Housed in the 160-year-old Catholic Cathedral of the Assumption complex, this unique lodge comprises five spacious rooms, all with en suite bathrooms, modern and eco-friendly amenities, as well as dining and living room facilities.
Whether our guests are families, couples or larger groups, Sundial can accommodate everyone conveniently located within close walking distance to all of the city’s historical landmarks including its Venetian harbour, shops, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and the beach (1.2km).
Run by Antonis and Katerina, Sundial encapsulates the essence of Cretan warmth and hospitality. You’ll be staying in one of Chania’s grand Neo-Classical 19th century buildings accessed through a vaulted passageway leading to the church’s picturesque courtyard, one of the city’s hidden gems. Sundial overlooks this quiet and peaceful space, the tranquility only interrupted by the periodic ringing of the church bells.
Sundial stands as the perfect gateway to experience Chania, arguably Crete’s most culturally important city that represents a confluence of cultures and architectural styles, namely East and West, Christian and Muslim, Venetian and Ottoman, as well as being one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
ABOUT
HISTORY
In 1566 at the behest of the Pope, a group of Catholic Capuchin monks first established themselves in the Old City of Chania which was then under Venetian rule (1205-1669). However, the city’s Catholic church, the Catholic Cathedral of the Assumption was not built until the mid-19th century.
The building adjacent to the church in what now houses Sundial was constructed in 1860 by the Capuchins as a hospital, the so-called “College.”
The following year, Father Giacomo da Padova installed a vertical sundial on the building’s southern facade. Visitors can now look up and view this historical sundial, from which our lodge takes its name, from the courtyard below.
2024 marks the inaugural year of Sundial under the management of Antonis and Katerina, both long-term Chania residents with many years’ experience in tourism and hospitality.
ABOUT
Philosophy
Sundial is an exciting new venture and we therefore take real pleasure in extending a warm welcome to all of our guests. As hosts, we want to ensure you enjoy your stay with us and to this end, we aim to host with a genuine smile, together with meticulous attention to detail.
With our background in tourism and hospitality, we are committed to offering our guests a memorable experience of both Chania and the island at large. As locals, we enjoy recommending things to do and see, the best places to eat, the most scenic drives and beautiful beaches, alongside numerous practicalities including transport. We go the extra mile to make sure that you are not only satisfied with your stay with us, but can truly immerse yourself in the Cretan experience.
Beyond our hospitality, we also feel a real responsibility to best-preserving the environment which we call home. Our practices are carefully shaped to ensure respect for our surroundings, reflecting our dedication to sustainable and eco-conscious approaches.
As we embark on this new chapter, we look forward to sharing the best of what Crete has to offer, while at the same time making a positive impact on our guests, the environment and our community.
— Antonis and Katerina, March 2024
