Kritsa - Crete

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Kritsa

Kritsa is one of the largest and oldest villages in Crete. Α traditional village surrounded by olive groves, which is built amphitheatrically at the foot of Mount Kastellos, 10 km from Agios Nikolaos in Lassithi. The unspoilt village, retains elements of its old architectural style and old Cretan customs and traditions are still kept alive. Picturesque narrow winding lanes, old houses with courtyards and traditional cafes create a unique atmosphere. Most of the inhabitants are engaged in agriculture and trade and the women of the village are famous for their weaving, lace making and embroidery skills. There are lots of shops where you can see the beautiful lacework and buy hand-made embroidery. Kritsa is considered one of the most important centers of weaving art in Crete. Well-known is also the high quality virgin olive oil which is mainly exported and enjoys international awards.

In Kritsa there are many preserved Byzantine churches with wonderful frescoes of the 14th and 15th century, the most remarkable of which is the famous «Panagia Kera", located before the entrance of the village. Visit the folklore museum and hike the gorge of Kritsa, situated on the route to Tapes or to Lato. There is also an interesting and spectacular climb to the plateau of Katharo, which provides a panoramic view of Mirabello Bay, Agios Nikolaos and Kalo Horio. In Kritsa you don't have to buy water. Just fill in your bottle at any of the taps around the village to enjoy clear mountain spring water.

Findings from excavations, show that the wider area has been inhabited since the Late Minoan Period. Three km to the north, lies the ancient Greek city Lato which was noted as one of the most powerful Dorian towns in Crete. The village was deserted after the Arab invasion in 823 and it was inhabited afresh in 961 after its liberation by Nikiforos Fokas. The settlement thrived in the Byzantine years and in the period of Venetian rule that followed, from 1211 to 1669.

Kritsa played an important role in the struggles of the Cretans against the Ottomans for the liberation of Crete. The well-known battle of Kritsa in January of 1823, had as a result the village to be burnt down. The revolutionary corps of Heraklion-Lassithi gathered in Kritsa in November 1822 and from there they marched to occupy the fortress of Ierapetra.

It's easy to reach Kritsa from Agios Nikolaos through the Agios Nikolaos-Prinas Road. The road crosses the villages of Kalivos, Roussa Limni and Mardati and the Forest of Thilakas. Shortly after entering the village there is a car park, this is the best place to leave your car. If you don’t drive, local buses, leave from Agios Nikolaos to Kritsa, very often during the day in summer season. Kritsa is an excellent choice if you want to experience a bit of the real Crete.

Scenes of the film, "He Who Must Die" in 1957, based on the novel Christ Recrucified by Nikos Kazantzakis, the well-known Cretan author were filmed there.