Turkish Underground Fountain

On Splantzia square, in Chania, is situated the Turkish Underground Fountain, enclosed by railings. Its construction dates back to the 18th century when the present church of Agios Nicholas was a mosque and the Turkish Underground Fountain served the ritual washing of Muslims.

Twenty-six stone steps lead to the hall of the Turkish Underground Fountain, which is divided by arches  into three oblong halls. The western wall is built with ashlar masonry with cornices and arches signage where the marble taps are placed. Behind the wall is a water tank, with a rectangular opening for the overflow and the natural recycling of the water. The Turkish Underground Fountain is connected directly to the network of Venetian tanks, dating back to the Venetian era. The tank has the capacity to cover the needs of the city of Chania for six months.

The Turkish Underground Fountain was covered in the 50s, but in the 80s it was revealed and fully restored.