C. CHANIA: The district of Chania, covering the westernmost part of the island, is the most impressive in terms of the diversity of its natural environment. It includes the White Mountains, the highest range in Crete, and one of the two largest plateaus, the Omalos, The capital, Chania, lies in the northern portion of the district, where the ancient city of Kydonia once stood. For á while (1850), it was the capital of the entire island. The long years of Venetian domination have left their mark on Chania. Sections of Venetian tortification wall still stand in the old town which encircles the harbour, and there are numerous buildings from that era, such as the Rector's Palace and the Firca Fort. The Venetian church of San Francesco has been converted into the Archaeological Museum. Other sights worth noting are the mosques dating from the Turkish Occupation, the Historical and Naval Museum, the Municipal Library and the home of Eleftherios Venizelos.

This part of Crete contains one of the natural wonders of Greece, the Samaria Gorge. Located in the western tip of the Omalos plateau (White Mountains), it is 18 kilometres long, 3 to 40 metres wide, with 600 metres its greatest depth.

Despite its difficultles, crowds of people hike down it eveç day durlng the season, winding up at the viilage of Agia Roumeli with its pretty beach. From there one may take a caique to the other véllages on fhe southern coast. Midway down the gorge is another picfuresque hamlet called Samaria.

Frangokastello, one of fhe most striking and best preserved Venetian castles, lies in the eastern part of the district. Built by the Venefians in the l4th century, it has played a major role in local history ever since. Ofher places in the district also have interesting histories. First comes Sfakia, on the south coast, with its attracfive local architecture; its inhabitants have long been famous for their independent, rebellious natures and fhe town was ever a core of resistance, no matter the conqueror. The Cretan Revolution of 1860 starfed in the village of Therissos, while Maleme is famous as fhe site of the more recent Batfle of Crete (1941).

Opposite Sfakia lies the islet of Gavdos, the soufhernmost piece of inhabited land in Europe. According fo myfh, fhis is where Calypso enticed Odysseus and his sailors. From the archaeological standpolnt, the village of Selli is of inferesf for its ruined ancienf cify and acropolis, while the ancient city of Phalasarna near Platanos is also worth a visit. On the Gramvousa peninsula are the ruins of yet another city of antiquity, Polyrrhenia.

The district also contains several noteworthy monasteries, such as Tzangarolon (l7th c.), Our Lady of the Angels (l6th c.) and Chrysoskalitissa. The Gonia monastery (l7th c.) is also important, housing the Orthodox Academy of Crete.

There are numerous charming seaside villages, especially ïç the northern coast, which is also more accessible. Worth visiting are Kolymbari, Platania, Palaiohora, Souyia and Loutro.