The first centre of literary translation was established in 1978 in the town of Straelen, in Germany, its main objective being to create an international venue for professional translators. It aimed to generate and publish proficient literary translations, promote exchange of ideas between translators and encourage intercultural awareness. The centre further aspired to facilitate the ongoing training and education of translators by breaking through the barriers that frequently isolate them from their peers.

There are 13 such centres in Europe at the moment, which, in 25 March 2000, formed the Network of International Centres of Literary Translators (RECIT: Réseau Européen des Centres Internationaux de Traducteurs littéraires).

The Ηouse of Literature in Crete
Krassi, the birthplace of the Alexiou family (Lefteris, Galateia and Elli), is situated at the foot of Selena mountain, at an altitude of 600 metres. It has 180 inhabitants and is 9 kilometres from the centre of the municipality, Malia. At the heart of the village stands an old plane tree. It is 24 metres in circumference and 100 metres in the spread of its branches. It is surrounded by arc-shaped stone drinking fountains, created by artisans at the beginning of the 20th century, which provide cold water throughout most of the year. In the early 20th century, Nikos Kazantzakis, husband of Galateia, Kostas Varnalis, Yorgos Veis, Elli Alexiou and Vassos Daskalakis among others, spent their summers at Krassi as guests of the Alexiou family. Inspired by this literary circle, the Municipality of Malia has been organizing, since 2000, a two-day cultural festival known as the “Krassian Circle” with the participation of important personalities from the world of literature, music and theatre.

The House of Literature offers hospitality to writers and translators. Priority will be given to Greek authors and translators of Greek literature into foreign languages.