The Temple of Aghia Ekaterini

It is located in a short distance from Aghios Nikolaos of Splantzia. It is a two-aisled structure with a
front that ends to a gable. The base of the bell-tower can still be seen in the
yard. The door-frames are supported by chiseled pseudo-pillars and are crowned
with gothic relief arches.
In the interior, the vertical surfaces of the walls
are separated by corniced arches. In general, the architecture of the temple
marks the transition period from the post-gothic to mannerist architecture
styles, which leads to the conclusion that the temple was built during the
second half of the 16th century. In comparison to the rest of the
Orthodox temples of Chania, here we can witness architectural elements that
predominate in Catholic temples.
During the Turkish period the temple was used as a bakery,
and until recently it was used as a repair shop. Nevertheless, the locals
continued to worship Aghia Ekaterini (St. Catherine) there.
In the recent
years, the temple was recovered and renovated by the Archeological Service, and
became once again a site of worship, dedicated to Aghia Ekaterini and Aghios Ioannis the Hermit.







