In the mid-19^th century the village of Halepa was extending east from the city, outside the city walls. The area played an important role in the history of Crete, as the famous "Halepa Agreement" was signed on October 1878 between Ottomans and Cretans for the assignment of a limited autonomous regime in the island.

The street "Halepas" (today the street "El. Venizelos"), the main street outside the city walls, started east from the city of Chania and ended at the aristocratic suburb of "Halepa", the wealthy residential area of Chania.
It was a neat street, with blue acacia trees. In Halepa, there were luxurious and beautiful buildings, as well as the consulates of the Great Powers.
There was also the school of "San Joseph", where nuns taught French and "savoir vivre" to the rich girls, as well as the elegant church of Aghia Magdalene with its beautiful gardens.