The Dorians founded Lato in the 7th century BC, and the city reached its peak in the 3rd century BC. Lato was named after the goddess Leto, the mother of Apollo and Artemis, although Eileithyia was the main goddess worshipped there. The city sat in a highly defensible position, protected by a strong circuit wall, and its slopes were terraced to make room for houses, workshops and public buildings. A path leads from the site entrance to the main gate, and a stepped main street climbs to a flat area between the two peaks that held the Agora. Its most important monuments are the Fortified City, the Great Temple, the Agora and the Prytaneion.
What is the history of Lato Ancient City?
The history of Lato spans the 7th century BC to its abandonment around 200 BC. Lato was a Dorian city-state built between two peaks overlooking Mirabello Bay, and both peaks served as acropolises to the city. The earliest phase dates to the 7th century BC, while most of the visible ruins date to the Late Classical and Early Hellenistic periods (5th–3rd centuries BC). The city was named after the goddess Leto, whose Doric form is “Lato,” and it minted its own coins bearing the goddess Eileithyia. Nearchus, the admiral of Alexander the Great, was born at Lato. Lato was in continuous conflict with the neighbouring city of Olous over their shared borders, and it made alliances with Rhodes, Teos and King Eumenes of Pergamon. Before the end of the 3rd century BC, the people of Lato joined the League of the Cretan Cities and shared the same laws. Its port, Lato pros Kamara (modern Agios Nikolaos), later became the administrative centre, and the mountain city was gradually abandoned.
Where is Lato Ancient City located?
Lato Ancient City is located in the mountains of eastern Crete. Lato sits 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) from the village of Kritsa and about 1 kilometers (6.21 miles) from the town of Agios Nikolaos, at coordinates 35°10′40″N, 25°39′13″E. The site is reached via the Kritsa–Lakonia road, and the Greek Ministry of Culture manages it through the 24th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities.
What are the important monuments in Lato?
The important monuments in Lato are listed below.
- The Agora. The Agora is the open central square, with a deep square cistern cut into the rock and a small columnless temple beside it, where several figurines from the 6th century BC were found. A rectangular platform with two steps lies to its south.
- The Great Temple. The Great Temple stands to the south of the Agora on a terrace supported by a retaining wall, with an altar lying in front of it.
- The Prytaneion. The Prytaneion served as the city hall, where the officials of Lato met.
- The Fortified City. The Fortified City sits on the saddle between the two hills, with a main gate of three entrances, two internal courtyards, a double acropolis and fortification walls.
1. The Great Temple
The Great Temple stands on a terrace supported by a retaining wall and preserves the ruins of the city’s largest temple. It comprises a square cella, where the foundation of the deity’s cult statue was found, together with an unreadable inscription and a rectangular prodromos. An altar with two steps lies in front of the temple. A “theatral place” sits at a lower level to the east of the temple, where the steps are partly built and partly cut into the rock. The theatral place held a seating capacity of about 350 people. A nook lies to the west, while another platform forms the stage.
2. The Agora
The Agora was the focus of religious, civic and commercial life in the ancient city. A rectangular platform with two steps, cut into the rock, lies to the south of the Agora. A Doric stoa with a step on three of its sides stood to the west. The Agora served as an open socialising ground for many activities, and several figurines from the 6th century BC were found there. The building on the northern side of the Agora reflects the typical political structure of such a city.
3. The Prytaneion
The Prytaneion runs along the northern edge of the Agora of Lato. The Prytaneion was the seat of Lato’s government, where the Prytaneis gathered. Two high towers built of large blocks surrounded the building. An “eschara,” or hearth, burned day and night in the central room. Two rooms to the north held the archives of the city. During ancient times, the Prytaneion served as the city hall where government officials held their meetings.
What are the best hiking trails near Lato Ancient City?
The best hiking route near Lato combines the archaeological site with the Kritsa Gorge. The Ancient Lato and Kritsa Gorge route takes about 7 hours at a relatively easy level of difficulty. Turkish kalderimi trails mark the way, and the gorge runs in a circle. The route has two options. The shorter option runs about 5 kilometers (3.11 miles) and follows the canyon for about 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) before heading uphill. The longer option runs about 11 kilometers (6.84 miles) and leads to the village of Tapes.
How do you visit Lato Ancient City?
To visit Lato Ancient City, arrive between 08:00 and 15:00 on any day except Monday and holidays, when the site is closed. Entry costs €2 ($2.31, £1.71), and children enter free. Parking is available for all types of vehicles. Wear comfortable footwear suited for walking and climbing uphill, and add a hat and light clothing in summer. Bring a bottle of water, because the site has no drinking water. A taverna outside the village of Kritsa serves food and drinks. The best time to visit is early in the morning, and the site stays far less crowded than other Cretan attractions.
Is Lato Ancient City safe?
Yes, Lato Ancient City is safe to visit. Violent crime is rare across Crete, and the island is welcoming to tourists. The local economy depends on tourism, and Cretans are known for their hospitality.
When is the best time to visit Lato Ancient City?
The best time to visit Lato Ancient City is early in the morning, to avoid the midday heat while exploring the site. The best season is spring, between March and May, when temperatures are warm and outdoor sightseeing is comfortable.
How do you get to Lato Ancient City by car?
To get to Lato Ancient City, drive a rented car for full flexibility over your schedule. A rented car lets you plan your own itinerary and reach the mountain site directly, without sharing a ride or following a fixed timetable. Car rental is widely available across Crete, and Rental Center Crete offers a range of vehicles at reasonable prices. A larger group can choose a spacious SUV for comfort, while solo travellers or couples can opt for a smaller car.
Can you rent a car to reach Lato Ancient City?
Yes, you can rent a car to reach Lato Ancient City. Renting lets you explore Lato and other sites across Crete on your own schedule. You can rent a car for a single day or for a whole holiday. Booking online is the quickest way to rent a car in Crete, so reserve directly on the car rental website.
What are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete?
The factors to consider before renting a car in Crete are listed below.
- Insurance. Car rental insurance protects you against the cost of damage, because it covers events such as collision; Crete car rental includes a Collision Damage Waiver, and a credit or debit card is required as a guarantee.
- Driver’s age. The minimum age to rent a car with Rental Center Crete is 21 years old, and you must hold a valid driving licence for at least 1 year; without meeting the age, you cannot rent.
- Car type. The vehicle type depends on the number of passengers, so a family or group needs a larger car, while a smaller car handles narrow Greek roads more easily.
- Documents needed. A valid driving licence and a credit or debit card in the driver’s name are both required; without them, the rental cannot proceed.
How much does car rental in Crete cost?
Car rental in Crete costs around €30 ($34.61, £25.62) to €40 ($46.15, £34.16) per day on average. The price varies with the number of passengers, the itinerary, the car type, the location and the duration. A car rented for a whole week costs about €250 ($288.43, £213.50), while a weekend rental costs around €78 ($89.99, £66.61).
Is Lato Ancient City a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
No, Lato Ancient City is not a Crete UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lato remains an important archaeological site and one of Crete’s best-preserved Doric city-states, notable as the birthplace of Nearchus, with its ancient port near modern-day Agios Nikolaos.
What is the contribution of Lato Ancient City to Crete tourism?
Lato Ancient City contributes to Crete tourism as a well-preserved window into ancient Greek life. Lato attracts fewer visitors than Knossos Palace, so it offers a quieter visit with a real sense of walking through an ancient settlement and workplace. Travellers who love history and archaeological sites value the site for its intact houses, public buildings and public spaces.
Are there movies about Lato Ancient City?
There are no movies about Lato Ancient City at present. Films about Greece and Greek mythology exist, but none focus on Lato.
