Kastelli komopoli (large village) is the seat of the Municipality of Kastelli. It is built in an altitude of 340m and has 1692 residents (according to the census of 2001). It is located at about 36 kilometres from Heraklion on the road axis of Heraklion - Knossos - Kounavi-Peza-Agies Paraskes-Apostoli-Kastelli. The access to Kastelli is also feasible from the northern axis of Crete, via Gouves- Smari, or from Hersonissos following the turn on the right of the national road Heraklion- Hersonissos (about 14km of splendid scenery).

The wider region of Kastelli is rich in the production of olive oil, grapes, raisins, wine, raki, (local spirit), cereals and garden vegetables.

Kastrofilakas (the fortress guardian), in 1583,.reports it with the name Pediada proprio with 543 residents. In the documents of the Ducal File of Handakas it's often referred to as Castro Pediade and in the Turkish census of 1671 is reported as Nefs Pediye with 150 haratsi (per head tax, or poll tax).

The fortress from which Kastelli took its name was on the top of a small hill, where the high school is today. The castle was built in 1206 by General Erico Pescatori from Genoa, helped by the Earl of Pelta. Apart from its main use, as seat of the administrative and military affairs, it was also a useful store of cereals from Lasithi Province. The Venetian state rented Pediada for 30.000 mouzouria of wheat per year.

Kastelli played an important role as capital of the province of Pediada and was the commercial centre of the region. In the pazari (road market) of Kastelli were displayed, bought and sold the products of the whole region. The market takes place even today, each Wednesday, in the central road of the village.

Kastelli was also the intellectual centre of the wider area, as in its Gymnasium (high school), young persons of the surrounding villages and those in the Plateau of Lasithi studied.

Today Kastelli is a modern small town of 2000 residents, with organised services that respond to the interests of its citizens and visitors.

Excavations that took place behind the church of Agios Georgios revealed the existence of a Pre-Minoan settlement.

In Kastelli there are four churches with Byzantine murals, Afentis Christos, Agia Fotini, Agios Georgios Revithiotis and Agios Ionnis Romanito.

The Municipality, the school communities and the cultural association organise various cultural events every year. The most important series take place in August and are called Giorti tou ksenitemenou; celebration of the ex-patriot, and include concerts with traditional music, exhibitions and theatre plays.

Kastelli overview

Kastelli overview

Kastelli overview

military airport