Assumption Cathedral, Chania

In 1566, as commanded by Pope Pius V, formerly Antonio Ghislieri, a small group of Capuchin monks settled in Chania, which was then under Venetian rule. They originally resided in a small house by the waterfront. In 1675, 30 years after the Ottoman conquest of the city, they built a Catholic chapel next to the residence.

In 1844, the Egyptian governor of Crete, Muhammad Ali Pasha, allowed a small, single-aisled church to replace the chapel. In 1874 the replacement church was elevated to the status of a Cathedral. In 1879, the church, heavily damaged by earthquakes, was demolished. The present building was erected in its place.

In Athinagora Square, opposite Trimartiri, the Orthodox Cathedral is a small door. On the door is the coat of arms of the Capuchin Order. This is on Chalidon Street. The door opens in an inner courtyard. Dominating the courtyard is the Catholic Cathedral of the Assumption. Next to the church is the Capuchin Monastery.

Bishop Aloisio Cannavo inaugurated the Cathedral in 1879. It is a three-nave basilica with Neo-Classical and Renaissance elements. It was designed by architect Vitaliano Poselli. The facade is Neo-Classical with grand-looking arches and columns. The interior is understated with an altar, frescoes, and icons.

Next to the church is the Capuchin Monastery, renovated in 1991. Services are held regularly in several different languages, including English.