Melchisedek Despotakis

• 
• 

Melchisedek Despotakis was the Bishop of Kissamos and a member of "Filiki Eteria" (the secret organisation which began the Greek Revolution).

In 1821, with the beginning of the Greek Revolution against the Turks, there were conflicts between Christians and Muslims in Chania, leading to heavy losses on both sides.

On 19th June 1821, Melchisedek Despotakis became the first to be hanged by the Turks, from the plane tree on Splantzia Square. A monument next to the tree, which exists to this day, is dedicated to his memory.