The original Venetian lighthouse was built around the late 16th century to protect the harbour. A chain could be connected from the base of the lighthouse to the fortress of Firkas in oder to close the harbour.
During the Turkish occupation the lighthouse fell into disrepair and was eventually rebuilt between 1824 and 1832 in the form of a minaret. The modern lighthouse is often referred to as ' Egyptian' because it was built during a time where Crete was occupied by Egyptian troops who were supporting the weakening Ottoman Empire against the rebelious Cretans.
The base of the lighthouse is still the original Venetian base although the Lion of St. Marc which was carved there has long gone.
The 'Egyptian' lighthouse was leaning badly due to bombings during WWII and earthquakes but it was extensively renovated in 2005 and now looks as good as new.
The lighthouse is located at the end of a long mole that protects the Venetian harbour from the sea. It is well worth walking all the way to the end of it as you get splendid views from the harbour. 
                                
 
                                 Canvas with text love and a red heartMike Maes
Canvas with text love and a red heartMike Maes Canvas with text love and a red heartMike Maes
Canvas with text love and a red heartMike Maes Canvas with red heart and white letters that form 'love is all you need'Mike Maes
Canvas with red heart and white letters that form 'love is all you need'Mike Maes Canvas with red heart and white letters that form loveMike Maes
Canvas with red heart and white letters that form loveMike Maes Scottish flag Saltire of Scotland Saint Andrew's CrossMike Maes
Scottish flag Saltire of Scotland Saint Andrew's CrossMike Maes Skateboard on rail in skatepark at evening twilightMike Maes
Skateboard on rail in skatepark at evening twilightMike Maes Fantasy color palette abstract romantic background with bokeh artMike Maes
Fantasy color palette abstract romantic background with bokeh artMike Maes Hay bale in field at Cap Gris-Nez, FranceMike Maes
Hay bale in field at Cap Gris-Nez, FranceMike Maes Lighthouse in Chania, Crete (Greece)Mike Maes
Lighthouse in Chania, Crete (Greece)Mike Maes Porsche 356 Speedster oldtimer on the roadMike Maes
Porsche 356 Speedster oldtimer on the roadMike Maes Alfa Romeo GT  oldtimer steering wheelMike Maes
Alfa Romeo GT  oldtimer steering wheelMike Maes Alfa Romeo GT  oldtimer steering wheelMike Maes
Alfa Romeo GT  oldtimer steering wheelMike Maes Alfa Romeo GT  oldtimer steering wheelMike Maes
Alfa Romeo GT  oldtimer steering wheelMike Maes Optical illusion café wallMike Maes
Optical illusion café wallMike Maes Optical illusion wavy linesMike Maes
Optical illusion wavy linesMike Maes Sunrise in the Swiss AlpsMike Maes
Sunrise in the Swiss AlpsMike Maes Under the Pier of Blankenberge - black & whiteMike Maes
Under the Pier of Blankenberge - black & whiteMike Maes Blankenberge Pier at sunsetMike Maes
Blankenberge Pier at sunsetMike Maes Sunset on the coast of BlankenbergeMike Maes
Sunset on the coast of BlankenbergeMike Maes Abstract background tubesMike Maes
Abstract background tubesMike Maes