- Region
- Mirabello, Lasithi
- Distance
- 15 km from Agios Nikolaos, 54 km from Heraklion
- Sights
- Cathedral, folklore museum
- Taste
- Soumada almond drink
History
The village was once called Kenourgio Chorio, 'new village', a name recorded in the 16th century. In 1868 the Ottoman governor made it the administrative seat of Lasithi and renamed it Neapoli; the capital moved to Agios Nikolaos in 1904.
Neapoli is also the birthplace of Petros Filargis, who became Pope (later considered antipope) Alexander V in 1409.
Around the square
The cathedral of Megali Panagia, begun in 1889 and completed in 1927, dominates the central square and is the largest church in eastern Crete. A small single-aisled church from 1819 stands beside it. The Historical and Folklore Museum occupies the town's first secondary school.
Soumada
Try soumada, a sweet almond drink served at festivals and in the cafés around the square.
Nearby
Neapoli is on the way to the Lasithi plateau, and is a pleasant stop between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos.
Questions before you go
Was Neapoli the capital of Lasithi?
Yes, from 1868 to 1904.
What is soumada?
A traditional sweet almond drink.
Is Neapoli on the way to the Lasithi plateau?
Yes, roads to the plateau start nearby.
