On 29 April 2026, a historical walk through Halepa, one of Chania’s most distinctive neighborhoods, took place with great participation. The walk was guided by Georgios Psaroudakis, historian, member of the Board of the Philological Association of Chania and member of the Social Cooperative Enterprise Cultural Memory.
Starting from the old Tabakaria district, participants explored a unique urban landscape where industry, diplomacy, architecture, and everyday life come together. Along the route, we discussed the history of the tanneries and the people connected with them, as well as Halepa’s important role during the period of the Autonomous Cretan State, when several diplomatic authorities were based in the area.
The walk also included stops and references to landmarks such as the French School, the Palace of Prince George, the residence of Eleftherios Venizelos, Villa Schwartz, the Kaloutsis residence, and the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene. Through buildings, streets, archival material, and oral testimonies, the tour highlighted the many layers of Halepa’s past and the ways in which local memory remains embedded in the neighborhood’s urban fabric.
The activity was organized in collaboration with the Philological Association of Chania. Due to the strong response, similar historical walks may be organized again in Halepa and in other neighborhoods of Chania with significant historical interest.
