Looking for a rustic event venue in Crete that combines history, charm, and warm hospitality? The Historic Metohi Istoria Old Oil Mill offers a rare blend of 15th-century Venetian architecture and Mediterranean warmth. It creates a unique atmosphere for celebrations, weddings, and private gatherings.
Keep reading and see why Metohi Istoria is the ideal choice to celebrate any type of small event in Chania, Crete.Â
The Old Oil Mill: The Perfect Rustic Event Venue for Intimate Gatherings & Grand Parties
To begin with, Metohi Istoria stands as a testament to the island’s rich heritage, built as a 15th-century castle and crafted in stone and wood. The ambiance perfectly marries authenticity with luxury chic, making it an ideal backdrop for lasting memories. However, beyond weddings, our rustic event venue is equally suited for private celebrations, corporate gatherings, cultural events, intimate dinners, and seminars. It offers a refined environment where every occasion feels elevated and meaningful.
1. Key Features and Capacity
The venue boasts a spacious layout totaling 95 square meters (76 sqm for the reception area and 18 sqm for the kitchen). Its flexible capacity ensures comfort regardless of your event size:
- Ideal Seated Dinner: Comfortably hosts 30–60 seated guests with a stylish and spacious design.
- Cocktail Events: Accommodates up to 80 guests.
- Maximum Capacity: As a refined indoor contingency option for rainy or winter conditions, the old Oil Mill can comfortably accommodate 80–100 guests using a space-efficient layout, such as narrow banquet tables or a U-shaped family-style arrangement. This ensures that your celebration continues seamlessly regardless of the weather.
2. Comfort and Amenities
Designed for maximum comfort year-round, the Historic Metohi Istoria Old Oil Mill includes all the necessary modern amenities:
- Climate-Controlled: The venue is fully air-conditioned for comfort in any season.
- Facilities: Guests have access to one indoor restroom, supplemented by three additional restrooms in the outdoor area.
- Convenient Parking: Private parking is conveniently located just outside the venue, nestled among beautiful avocado and olive trees.
- Accommodation for brides or grooms: A cozy, yet spacious, 60m² guest house, within our Venetian Castle, designed to ensure a relaxed and stress-free preparation for you and your close ones.
3. Surrounded by Cretan Nature
Metohi Istoria stands within a landscape shaped by centuries of cultivation, tradition, and natural abundance. The estate is surrounded by lush avocado groves and a variety of Mediterranean and tropical fruit trees, creating a serene setting where guests can experience the authentic, unspoiled beauty of Crete. Furthermore, this unique setting reflects the estate’s long agricultural heritage. For hundreds of years, the fertile grounds of Metohi Istoria supplied olive oil, wine, cheese, fruits, and vegetables to the region and even to the Republic of Venice. The surrounding groves, stone pathways, and preserved historic structures allow visitors to experience this timeless connection between land, culture, and daily life.
Read more about the history of Metohi Istoria HERE.
4. A 15th-century Castle in Chania, Crete
As already mentioned, Metohi Istoria carries the architectural essence of a 15th-century Venetian castle. The imposing stone walls, graceful arches, and historic proportions present a rare opportunity to host events within a setting that embodies centuries of Cretan heritage. Every gathering feels enhanced by the estate’s timeless character.
 
5. Our Rustic Event Venue is Crafted in Stone & Wood
The estate’s traditional construction of hand-carved stone and aged timber reflects the craftsmanship of generations past. Within the Historic Metohi Istoria Old Oil Mill, these natural materials create a warm, textured atmosphere that feels both authentic and inviting. The combination of stone walls, wooden beams, and soft lighting makes this rustic event venue ideal for intimate celebrations, professional events and cultural gatherings.
 
6. Venetian Elegance for Enduring Memories
Metohi Istoria’s Venetian character introduces a Venetian elegance that elevates any type of event. The estate’s architectural details and preserved historic elements offer depth, texture and a distinctive sense of place, qualities that make gatherings feel more meaningful and memorable.
 
7. Inspiring Timeless Tales
From one side, the estate’s Venetian elegance brings a sense of refinement; from the other, its rustic charm, shaped by stone, wood and the passage of time, creates an ambiance that invites connection and reflection. Together, these contrasting elements allow the setting to become a storyteller of its own, inspiring meaningful moments and weaving each event into the long, evolving tale of Metohi Istoria.
  
8. Making stories that last forever
Metohi Istoria is a place where history and atmosphere come together to make stories that last forever. Specifically, the estate’s preserved architecture, natural surroundings and quiet sense of heritage create an environment that naturally inspires connection and reflection. Within these storied walls, every gathering becomes part of a narrative that feels timeless.
  
Experience the Sophisticated Cretan Hospitality for You & Your Cherished Guests
Events at Historic Metohi Istoria Old Oil Mill in Chania, Crete are designed to be remembered. Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a cultural celebration or a professional gathering, the setting offers a rare combination of authenticity, elegance and emotional depth. Here, moments unfold at their own rhythm, leaving lasting impressions that stay with every guest.
At the heart of it all is the sophisticated Cretan hospitality; warm, attentive and deeply genuine. It ensures every visitor feels welcomed, cared for and connected to the spirit of the estate.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are looking for a rustic event venue with deep historical character, Metohi Istoria is an exceptional choice. Its sophisticated Cretan hospitality creates an experience that feels both enchanting and distinctly personal for you and your guest. Also, its atmosphere, heritage and thoughtful design create the ideal setting for celebrations and gatherings of every kind.
To begin shaping a story that will last forever, explore the Historic Old Oil Mill.
Contact us today to discover availability, discuss your vision and start planning your unforgettable occasion.
