The name of the village comes from the installation of soldiers from Assos in Mysia who served in the army of Nikiforos Fokas and settled permanently in Crete after its recapture by the Byzantines in 961, and therefore the correct spelling of the name is not Assites Assites .
The name of the town meets for the first time in the Venetian archives Chandax 1394 stating as a fief of Paulus Theupolo. Also recorded in all subsequent inventories from 1577 until today.
The "fortified" position of the village at the foot of Psiloreitis the revolutionary nature of its residents paint a glorious history over the centuries, which is documented by the hero is rigged to historical sites and the central village (statue in the main square, monument Spyridaki George Anthony Fanouraki monument).
Large areas of interest are the "Notiko" and "Prinos" and the region "Kastellas" next to Gorgolaini Monastery , which was the seat of the revolution (1866) and is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete. The monastery is buried comrade Captain Korakas, Fragias Mastrachas contestant who died heroically in the battle of 1868.
The natural environment of the area is characterized by a wide variety of geomorphological and ecological characteristics. From the high peaks of the Sierra Psiloriti up the north coast of the island, one can admire numerous landscapes of outstanding natural beauty.
The "narrowness" of space does not preclude the existence of tall and steep peaks, small plateaus, canyons, springs and streams, low gullies, Lagadas and meadows. From the mountainous area start their development quite impressive gorges. The 'multimode' nature justifies the creation of the «touring Club of Asites » with rich activity.
Although the majority of the area consists of olive groves and vineyards, causing great interest in the number and variety of trees and plants such as shrubs and brushwood, poplar, cypress, walnut, pear, wild cherry, oak, holly, aspalathos, blackberries, agrioklimatidies, myrtles, junipers and others that stimulate the characteristics of livestock developed Asites (Ano and Kato).
In a distance of 3.5 km., west of the village of Kato Assites at an altitude of 670 m., is the historic cave "Melissa" (Bee). The value is outside of speleological, historical and archaeological. In the Netherlands there Asites also known caves below: "Lestas Spilios" at "Marias aloni", "Astirakou Sspilios" or "Sarakina", "Katsivli spilios" to "Lyssogkremia", each with its own history and tradition.
18 churches are operating in the town, some of which are very old as the aisle, basilica built in 1745 (the most historic and famous) "Agia Paraskevi" (patron) in the center and is a true gem building after the restoration. The church consists of pious women the sequence of request each year since 1974 Historian is the cathedral of the town, built in the 19th century, dedicated to the "Transfiguration" (celebrated on August 6).
The occupation of residents in farming is a guarantee for the quality of livestock products in pure meat and cheese, they are not deficient in other agricultural products and fruits. Visitors will also meet many of the traditional professions such as carpenters, jewelers laity, tinkers (KALAITZI), manufacturers of traditional musical instruments, traditional barbers, weavers, saponified, cobblers, painters, with impressive creations.
In the four restaurants of the town and the ten cafes of the visitor will enjoy the purity and variety of local products, food and excitement of the old traditional Cretan cuisine, the flavor of dairy products and open the hearts of people. You may also find the wonderful creations that produces and promotes the very active women association of Asites - "Asitiana Dishes" .
To enable the visitor but to experience even a few from all the above it is advisable to choose a multi-day stays of comfort, beauty and enjoyment guaranteed by the three agro complexes located and operating in the town of Kato Asites .
The Cultural Association of Kato Asites "The Gorgolaini" organize multi-day cultural events such as festivals St. George (April 23 and November 3), the fest of Klidonas (June 24), culminating in the seven-day event starting on 19 and close on July 26 (feast of Agia Paraskevi) with great Cretan feast primarily from renowned local and traditional leaders artists (eg FRAGKIADAKI) which are not numerous, in town.
Although the village of Kato Asites not classified as traditional (N. Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Culture, 1469-1450), has preserved many traditional buildings.
The settlement Nisi belonging to DD Kato Asites is classified by the Ministry of Culture as interesting village with traditional elements.
