Κτίριο Πέμπτης Μεραρχίας, Historical military building in Chania, Greece
The Fifth Division Building in Chania is a military structure featuring symmetrically arranged wings around an interior courtyard and large front openings. The structure shows classical proportions with open passages connecting the courtyard to the exterior spaces.
The building arose in the late 19th century as a Turkish Military Hospital, with the ground floor completed in 1900. It later served as quarters for Nazi forces during World War II.
The structure displays architectural language from major urban centers of the late Ottoman period in Crete, featuring strict symmetry and classical facade elements. These design features shape the city landscape today and show the cultural layer of that era in the public space.
The building features accessibility options for people with disabilities, enabling a largely accessible visit. The structure has been restored multiple times, ensuring its current usability and stability.
Since 2004, the building has been used by an anarchist group that manages the space and provides cultural areas for refugees and migrants. This unusual use shows how the historical structure serves social purposes today.
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