Venetian Sights

In 1204 the Crusaders took over Constantinople and dismantled the Byzantine Empire. Crete fell into the hands of Boniface of Monferrat, who then sold it to the Venetians for about 1000 pieces of silver.

There are many remains of beautiful Venetian buildings all over Crete. The old town and especially the Old Harbour of Chania retains the ambience of a Venetian town of the past and the buildings are protected by a historical preservation law. 
Architecturally important venetian buildings are the Loggia of Iraklion, the Loggia of Rethimnon, as well as the Villa De Mezzo in Etia, Sitia, and the Villa Trevisan in Treveziana, near Kastelli, Kissamos. Many houses in the old towns of Chania, Rethimnon and Iraklion still have visible evidence of their Venetian origin.