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You are in: Home Greece Crete Lasithi Prefecture Sitia
Sitia
At the cove of the homonymous bay, the eastern one among the north beaches of the island, Sitia the capital of the homonymous province is built, on the side of a short hill. A very beautiful coastal town that still maintains the tranquility of some other time. The landscape is peaceful, the ridges loom in the horizon and the mountains are not more than 800 m high.
The beach, with fine white sand, ends up in clear blue waters and is a constant challenge for swimming. The inhabitants are peaceful, hospitable and cheerful people and they are characterized by their love to music.
The contemporary town is on the site of ancient Itia, a seaport of Praisos. This area and especially the location of the settlement called Petra on the east, had been inhabited since the Bronze Age. It was here that the Eteocrites lived, that is the native Cretans who withdrew after the descent of the Dorians to Sitia, because they did not want to be assimilated by the invaders. Mison came from here, who was one of the seven Wise Men in ancient Greece. The harbour of Itia developed after the habitation of people from Praisos, in 146 BC when their town was destroyed by the people from Ierapetra. It was then that the town minted its own coins. Its acme continued during the Roman, the Byzantine (when it became prior's seat) and the Venetian Period.
In 1508 AD, the town was destroyed by an earthquake, while in 1538 it was devastated by pirates. However, it declined and in 1651 it was abandoned by its inhabitants who moved to Liopetro.
At the same period, its Venetian fortress was destroyed by the Venetians themselves in order not to be taken over by the Turks. There are its ruins eastward of the town. Only a tower is preserved with three storeys and some smaller rooms that are protected by a polygonal defensive wall with bastions. This part was on the top of the east wing of the castle. Before the Venetians, the Genoas had built a fortress in Sitia in 1204, on older Byzantine ruins. Additionally, there are Roman fishing facilities near the customhouse.
Northward of the fortress, the catholic Monastery of Santa Maria was located during the Venetian Occupation, which was destroyed by the Turks. On the ruins of this old monastery, a new church was built and the entire area became a cemetery. The town was re-built in 1870 AD according to the planning of Anvi Pasha, a progressive Turk.
Samples of the acme and civilization of the ancient town, we can find in the Archaeological Museum that has been housed in a modern building since 1984, and it is the third bigger in Crete. There are findings from the greater area of Sitia and the Palace of Zakros, it is very well organized and makes the tour very easy for the visitor. The town has also a Folklore Museum. The collection of weavings, broidery, local costumes, traditional furniture and household appliances of folk art gives us information on the modern everyday life.
Sitia is the birthplace of Vintsetzos Kornaros who wrote "Erotokritos".
The theatre operates at the renovated wall of the town and every summer many remarkable cultural festivals are organized.
Sitia is connected with the Dodecanese Islands, the Aegean Islands and Kavala by boat. In 1984, an airport was constructed 10 minutes away from town center.
Starting from Sitia, we can visit the archaeological sites of Palaiokastro, Zakros and Praisos. Moreover, we can see the historic Toplou Monastery and swim in Vai, in a magnificent tropical landscape.
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