Near the small picturesque village of Kritsa (approximately 3 km) and 15 km from Agios Nikolaos are the ruins of the ancient city of LATO. This Dorian city-state was one of the most important and powerful settlements of Crete and a major trading port. Guess the name of the city was named in honor of the goddess of Summer (in the Dorian sounds like "LATO").

Ancient LATO was located near the Bay of Mirabello in a valley between two hills, on the tops of which housed the city to the Acropolis. Probably LATO was built in the 7th century BCE (and possibly earlier), although the ruins found by archaeologists date back to 5-4 centuries B. C. At this period comprise the peak of the ancient state. The city had its own coinage with the image of the goddess Eileithyia very revered in this region. The city was destroyed about 200 BC, Though its harbour, situated near the modern Aghios Nikolaos, was used even during the period of Roman domination.

Some studies in this field were done by the scientist A. Evans in 1894-1896 by the years. Systematic same excavations in these areas began in the years 1899-1901, under the leadership of the French archaeological school. Were found the main city gate, well enough preserved to our times, and the stairs of the eighty steps leading to the Agora, the center of which was a small Shrine. South of the Agora is a large city temple. Was also excavated the monumental complex, reminiscent of the ancient theater, which is probably met members of the city Assembly. You can see the remains of stone walls, ruins of houses, shops and workshops.

The ruins of the ancient city of LATO are an important archaeological site in Greece.