Tampakaria is a district that developed on the east rocky area of Chania, far away from the city walls, which was known during the 19^th century for its tanneries. However, there is evidence for the existence of tanneries in the area from the 18^th century. The leather manufactures established in this area since the Egyptian period (1830-40), according to an official Arabic document.
The area was ideal for the establishment of tanneries: it was near enough the city to attract customers, but also far enough, in a location with abundant underground brackish waters, next to the sea (which was very useful for the first stage of the leather manufacturing).

The tanneries of Tampakaria flourished between the 1^st and the 2^nd World War. During the German occupation the tanneries were closed. Later, the new post-war mechanical equipment replaced the old methods and brought innovations in the leather industry that increased profits. An important amount of profits came from leather exportations. The decadence of Tampakaria started in the 70's and today only one tenth of the tanneries are still in business. The remains of the old tanneries are monuments of industrial archeology. Many of the old tanneries are today abandoned and ruined, some are preserved and have a different use, and some are still in business. The only thing that remained intact is their architecture. Adjusted to the natural landscape, the tanneries have a ground floor by the front street entrance and two or three floors by the seaside. They are stone-built and have a tiled roof. The tanneries, built in a row, characterize this district of unique architecture.

Address: Vivilaki & Aghias Kuriakis