Lassithi Architecture

Lassithi is famous for a series of tourist resorts, like Elounda, Sitia and Ierapetra, and, of course, the capital city of Agios Nikolaos. The inland of Lassithi, however, retains its traditional character, with a plethora of monuments from the Byzantine and Venetian times. Thus, the architecture of Lassithi is quite multifaceted and reflects the rich history of eastern Crete, which goes back at least 3 millennia.

The region has been inhabited since the Minoan times, with ancient ruins still scattered throughout the prefecture. The most significant archaeological site is the Minoan Palace of Zakros, one of the six greatest palatial centers of the whole island, while of great interest is also the Doric city-state of Lato, on the site of the present-day Agios Nikolaos.

The architecture of Lassithi shows a strong Venetian influence, as a result of the Venetian occupation of Crete in the early 13th century. In the historic town of Ierapetra, for instance, the ruins of the 17th-century crenelated Kales Fortress still stand proudly over the fishing port. Though not much remains to be seen inside, it is great fun to climb up to the ramparts and take in the breathtaking views of the bay and the mountains. Close to the fortress lies a labyrinthine old quarter with monuments like a Turkish fountain, a restored mosque and some Byzantine churches that testify to the mix of civilizations that have passed through Crete.

Far away from the capital is Sitia, another location embellished with an imposing Venetian fortress known as Kazarma. Of great interest is the famous Spinalonga, an islet just opposite Elounda and Plaka, where the Venetians built a formidable fortification that still retains its architectural beauty. In the 20th century, it was used as a leper colony and, today, it is one of the most famous destinations in Crete.

Apart from its medieval fortresses, Lassithi is dotted with Byzantine churches and old monasteries, like the church of Panagia Kera, built in the 14th century, or the Monastery of Toplou in Palekastro. On a different note, the traditional villages of the Lassithi Plateau are a great place for a glimpse at the traditional folk architecture of Lassithi. With their stone houses and winding alleys, they have remained blissfully untouched by mass tourism. The Plateau also used to boast as many as 12,000 stone watermills; a few still survive and constitute one of the most picturesque sights one can see there.

The capital city of Agios Nikolaos, with its beautiful neoclassical buildings, presents the more contemporary aspect of Lassithi. Visitors will find many hotels created with respect for traditional architecture.