The Agios Nikolaos Municipal Art Gallery is situated in one of the oldest, most beautiful, and culturally rich areas of the city.

Located on the pedestrian street of 28^th October, the gallery is housed in a historic two-storey building that once served as a residence.

The gallery comprises three rooms dedicated to exhibition spaces, where each year it hosts a variety of exhibitions showcasing different art forms such as painting, sculpture, and collage. Additionally, it serves as a venue for speech events.

Photo: Cretalive

Below ancient Lato, at Koutaranto, lies a monument commemorating the historic Battle of Kritsa, which took place in January 1823, marking a significant moment in local history.

The sculpture, crafted by British artist Nigel Ratcliffe, portrays the wounded Rodanthi being cradled by a warrior. Rodanthi, a woman who disguised herself as a man to join the fight, is depicted in this powerful scene.

Photos: Wikimedia Commons

The inhabitants of Kritsa, located within the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos in Lassithi, pay tribute to a symbolic figure, Rodanthi, also known as Kritsotopoula.

She was the daughter of Kritsa's archpriest and bravely fought against the Turks in the historic battle of Kritsa in January 1823, ultimately sacrificing her life.

Throughout the region, you'll encounter busts and statues depicting her likeness, serving as a poignant reminder of her courageous sacrifice and ensuring that her memory lives on in the hearts of the people.

Photos: Wikimedia Commons

Stroll through the charming alleys of Agios Nikolaos town.

Somewhere amidst the alleys, you'll encounter a remarkable church that warrants a pause for admiration.

It is the elongated Church of Panagia Vrefotrofos. According to the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, it's the outcome of two consecutive extensions to the west of the original single-aisled vaulted church.

The original church and its initial extension feature two layers of frescoes. The oldest, dating back to the first decades of the 14th century, adorn the eastern part, depicting scenes from the Christological and Mariological cycles. The second layer, characterised by the so-called academic style of the latter half of the 14th century, is limited to the arch in the westernmost section of the church.

The church commemorates its feast days on 8th September and 3rd February.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The church of Agios Nikolaos is located in a small bay, where ships anchored during the Byzantine and Venetian periods. It is a single-aisled church with a dome, and was most probably built before the Arab conquest of Crete in 827-828.

Two layers of frescoes adorn its interior walls. The oldest layer is non-iconic and dates back to the period of iconoclasm. The church is one of the few examples of early-Byzantine architecture in Crete, and gave its name to the city of Agios Nikolaos.

Information Municipality of Agios Nikolaos

Photos Wikimedia Commons

At the entrance of the Holy Monastery of Kremasta in Neapoli, Lassithi, stands the bust of the renowned folk woodcarver Ioannis Makrakis.

Ioannis Makrakis, born in Mesa Lassithi in 1841, made Neapolis his permanent home and is credited with creating numerous ecclesiastical iconostases across Crete. He passed away in 1932, marking the end of an era as the final woodcarver originating from the Lassithi Plateau.

His craftsmanship is showcased in various works, including the iconic iconostasis of the Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel within the monastery.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons