The University of Crete and the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos have joined forces to establish the Center for Medieval and Modern History and Archaeology of Lasithi, a new institution devoted to studying and showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage. Based in Neapoli, the historic capital of the municipality, the Center was officially approved after a meeting between University authorities and municipal representatives on Friday, October 10, 2025.

The Center will be dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and enhancement of the cultural heritage of the wider region of Mirabello. It will host educational, scholarly, and research activities of the UoC Department of History and Archaeology, with an emphasis on the medieval and modern periods. At the same time, it will be linked to the State Archives, as well as to the ongoing archaeological activities of the University of Crete in the wider area.

Neapoli is situated in a location where the University has already invested significantly in research and academic activities. A more permanent presence here that requires close collaboration with local institutions such as the Ephorate of Antiquities of Lasithi and the State Archives, has great potential for the development of research and cultural projects that engage directly with local residents.

Future initiatives will include Erasmus programs, doctoral workshops, and school visits, aiming to open the Center’s doors to a wider audience. By combining research, education, and cultural engagement, the Center for Medieval and Modern History and Archaeology of Lasithi hopes to become a point of reference for the study of Crete’s long and layered history.