Cinemas

In 1923, well-known entrepreneur Alexandros Poulakakis opened the new indoor theatre to which he gave his name, on the site where the Polytheama theatre had stood in the time of Cretan autonomy. In addition to plays, the Poulakakis theatre hosted film showings and concerts, such as that given by the famed Greek composer and conductor Dimitris Mitropoulos.

Shortly thereafter, in 1926, the Apollo cinema on King Constantine Avenue (now Dikeosinis Avenue) opened its doors, followed three years later by three open air auditoria: the Alhambra in Daskaloyianni Square, the Pantheon in the municipal gardens and the Bosporus in the area where the Archaeological Museum now stands. Even the Basilica of St. Mark succumbed to the new cinema craze - the same year it began operating as an auditorium under the name of Aglaia. The first "speakies" were shown from 1931 onwards, firstly at Poulakakis and then at the Apollo.

Over the ensuing years further auditoria were added, such as the Palace in the Psaradika (fish market), the Splendid at Kamaraki and the Ionia in Atsalenio. In 1936 the Basilica of St. Mark changed ownership and name. The revamped auditorium, thenceforth known as the Minoa, became one of the most popular cinemas in town.