a romantic backdrop, perfect to capture some great photos for your Instagram account that will wow your followers.

The first tanneries were built during the Egyptian occupation (1830-1840) and it was at its best during the interwar. This area was convenient for this type of industry because it was close to town so it was easy to transport the finished goods to the merchants, but far enough to prevent the smells of the industry to reach Chania. Another advantage of the place was the abundant brackish ground water and shallow sea, which was necessary for the first stage of tanning. The adjacent Koum Kapi neighborhood with its low-cost workforce, helped the development of the industry. Koum Kapi was a poor neighborhood where most people were unemployed or unskilled workers and found here a good opportunity to get a job and escape poverty. The industry of leather processing, flourished right up to the 1950s when 80 tanneries were in full operation. World War II and the German occupation made activities to cease. The end of World War II brough modern changes and new activities. This resulted in the gradual vanishing of the tanneries. By the end of the 70s, only a few of them were still open, today it is just one.

Today, skeletons of old buildings and old machinery are silent reminders of the industrial past of the district. One of the reasons behind the abandonment of Tabakaria is the high cost of the reconstruction that has to do with the obligation to preserve the original architecture and structure of the buildings. This has not prevented some of the property owners to renovate a few old tanneries, converting them to offices, residences, lofts and boutique hotels. Adapted to the natural slopes of the landscape the buildings are grounded with entry from the road. The majority are two or three floor constructions with exit to the sea, and stand one next to another. Between them narrow steps, sometimes very steep, go down towards the coast. If you are visiting Chania, in Crete and you are seeking authentic and out of the box sightseeing this is a perfect walkabout. Tabakaria is a short leisurely fifteen-minute walk from Chania’s Venetian Harbor. Once you have seen Tabakaria, you can walk up the hill and visit the house of Eleftherios Venizelos, now turned into a museum, the garden of the Queen and the Archaeological Museum of Chania. Tabakaria is one of the most suggestive places to visit in Chania, so do not miss it!