The Lighthouse of Chania in the Venetian port constitutes an absolute jewel of the city. It is maybe its most photographed monument. Originally built by the Venetians in the late 16th century, it was later rebuilt into its current form by the Egyptians. Its foundations lie on natural rocks and it was initially operating as an open flame torch. It is 21 meters high and its light can be seen from a distance of seven (7) miles. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world that have been preserved to this day.
The Lighthouse consists of three parts. The base, which has eight angles, the middle part, which has sixteen angles, and the third part, which is round. When the Venetians constructed the Lighthouse, they used a material of the same origin and quality with the one used for the construction of the fortifications of the city. In case of a threat, the Venetians shut down the entrance of the port, using a chain that was tied to the base of the Egyptian Lighthouse and to the Firka Fortress, that stands right across the lighthouse.
