The Conference Venue

The 9th International Conference of Engineering Against Failure (ICEAF IX) will be held at the Center of Mediterranean Architecture (Grand Arsenal) and the Mikis Theodorakis Theater Hall. These buildings are two adjacent, iconic and historical monuments, located in the heart of the old harbor of the vibrant city of Chania, on the beautiful island of Crete, Greece.

The Center of Mediterranean Architecture, is also known as "Grand Arsenal" (Great Arsenal). In late 15th century, the Venetians started building Shipyards in their eastern Mediterranean domains, to ensure the proper maintenance and preparedness of their fleet in these remote areas. The Grand Arsenal is the last of the 17 Shipyards to the west. Its construction started in 1585 by the Intendant Alvise Grimani. A new era began for the Grand Arsenal with the addition of the second floor, in 1872, during the Ottoman era. The building hosted several important public services and authorities. From a roofless, abandoned site, today the building has given a second chance to life by being converted into a remarkable multipurpose space for events and expositions. After its restoration in 2002, it is now the Center of Mediterranean Architecture, hosting important cultural events, scientific and political symposiums, artistic exhibitions, international venues with special emphasis on architecture. Undoubtedly, the contemporary architectural features of this building will provide an inspiring backdrop to the conference.

The stone building Mikis Theodorakis Theater Hall is named after the great Cretan composer Mikis Theodorakis. The first months of 1912 marked the beginning of the construction works for the large stone building that was intended to house the Customs House in the Venetian harbour of Chania. That is why the building is still known as “Old Customs House”. Some years ago, the area was restored and equipped following funding provided by the Action “Sustainability and Quality of life in Crete” as part of the Operational Programme NSRF (National Strategic Reference Framework) for Crete and the Aegean Islands. At present, it operates as a modern cultural centre that features a theatre with a capacity of 400 which can host international conferences. In October 2017, the official opening of the Mikis Theodorakis Theatre took place, in the presence of the great composer.

How to reach the venue

Chania can be easily reached either by airplane (Chania International Airport "Ioannis Daskalogiannis") or by ferry boat from Piraeus (Athens) to Souda Bay in Chania. Early booking is strongly recommended.

  • By airplane: Chania International Airport "Ioannis Daskalogiannis"
    The Chania International Airport, “Ioannis Daskalogiannis” is located near Souda Bay on the peninsula of Akrotiri, 14 km away from the city center and Conference Venue (30 min driving). The Airport has regular daily domestic connections to/from Athens and Thessaloniki (operated by Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Sky Express, and Ryan Air).

    From April to early November there are also numerous flights from across Europe including low-cost airlines such as RYANAIR & EasyJet. For more information on airline companies serving the airport of Chania please visit the respective page on the Chania Airport website here. 

    Domestic flights from and to the Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (IATA: ATH) can also be used as connecting flights from and to major European and worldwide gateway cities. The map of direct scheduled flights between European destinations and the Airport of Athens can be found here.
    • Bus routes connect the airport with the city center (line Chania Airport – Chania). They last about 30 minutes, while the ticket price is ~ 2.50 €. You may find updated information on bus routes (e.g. timetables) here.
    • Taxis are available 24 hours/day at the Airport. The fare to the City center is approximately ~ 25 €. For other destinations, please ask the driver before the ride.
    • Car rental services are available at the Airport.
       
  • By ferry: Souda Port
    The port of Souda offers daily ferry boat connections from and to the Port of Piraeus (near Athens). The port of Souda is situated 7 km away from the city center of Chania and the Conference Venue (about 20 min driving). Timetable of ferry boat itineraries shows on the website of the Ferry Company (https://www.anek.gr). 

    Regular city bus routes connect the Port with the city (line No13; Souda – Chania). The transfer lasts for about 20-25 minutes, while the ticket price is ~ 2.50 €. You may find updated information on bus routes (e.g., timetables) and bus fares here.