OurCrete

The archaeological site of Lato is set on a hill nearly 15 km away from the city of Agios Nikolaos. You have to follow the country lane to Kritsa. The mountain village of Kritsa is well worth seeing. Kritsa was officially nominated as the most picturesque mountain village in East Crete. The Dorean town of Lato (it was named Etera) was built between the 7th and 3rd century B.C. Lato, the ancient city of Agios Nikolaos,is located 11 kms North East of Kritsa. From this city, which has been widely excavated, came the Chief Admiral of Alexander the Great, Nearchos, who in 326 B.C. was the head of the fleet. Like most archaeological sites, Lato was built on a hill to offer the citizens a wonderful view and protection from enemy attack. A wall with a very strong gate surrounds the site. There you will see the defence towers, water cisterns, underground cisterns, the Agora and in the centre of the Agora their Temple. A three-sided platform, which was used for public occasions, is carved into the rock. After sightseeing in Lato you can stop over in Kritsa. The highlight of this picturesque mountain village is the old 14th century church of Panagia I Kira.