Latsida, Agios Nikolaos

Latsida is a village in the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi regional unit, Crete, Greece. It is located at an altitude of 250 meters, in the northwestern part of the “Skafi tou Mirabellou” valley, 2 kilometers from Neapoli and 51 kilometers from Heraklion. The village has a population of 246 residents (2021 census).

The village economy is based on agricultural production. Latsida also has a cultural association.

History

• Early Mentions:
  • 1369: The earliest mention of Latsida appears in a document from 1369, when it was a fiefdom belonging to Franciscus Caravello and Johan Gaitana.
  • 1583: During the Venetian period, Latsida was one of the larger villages in the area, with 740 inhabitants recorded in the census of Castrophylacas. It is listed as “Lacidha” in Venetian records.
• Name: “Latsida” in the Cretan dialect means “cave-like abyss” or “chasm.”
• 1834: The Egyptian census refers to Latsida as having 35 Christian and 5 Turkish families.
• 1881: The census records 737 Christian and 9 Muslim inhabitants.

Landmarks

• Church of Panagia Keragoniotissa: Located near the village, this church is dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos and dates back to the 14th century. It features interesting frescoes.
• Church of Agia Paraskevi: Located in the village cemetery.
• Venetian Tower: A Venetian tower still stands within the village.
• Traditional Architecture: Latsida has a relatively dense urban fabric with narrow streets and small-scale buildings, mainly single-story houses.

Village Key Points

• Historical References:
  • 1369 document
  • 1583 census of Castrophylacas with 740 inhabitants
• Location: Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi regional unit, Crete, Greece. 2 km from Neapoli, 51 km from Heraklion.
• Altitude: 250 meters
• Historical Significance: Venetian-era settlement.
• Population: