Neapolis brings together several distinct cultural themes: an archaeological collection, museums dedicated to folklore and history, striking buildings and nearby Driros. You can tailor your stay according to whether you are particularly interested in historical narratives, architecture or the ancient history of the surrounding area.
Museums and their distinct focuses
The Archaeological Collection of Neapolis is housed in a renovated and specially designed space in the former orphanage. This gives the archaeological collection its own clearly defined place in the townscape. For choosing what to explore, it stands apart from the other cultural sites: archaeology is the focus here, while the folklore and history museums explore other aspects of the past.
The Folklore Museum of the Apano Merambelo Cultural and Folklore Society is on the first floor of a remarkable building. Its location within the building is another specific feature of this museum. You will also encounter a folklore and historical perspective at the Old Secondary School, which houses the Neapolis Folklore and Historical Museum.
The Old Secondary School: architecture and history
The Old Secondary School is a single-storey stone building with a wooden roof and ceramic tiles. Its Π-shaped floor plan encloses a courtyard. This describes the layout more precisely than simply classifying it as a historic building: the floor plan and courtyard together form part of the building’s architectural character. The building was constructed in 1870 and is designated a historic monument.
The Folklore and Historical Museum’s modern history exhibition is also divided into three sections. It covers the Ottoman period and Pasha Kostis Adosidis; the Cretan State and the Therissos Revolt; and the Second World War, including occupation and resistance. This sequence of topics leads from an earlier political era through developments in Crete and into the period of the world war. If you are interested in history, it offers a different perspective from the architectural features of the Old Secondary School itself.
Church, monastery and ancient city
The Megali Panagia Metropolitan Church stands at the northern end of Neapolis’s central square. Its location can therefore be described using two specific reference points: the square and its northern end. The Fraro Franciscan Monastery is also in Neapolis. Petros Filargis served there as a monk; he later became Pope Alexander V. These places and their respective historical themes complement the focus on museums and architecture with church history.
Nearby, Driros lies east of Neapolis on the hilltop of Agios Antonios. The ancient city is considered one of the most important in Crete. Driros thus extends the scope beyond the cultural sites in town: while the museums, church and monastery explore different aspects of Neapolis’s history, Driros leads to an ancient city in the surrounding area.
Choose a cultural focus for your stay
When planning, you can prioritize topics according to your interests rather than treating all the sites as similar stops. The museum descriptions offer insights into folklore, archaeology and modern history; the Old Secondary School also brings a specific architectural style and its history to life. The church and monastery add further perspectives, while Driros offers a distinct focus on antiquity. Check the museums’ visiting arrangements and opening hours in advance before adding a museum visit firmly to your day’s plans.
Discover more destinations: Sitia, Toplou, Sfáka, Pilalimata, Lithinai, Roussa Ekklisia, Magoulás, MĂlatos.
For the main travel overview: Lasithi.
