Kritsa
Kritsa is a traditional village built on a hill 14klm from Ag. Nikolaos at an altitude of 375m. It is a picturesque little village with narrow streets and houses of Cretan architecture. The 2000 inhabitants live off agriculture as well as the production of knitwear, embroideries, traditional artifacts and pottery. Kritsa is one of the most important centres of the Cretan folk and weaving art. The ancient city of Lato is located 4klm north of Kritsa. A place worth visiting is the church of Panagia Kera, situated just a short walk from the village, dedicated to the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This little church is famous for its wonderful Byzantine frescoes that cover the walls and ceilings inch by inch. These frescoes are unique because the colours that were used were fresh and bright, in contrast with the usual Byzantine icons, and the ability of the artist to combine religious scenes with secular art is extraordinary. The visitor will find it hard to leave the interior of this little church.
