Lato Archaeological Site
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    The ancient city of Lato is one of Crete's few non-Minoan ancient sites. Lato was
    one of the most important Dorian city-states in Crete, although it must have
    existed before the Dorians. It is built between two hills, at a site easily fortified
    from attack but also with a splendid view over a large area of the Mirambello Bay.
    The city was named after Leto, mother of Apollo and Artemis, although the main
    goddess worshipped in the city was Eileithyia, who was also depicted on the coins
    cut by the city. Though the ruins are some of the best in Greece, they are
    infrequently visited.

    The main gate to the excavated city is to the west of the site where a stepped road
    leads to the agora, or market place. On the right were once workshops and shops.
    On the left, the road leads to an entrance leading to the main part of the city. The
    center of the town is at the top of the hill and from here there is a magnificent
    view down to Lato's ancient port, Agios Nikolaos. The agora consists of a
    pentagonal building at the top of the road between two hills. It was not only used
    for trade, but also for political and cultural activities as well. Southwest of the
    agora lay the remains of a large temple and seats of a theater. Near the temple is
    an altar where a fire burned continuously as a sign of the continuity of the city
    with its past. The administrative building and the nobles dining hall are located
    behind the theatre.