Church of St. Rocco

At the northwestern edge of the square Splantzia we meet the church of San Rocco. Small but full of character, the Church of Agios Rokkos (Saint Rocco Church) has stood for centuries as one of Chania’s most intriguing landmarks. Dating back to 1630, the church was built by the Venetian House of Paolini and dedicated to Saint Rocco, the patron saint invoked against plagues. Its founding reflects the difficult times Crete endured during periods of disease and hardship.

Under the cornice there is the inscription:

DEO O(PTIMO).M.(AXIMO) ET D(IVO). ROCCO DICATVM. M.D.CXXX.

DEDICATED TO EXCELLENT AND MAXIMUM GOD AND ST ROCCO 1630.