Acceptance, unity and peace
Most squares in Greece, especially the countryside, are adorned by a large plane tree and a church. Splantzia, at the heart of the Turkish quarter in Chania town, is no exception; yet, it is unique, thanks to the distinct character of the church of St Nicolas that attracts locals and visitors alike.
The original temple was built in 1320, under Venetian rule, as part of the Dominican monastery of St Nicolas. When the Ottomans occupied Crete, the church turned into a mosque – the largest in the city – and a minaret was erected in symmetrical balance to the Christian bell tower. Finally, after the liberation of the island from the Turks and its union with the independent Greek state, the church became Orthodox, keeping the minaret and some of the Catholic traits (primarily visible in the interior), while making adjustments (adding an iconostasis, golden chandeliers, and Byzantine icons on the walls), to ensure that the Orthodox congregation would feel at home.
Despite Chania’s many attractions, the church of St Nicolas, with its peaceful blend of eras and dogmas, touched our hearts the most. A message of acceptance, respect, and unity seemed like a relevant reminder of how life should be.
Photo credits: © Konstantina Sakellariou
