The most obvious remnant is the ‘Sarakino’ fountain on the Beach Road, some date this as Roman while others say it is Byzantine, whichever, it is definitely old! It is also a fine example of Roman technology being used for decorative purposes, as it would have been gravity fed by the aqueducts from the mountains (these days we would use electricity produced from fossil fuels).
The casual observer on his (or her) way to Tiger Bar, Mouraggio, or TNT would not imagine that anything else much existed in the way of archaeology in this area, however only a metre or so under their feet are the remains of houses running to the water’s edge. These last saw the light of day in winter 2002/2003 when the entire width of the Beach Road was dug up to lay drainage pipes. Of course in the sea itself are also the remains of the old quays and associated works although these can be difficult to identify as they are generally submerged, nearby are also the remains of fish tanks. Yes fish farming was popular even in Roman times!
Taking the street next to the fountain and walking inland to the right, opposite Friday’s, you will find some ruins of large buildings excavated and a well-preserved paved road complete with wheel ruts. As you walk up this street note the obvious recent roadwork on the left hand side of the road.
Continue on this street to the crossroads, turn left and opposite the Chania Bank you will find the Roman theatre. Turn right at the crossroads and take the street opposite Acropolis supermarket will take you to more ruins a short distance along on the right. You will find further ruins next to the Acropolis car park and also on the opposite side of the road.
One of the advantages of living here all year round (apart from the weather) is that you get to see things the summer visitor does not. Wintertime is when the roads are dug up to lay pipes and so on. I mentioned above the roadwork, this took place winter 2005/2006, those of you who are looking at this on my website will be able to see the remains which still exist covered by not much more than the road surfacing, in this case a stone basin, probably of a fountain, also clearly visible are the stone walls of the surrounding buildings. This trench actually continued towards the Medical Centre and the continuation of the paved road mentioned above was clearly visible.
The Sarakino fountain, left, if the colours appear brighter than you remember it is because the tiles are wet! When new and with water running down across the mosaic the overall effect would have been amazing.
The remains to the left are on the road up to Pano Hersonissos, no sign as usual, but I would not be surprised to learn that this was a water storage tank!
The Sarakino fountain detail
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A stone basin only inches below the road surface
This area has now been cleaned up!
More Roman road towards the Medical Centre
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More ruins on the road up to Pano Hersonissos
