Sitia history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Sitia is inextricably linked to Crete's ancient past. It is believed that the modern city is built on the site of the ancient settlement of Itia (or Eteia), from which the current name is derived. In ancient times, this city served as the main naval harbour for Praisos — one of the most powerful city-states of eastern Crete. Archaeological excavations in the neighbouring area of Petras confirm that active life bustled here as early as the Minoan era.

Key Factors of Establishment

• Strategic Geography: Its location in a convenient natural bay on the far east of the island turned Sitia into an important transit point for trading vessels navigating the Eastern Mediterranean and heading towards Africa.
• Venetian Rule: A significant impulse for the city's development was provided by the Venetians, who arrived on the island in the 13th century. They renamed the city "La Sitia" and, seeking to consolidate their power, erected defensive structures here, including the famous Kazarma fortress (Casa di arma), the ruins of which dominate the city to this day.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since ancient times, the region's economy has relied on the export of olive oil and grape products, as well as maritime trade. Despite frequent destructive earthquakes and pirate raids (including the attack by the famous Barbarossa in 1538), Sitia remained an important centre.

A special place in the city's history is occupied by the cultural blossoming of the Renaissance era. The surroundings of Sitia are considered the birthplace of the great poet Vitsentzos Kornaros, author of the poem "Erotokritos". This testifies to the fact that even in challenging times, the city was a centre of education and the arts.

Major Milestones in the History of Sitia

• 3000–1050 BC — In the area of Petras, on a hill above the modern harbour, a significant Minoan settlement with a palace complex exists.
• Ancient Period — The city functions as the port of the ancient polis of Praisos and is mentioned under the names Itia or Eteia.
• 1204 — The beginning of Venetian rule in Crete, during which the city receives the name "La Sitia" and the status of an administrative centre.
• 13th Century — Construction of the Kazarma fortress (Casa di arma), which became the city's main defensive structure.
• 1508 — A powerful earthquake causes serious damage to the city's architecture and fortifications.
• 1538 — The city undergoes a destructive raid by the famous pirate Hayreddin Barbarossa.
• 1553 — The estimated date of birth in the Sitia region of the outstanding poet Vitsentzos Kornaros, author of the masterpiece "Erotokritos".
• 1651 — The Venetians intentionally destroy the fortifications and abandon the city so that it would not fall to the Ottoman troops besieging the island.
• 1870 — After a two-century period of desolation, the city is rebuilt under the name Avnie by decree of the governor Hussein Avni Pasha.
• 1913 — Sitia, along with the rest of Crete, officially reunites with Greece.
• 2015 — The Sitia Nature Park receives the status of a UNESCO Global Geopark, drawing attention to the unique geology of the region.

Stages of Urban and Economic Development

Modern Sitia has journeyed from an abandoned fortress to a dynamic administrative and tourist centre of Eastern Crete. Key transformations that defined the city's current appearance and economy include:

• Urban Plan of 1870: Unlike many Cretan settlements with confusing medieval alleyways, "new" Sitia was designed according to the regular plan of Avni Pasha. This provided the city with wide straight streets and a promenade, which significantly simplified the further development of transport infrastructure.
• Opening of the Airport (1984) and New Terminal (2016): The launch of the municipal airport was a turning point in overcoming the geographical isolation of the island's eastern tip. The construction of a modern terminal allowed for the reception of international charter flights, giving a powerful boost to inbound tourism.
• Modernisation of the Commercial Port: The development of the deep-water harbour strengthened the city's status as an export hub. The export of famous olive oil (Protected Designation of Origin P.D.O. Sitia) is carried out through the port, which also maintains ferry connections with Piraeus and the Dodecanese islands.
• Formation of a Student Cluster: The placement of a department of the Hellenic Mediterranean University (Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Sciences) in the city attracted young people. This revitalised the urban environment and stimulated the real estate market and the service sector to operate year-round, not just in season.
• Creation of the "Sitia Geopark" Brand: The inclusion of the region in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network became a milestone in rethinking the tourism model. The city focused on sustainable tourism, attracting lovers of geology, hiking, and nature, which diversified the local economy.
• Cultural Institutionalisation: The establishment of the annual "Kornaria" festival turned the urban space into a stage for the arts. This is not only a tribute to the poet Vitsentzos Kornaros but also an important tool for event tourism, attracting guests with concerts and theatrical performances.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

Unlike Chania or Rethymno, the architectural landscape of Sitia has not preserved dense medieval residential buildings due to the complete destruction of the city in the 17th century. The modern look of the city is a synthesis of Venetian fortification, rational urban planning of the 19th century, and modern resort architecture.

Venetian Era (13th–17th Centuries)

The period of the Venetian Republic's rule left its mark primarily in defensive structures designed to protect eastern Crete from pirates and foreign fleets.

• Style: Military architecture, fortification style.
• Iconic Object: The Kazarma fortress (Casa di arma). Located at the top of the hill, it is the architectural dominant of the city. The massive walls and towers, despite later Ottoman modifications, retain features of severe medieval aesthetics and serve as the main historical marker in the panorama of Sitia.

Period of Revival and Planning (from 1870)

A key stage in the formation of the urban environment is connected with the decision of Avni Pasha to restore the city. This made Sitia one of the few cities in Greece with an initially planned structure.

• Style: Late Ottoman urbanism, elements of neoclassicism.
• Development Features: A regular layout (Hippodamian system) was applied. Instead of confusing narrow lanes, wide straight streets were laid out, intersecting at right angles and leading to the harbour. This ensured good ventilation and sunlight for the neighbourhoods.

Modernity (20th–21st Centuries)

In recent times, the city has developed as a tourist and administrative centre, adapting to the complex terrain of the area.

• Style: Modernism, functionalism, modern Mediterranean architecture.
• Character of Development: The city is built in the shape of an amphitheatre around the bay. Modern buildings, predominantly white and of low rise, are situated on terraces on the slopes of the hills.
• Promenade: The main architectural facade of the city, where public life is concentrated. Modern commercial development prevails here with wide pedestrian zones, palm avenues, and open terraces of restaurants.

Antiquity and the Renaissance

• Myson of Chenae (6th Century BC)
  Philosopher, one of the "Seven Sages" of Ancient Greece.
  Although his origin is often disputed, many sources, including Plato, indicate his birthplace as the settlement of Chenae (or Etia) in the region of Sitia. Myson was known for his modesty and worldly wisdom. In the dialogue "Protagoras", Plato includes him in the list of the seven greatest sages instead of the tyrant Periander.
• Vitsentzos Kornaros (1553–1613)
  Poet, playwright.
  The most significant figure in the history of Cretan literature. Born in the village of Trapezonda near Sitia to a Venetian-Cretan family. His epic poem "Erotokritos" is a masterpiece of the Greek Renaissance and is still performed by musicians throughout Crete. The Sitia airport and the city festival "Kornaria" are named in honour of the poet.

Modern Era and 20th Century

• Hussein Avni Pasha (1820–1876)
  Ottoman statesman, Governor of Crete.
  Played a key role in the physical revival of the city. It was he who, in 1870, issued the decree on the restoration of the then-abandoned Sitia and approved the new urban plan. In the first years after restoration, the city even bore the name "Avnie" in his honour, before returning to its historical name.
• Stratis Kalogeridis (1883–1960)
  Musician, composer.
  An outstanding violinist who shaped the unique musical style of the region. Unlike the rest of Crete, where the lyra dominates, in Sitia the main instrument is the violin, largely thanks to masters like Kalogeridis. He systematised local melodies (kontilies), making the music of Sitia recognisable throughout Greece.
• Terpsichore Chrysoulaki-Vlachou (1926–1944)
  Heroine of the Resistance.
  A native of Sitia who became a symbol of the struggle for freedom during the Second World War. Being very young, she worked as a radio operator, transmitting data to the allies. She was captured and executed by the occupiers at the age of 18. One of the central streets of the city is named after her, and a monument in her honour is installed on the promenade.