Scala de Faro, Old Town, Chania, Greece | by Antelope Travel
Scala de Faro
Old Town, Chania

Scala de Faro

HISTORICAL DATA The history of the building probably begins in the 15th-16th century, when it was built by the Venetians. Based on the material and the way of construction, as well as the historical narratives, we assume that in the first period of Venetian domination there was a two-storey building with the vaults of carved poros on the ground floor and the "Piano Nobile", the floor of the Venetian nobility above. The monumental scale of the northern façade is the most characteristic element of the building and proves its original Venetian origin. The ornate stone arched staircase is a fortified monument and is orally ornate later with herbal decoration and with the built-in Muslim fountain laying low inside its arc. After the city of Chania was delivered to the Turks in 1645, the building displayed different interventions. From the narrations of the Tournefort traveler in 1717 ", the building seemed to follow in structure the typical home of the time. The house had two floors with a cellar and stables on the ground floor, walls of chiseled stones in the first, tattered walls in the second one and an open-planted terrace with flowers and climbing plants. This is also shown in the construction of the dividing south wall of the 2nd floor revealed during the restoration of the building from old contracts, we know that in 1890 there was a descendant of the Softazade family, a distinguished Turkish-Cretan family. In the last 118 years, the building, as a chameleon, has constantly changed its appearance and spaces, expressing its needs and times. In 1932, Antonakakis, a great businessman of the time, took it from an auction, rebuilt it and started operating it, one of the first hotels in the city in 1934 under the name "MINERVA". After 36 years of operation as a hotel, it closed in 1970 and was used as the residence of Mrs. Anthoula Antonakaki, a special person in the city of Chania. In this listed building located in the heart of the Venetian harbor, guests can enjoy the excellent views of the sea, the old Venetian harbor, and the city, with all the modern amenities of a traveler. It consists of 9 unique rooms and suites, arranged on 3 floors in the north and south, overlooking either the sea or the picturesque narrow streets of the old town and the mountains. Each floor has its own distinct features, referring to the elements of construction and the chronological phase that was created (Venetian, Ottoman, and Modern Greek periods), elements repeated in decorative motifs. The spaces were designed with the aim of following the basic architectural elements of the building and reusing original elements, shapes, and materials such as wooden paneling ceilings, wooden floors, classic doors, and stones. The materials used in the construction, such as ecological and biological insulating and mineral paints, are friendly to users and the environment there is also a possibility of combining rooms to meet the varying needs of numerous travellers, as well as exclusive use of the rooftop floor.
Hotel Facilities

Take a look at the rich list of facilties & guest services offered by the Scala de Faro

  • 24-Hour Reception / Front Desk
  • Airport / Port Transfer Service
  • Baby Chairs at the Restaurant
  • Beach Towels
  • Boat Trips
  • Car & Motorbike Rental
  • Concierge
  • Daily Maid Service
  • Doctor (upon request)
  • Fax & Photocopy Service
  • Laundry & Ironing Service
  • Massage
  • Room Service
  • Safe Deposit Box
  • Satelite TV
  • Toilets for disabled people
  • Wi-Fi Internet Access

Hotel Rooms

Classic Double Room with Street View
Highly aesthetic, modern design and discreet lighting cater for your needs and create an outstanding accommodation experience. The queen size bed fit...

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Comfort Street View Room with Balcony
The room is located on the second floor of the hotel and is called “Ontas “.   It is a room of 22 sqm. with a view of the Old city of Chania w...

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Deluxe Double Room Mountain View & Balcony
Subtle luxury and comfort are Deluxe Double Room’s main features; ready to offer you the most relaxing of moments. Marble dominates the bathroom surf...

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Junior Suite with City View & Spa Bath
The elaborate decoration in the Junior Suite provides a sense of comfort and tranquillity. The suite overlooks the Old Town of Chania and features a ...

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Premium Sea View Suite
A Suite with an exquisite and dreamlike view, the Premium Sea View Suite, is located directly opposite the famous Old Port Lighthouse of Chania. Come...

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Deluxe Double Sea View Room with Balcony
The Deluxe Double Sea View Room will surely be your personal retreat of peace and tranquillity, wishing to keep coming back to it every time you visi...

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Master Sea View Suite with Private Roof Garden
The Majestic suite is breath-taking; right from the moment you walk in, witness the modern decoration and particular layout of the room. The hydromas...

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Premium Family Room with Sea View
A Suite with an exquisite and dreamlike view, the Premium Sea View Suite, is located directly opposite the famous Old Port Lighthouse of Chania. Come ...

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