Historic 'Red House' in Chania Faces Imminent Collapse

Chania, Crete – The iconic "Red House," a landmark building in the Kokkino Metochi neighborhood, stands precariously close to collapse, with its fate hanging in the balance. A crucial decision is expected on Wednesday, June 10th, as a special committee convenes to assess the structure's dangerous condition.

The building, distinguished by its distinctive red tile roof, once dominated the area and experienced a period of prosperity in the 18th century. After population exchanges, it was allocated to refugees from Asia Minor. However, years of neglect and poverty led to its gradual abandonment.

In 1964, filmmaker Michalis Kakogiannis, whose parents were refugees from Asia Minor, was captivated by the dilapidated building and chose it as the setting for his internationally acclaimed film "Zorba the Greek," where it appears as Madame Hortense's house. Despite the global exposure, the building's subsequent history has not matched its cinematic fame.

Over time, the "Red House" has succumbed to decay, now exhibiting severe signs of imminent collapse. An inspection by the archaeological service previously deemed the building "stunning and with significant peculiarities" but noted its state of abandonment. While the property is now reportedly state-owned, there are indications it may have been granted to the municipality. Recent photographs reveal extensive cracking and visible wear, underscoring the urgency of the committee's assessment.

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The decisive day will be Wednesday, June 10, as, by order of the Decentralized Administration of Crete, the Special Committee for Dangerously Dilapidated Buildings will conduct an on-site inspection 'in order to determine if there is a case of a dangerously dilapidated building.'