The Koraïs Lyceum was founded in 1905, at the time of the Cretan Independent State, and was originally housed elsewhere.
The building itself dates to 1911, but has undergone several extensive alterations so as to serve other purposes.
It is rectangular in shape and stands on a wide strip of land with a large courtyard (formerly the schoolyard) fronting onto Koraï Street. The main entrance projects from the remaining building and has a portico. The upper floor balcony is supported by two pairs of aligned columns and surrounded by an ornate parapet. There is a second, less ornate entrance on Milatou St.