After forty years of anticipation, Chania is on the verge of witnessing a monumental transformation. The €20.7 million project to restore and repurpose the iconic Venetian Neoria has officially been approved, marking the start of an ambitious endeavor to revitalize one of the city’s most cherished architectural treasures.
The Venetian Neoria – a series of seven historic shipyards in Chania’s Old Town – will be brought back to life as a modern cultural and social center. The restoration plan aims to combine historical preservation with thoughtful design, making the site accessible to everyone while honoring its Venetian-era origins. This extraordinary project has earned its place within the “Environment and Climate Change 2021-2027” program, a milestone for Chania and all of Crete.
Unveiling the Vision and the Key Players Behind It
In a press briefing at Chania’s Town Hall, Mayor Panagiotis Simandirakis expressed pride and gratitude over approving such a significant project. He noted the immense dedication and collaborative efforts responsible for bringing this vision closer to reality. The funding approval, signed by Deputy Minister Nikos Papathanasis, paves the way for the subsequent critical phases: public bidding and project allocation.
Joined by key officials, including Deputy Mayors Michalis Kalogridakis (Technical Services) and Giannis Giannakakis (Culture), along with high-level technical staff, Simandirakis acknowledged the collaborative spirit that made this breakthrough possible. The assistance of the Technical University of Crete, led by Professor Skoutelis, was highlighted as invaluable in shaping the approved proposal, which had secured unanimous support from the Central Archaeological Council.
Significantly, the mayor emphasized the full financial commitment to the project, ensuring the entire requested budget of €20.7 million is allocated without shortfalls. This guarantees the ambitious plan can proceed without compromise, safeguarding its historical integrity and modern functionality.
Bringing the Venetian Neoria Back to Life
Once completed, the restored Neoria will provide multifunctional spaces that resonate with Chania’s past and its future. The facilities will include areas for major exhibitions, musical and theatrical performances, and permanent displays detailing the shipyards’ historical significance. Visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship of Venetian builders and the region’s rich maritime history.
The restored site will feature:
- A permanent amphitheater for concerts and cultural events.
- Dedicated exhibition spaces for history, including the shipyard construction methods of the Venetian period.
- Modern amenities such as auxiliary spaces, restrooms, and a café.
- A reconstructed southern gate mimicking its original Venetian structure.
Deputy Mayor Giannis Giannakakis described the project as foundational to establishing Chania as a cultural epicenter in Crete and across the Mediterranean. According to Giannakakis, the Neoria’s monumental scale, unparalleled location, and remarkable history make the restoration an unprecedented cultural leap for the city.
Deputy Mayor of Technical Services Michalis Kalogridakis echoed the monumental nature of the project, emphasizing the swift pace of achieving funding readiness. Within just five years, the project matured and secured full financial backing, a fact Kalogridakis credited to diligent teamwork across departments.
The Countdown Has Begun
Engineer Giorgos Efthimiou of Chania’s Technical Service offered a promising timeline. He estimated that the contract process will finalize in six to eight months. If objectives remain on schedule, actual restoration work will commence by 2025.
Architect Margarita Bataki also shed light on the project’s architectural focus. The design preserves the Neoria’s distinctive Venetian-era characteristics, restoring and reconstructing elements such as the iconic southern gate. It’s a plan that harmoniously blends historical authenticity with a modern embrace, ensuring the Neoria remain as striking today as they were centuries ago.
As the approval signifies the dawn of this restoration, Mayor Simandirakis expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Crete’s Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis, and numerous local MPs—all of whom played pivotal roles in securing support. Special thanks to the Ministry of Culture, particularly Lina Mendoni, for her unwavering interest in Chania’s cultural development.
The Venetian Neoria project isn’t just about historic preservation. It celebrates Chania’s identity, bridging its past with a vibrant, accessible future. When finished, it promises more than just a tourist destination; it will be a living, breathing testament to the city’s resilience and vision.
Prepare to witness Chania’s historic heart come alive again: The Venetian Neoria awaits its renaissance.
