Lassithi Liopetro Fortress

Location: Xerokampos

About 14 kilometers west of Sitia and 66 kilometers east of Agios Nikolaos lies the historical Liopetro Fortress, located at position Fatsi, near the village of Hamezi.

Built by the Venetians around the end of the 16th century, its erection was first proposed to the Venetian Senate in 1579 by General Giacomo Foscarini to protect the local population from Turkish sieges. By 1959 the demand had been restated by Petros Zanos and Scotti, which led to the Senate giving orders for the construction of the fortress by the early 17th century. Able to shelter as many as 6000 people, this large structure is believed to have been built on the site of a previous fort, the tank of which survives to this day.

Standing on a steep hill, it provides a gorgeous panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. On top of it, the chapel of Prophet Elias resides, along with remnants of walls, tanks, and other buildings. Those visiting the fort can experience firsthand these historical vestiges of the island’s past, while also admiring the scenic beauty of its location, with intricate rock formations, lush vegetation, and a view of the sea.