Crete. Argiroupoli waterfalls. Description and photo. Argiroupoli - a mountain village with a long history
The place is a magnet. Lappa - Argyroupolis. November 3rd, 2016
I'll tell you about one of those places in Crete that I remember most often...
Argyroupolis.
The modern village of Argyroupolis arose on the site of the once flourishing ancient city of Lappa, which was one of the most important and significant cities in western Crete.
For two thousand years, the rich city of antiquity has turned into a cozy mountain village, where curious tourists come to gawk at the ruins of their former glory. A very picturesque place!
The village is located about 25 kilometers from the city of Rethymno, in the mountains, at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level on the Azonas hill, which rises between the Petre and Muselas rivers.
The village is almost entirely built on the ruins of an independent and proud ancient city Lapp.
The houses stand on the stone foundations of houses that were built thousands of years ago.
Stones used to build houses ancient ruins.
It is believed that the city had control over both coasts of the island (north and south) due to the small width of the land in this place. Under his control were the surrounding villages, as well as, probably, Lake Korisia ( modern name Kurnas). The city was reputed to be proud and independent.
Lappa was famous for its strong, hardy warriors, and the fame of them thundered not only in Greece, but almost throughout the then Oikoumene.
Every noble nobleman considered it an honor to have such soldiers in his squad.
The city garrison of Lappa was quite a formidable force, so foreign invaders did not dare to touch the city.
Only in 68 BC, the Roman troops, led by Quintus Caecilius Metellus, managed to capture and destroy the recalcitrant Lappa, who supported the emperor Octavian in the fight against Mark Antony.
After his victory, Octavian helped rebuild the city. Already in 31 BC. Lappa experienced a renaissance, becoming even stronger and significant city who erected new buildings, thermal baths, and even minted their own coin.
As time went on, earthquakes destroyed Lappa, but the city was finally destroyed by the Saracen Arabs, who captured the island in the 9th century AD. The city was wiped off the face of the earth.
In the next photo on the right behind the house... an ionic column!?) ...
Gradually, in place of Lappa grew small town Poli, which was called Gaidopoli Kalamotos under Turkish rule, later reduced to a village, which in 1822 received the name Argiroupoli. Argentum - silver, polis - city. A city built on springs of silver water.
The springs have not dried up since the time of the Roman Empire and to this day, there are many of them, all picturesque.
The last high point, when the name reappeared on the pages of history, Argiroupoli experienced in 1878: it was here that the accession of Crete to Greece was proclaimed.
Since then, Argiroupoli has been a quiet mountain village. Today its population is about 400 people.
And in our time in Argiroupoli, literally every house, every stone breathes history.
There are such houses.
The second floor is clearly built on. The first one is the old one. With unevenly spaced windows of different sizes.
there are also those embellished, ennobled).
I saw palm leaves in the trunk of a car. I wonder what the owners will do with them? ..
We also grow flowers on our balconies ... True, they never grow to such sizes)
It is so amazing to see fragments of buildings of later times built into modern houses, mosaic floors, a Venetian portal that blends harmoniously into a modern street, the remains of the ancient city of Lappa...
Not so long ago, one of the residents decided to clear a place next to his house in order to build something. Cleared ....))
An ancient mosaic has been discovered. The poor fellow had to lose and new building, and in general a piece of land.
Now only cats can freely walk on the ancient.
locals kind and friendly, but extremely economic.
They say in residential buildings often you can find the remains of mosaics with which people decorate their homes: walls, floors.
Well, I walked - I found it, I brought it home). Useful on the farm.
Pomegranates, lemons, tangerines, oranges ripen in the gardens... Olive trees and avocados grow on the slopes. Fresh air, mountains, sea. Beauty around.
What more do you need from life?
Lappa is still considered the oldest diocese of Crete, founded by the Apostle Titus himself. From the first years of the birth of Christianity until the tenth century, the city was administered by the Bishop of Lappa: for several hundred years there was the residence of the bishop, which was then transferred to the seaside village of Episkopi.
In the village of Argiroupoli there is one large 19th century and three small churches: the churches of St. John, St. Paraskeva and the Holy Power (Agia Dynami).
The largest one is on the square where the buses stop is under restoration, you can only see the bell tower
I will talk about the latter when I talk about springs, Roman aqueducts and taverns.
The second, the church of St. Paraskeva, was closed,
but I’ll show you the third, the Church of St. John. It is located in an inconspicuous narrow lane, you won’t immediately understand that this is a church.. And it is very ancient. Tenth century.
Here is the entrance, without any pomposity. If the door is closed, you can pass by without realizing that this is a church.
Inside, everything breathes with History ... Cozy, small, like a home church.
Embroidered towels next to the icons painted by the students of El Greco, whose real name is Domenico Theotokopuli, originally from Crete, from these places.
Fine wood carving..
Frescoes can be seen on the ceiling above the altar. Or rather, what's left of them...
I want to tell a little about St. John, after whom this church is named.
As soon as the Arab rule ended (961), John the Wanderer appeared in these places, originally from Siv in Messara.
John the Stranger considered it his great duty or "God's command" to build here, in this center of the ancient Christian dioceses, which fell into decay during the Arab conquest, (from 980 to 1030) monasteries and churches.
Which is what he did all his life.
Saint John erected several churches (including this one), which he attributed to the monastery of Myriokefaly, founded by him with the status of a patriarchal stavropegia (that is, a monastery under the direct control of the Patriarch of Constantinople).
Since his activities had an extremely important impact on the Byzantine history of Crete, this fruitful period is sometimes called the Cretan-Byzantine revival.
Archaeologists here expanse). Dig - I don't want to.
The excavations of the last twenty years have been particularly successful, they say.
They found especially many objects of the late Roman period (2-4 centuries AD). The sculptures found here, amphoras, coins, marble statues, household vessels and things for personal use.
You need to go here to admire the ancient ruins, enjoy the beauty famous waterfalls and taste delicious dishes in taverns. About taverns - a separate story)
And what views!
How great it is to wake up in the morning in such a house: you can see the sea on the right, mountains on the left)
Look how the machine stands: almost over a cliff. She has nowhere to turn around. To the right, there is a narrow street.
The village is home to the famous Lappa Avocado cosmetics shop. Avocados are grown right there, plantations are located near the village.
All cosmetics are natural, created according to family recipes. Some tourists specially come to Argiroupoli every year for creams made from olive oil and avocados.
The village is also famous for its homemade ice cream. Some are greedy and buy so much of it that they can't eat it)
In the liveliest part of the village, near the square, there are several restaurants and cafes, there is a shopping street
How I love these things! I wanted to buy everything.))
There are small hotels.
There are tanned and not so tanned dogs)
You can go to the museum of Cretan culture.
Getting to Argyroupolis is not difficult. From Rethymno bus station to Argyroupoli on weekdays scheduled bus. There are no flights to Argiroupoli on weekends.
From the town of Geogioupolis, closer to the ancient Lappa, sightseeing trains go, they also bring tourists to Lake Kournas.
Crete - beautiful place, where you can spend an amazing vacation, look at the sights created many centuries ago. The most popular place is the Samaria Gorge (Crete). A huge number of tourists come here from year to year to see unforgettable beauty created by nature.
Crete as a tourist destination
This is the most large island Greece, which is popular with tourists not only in Europe, but throughout the world. It is located in unique place and its shores are washed by three seas. Nature has been preserved here in its original form. Centuries-old history connects the island with myths Ancient Greece: it is the birthplace of the god Zeus. The settlement of this territory began more than 10 thousand years ago.
Tourists can stay on the island throughout the year, thanks to its climatic conditions. Some places are generally better to visit in winter time, and especially the Samaria Gorge (Crete). It is marked on the map as the main natural attraction of the island, and it is not difficult to get to it. Basically, tourists start coming here in April. At that time best conditions for relaxation provides Elafonisi beach with a magnificent pink sand. In addition, the cost of tours at the beginning of the season is still quite low, so you can have a good time by paying the minimum amount.
Elafonisi beach
Popular gorges and waterfalls
Crete has a large number of sights created by nature. The most popular are the Imbros Gorge (Crete) and the Mili Gorge (Crete), where groves of incredible beauty grow. The most visited waterfall is Lappa, whose streams of water flow down the terraces very effectively. Near the waterfall is the village of Argiroupoli, whose architecture intertwined many eras.
Orino Gorge - another interesting place, as a large number of red butterflies regularly flock here. It will take at least 4 hours to visit the canyon, so small children should not be taken on this route. If you go the other way and go to the mountains of Sitia and Nikolaos, then between them you can see the beautiful and picturesque gorge of Richtis (Crete), which ends at the coast.
Walking along the canyon, you can meet a huge number of plane trees and walnut trees. At the end of the canyon is a small beautiful lake. To make your trip here an unforgettable experience, you can use the advice given by professional tourists who know a lot about what they want to see and what to enjoy during the trip.
The miraculous beauty of Mili
Tips from tourists who visited Richtis:
- be sure to take water with you, as it is quite hot in this area, and there is nowhere to buy it there;
- it is better to wear comfortable shoes, as the path along which there is a tourist not always smooth;
- it is not recommended to visit this place after rain, since almost the entire path will be in the water, and the stones on which you can move are quite slippery;
- given that it is very beautiful here, you need to take a camera with you to capture what you see:
- you should definitely see Prassano Gorge (Crete), Sarakina Gorge (Crete), Kourtaliotiko Gorge (Crete), Gorge of the Dead(Crete).
Many tourists who have visited the island are advised to visit the Kourtaliot Gorge (Crete). In addition to rocks, there are also waterfalls. The name is translated into Russian as "The Gorge of Flapping Sails". And indeed, going into it you can hear the bewitching sounds.
In fact, they appear due to the fact that a huge amount of water falls from the top of the mountain. Two monasteries, an ancient bridge and other sights have been preserved here. Travel here can be done on different types transport, including by car. But despite this, most of Excursions are on foot, so comfortable shoes are required.
Kourtaliot Gorge
Samaria Gorge
The place itself is considered the pride of all European continent due to the fact that it is simply delightful and attractive for a large number of tourists. Its length is more than 16 kilometers, and that is why it has rightfully earned the status of the longest gorge in Europe. Up to 300 thousand tourists come to see it every year. ABOUT this place there is a mention even among ancient authors.
It was here that during the excavations a large number of ruins of ancient temples dedicated to various gods were found. There was also small village Samaria (Crete), completely inaccessible to enemies. In 1962, Samaria was given the status national park. A large number of architectural monuments, among which the church of St. Nicholas, St. Mary. The cost of the tour is up to 50 euros.*
Note! On the territory of Crete there are a huge number of temples where candles are constantly burning. Anyone can put them to his saint.
Mylonas Gorge and Waterfall
East of the city of Ierapetra is located amazing place that is immersed in greenery. This is Mylonas. Going deeper you can see the miracle of nature - a waterfall. It is the second largest in Crete. Its height is 40 meters and the water, falling down, causes quite a lot of noise. To walk around this place, you must have good physical fitness.
Samaria Gorge
The subtleties of tourism in Crete
Regardless of which country the tourist goes to, you should pay attention to the rules of being in it:
- it is forbidden to make noise in hotels;
- only those who are included in the list of guests can stay at the hotel;
- it is better to swim in the daytime, and to be in the room at lunchtime;
- don't drink tap water.
Crete - amazing island where you can have a great time and see a lot of interesting things.
* Prices are for 2018.
In August, the African heat reigns in Crete. If you do not turn on the air conditioner, then the computer instantly overheats. It’s good to experience such hot days at sea, and if you are already a little tired of the sea, then you can use one of the “cooling” routes, which we will talk about right now.
We go to Ancient Lappa, on the site of which the village of Argiroupoli is now located. Argiroupoli is known for its streams and waterfalls, which are gracefully inscribed with numerous taverns serving freshwater fish dishes to guests. But let's leave the meal for later and start our walk from the top of the village. It's hot, so you need to have time to get here before lunch. But you need to get there, because times and epochs are so curiously intertwined here.
We park on main square near the clock tower. The Arhea Lappa sign immediately catches your eye. We begin to turn our heads in different directions, but in front of us is only the Cathedral of St. John the Wanderer and some buoys right behind the parking lot. That's where the ruins of ancient buildings are located. Their contemplation can be a pleasure for archaeologists, but nothing about them is clear to mere mortals, so we turn around and move towards the Avocado cafe.
Do you know that avocados also grow in Crete? No? So know. Crete has such a climate that even avocados with kiwi are enough.
We buy a bottle of water and go into an impromptu gate.
Here we are handed a plan with sights. So far, such a paper does not exist in Russian, but if you speak English, then it will help you. But just follow main street.
. 
Follow the main street and keep an eye on your surroundings. Many architectural details in this wonderful village were borrowed from past centuries. So, on the left as you move, you will find a private house, the entrance to which is decorated with a gate of the 14th century (in memory of the Venetian merchants). Yes, on an ordinary village street.
You can deviate a little from the route and wander along the shady streets, get into someone's garden and find a piece of a column that was accidentally thrown there. Maybe not so long ago it served as an olive oil press?
But quite an eclectic furniture ensemble.
A common thing: a bottle of raki left by someone for passers-by.
Or here Observation deck, which is actually the verandah of someone's house, kindly made available for public use.
And if you go down a little down the street, you can find another column decorating someone's house.
In Argiroupoli, one organically grows out of the other and nothing goes anywhere. It is good that different stones can be used in construction many times.
By the way, several famous Cretan families come from here, for example Kallergis, who were relatives of the Byzantine emperor Nikephoros Fokas. This is quite a common Cretan surname and, it turns out, one big family. Here you can see one of the variants of the coat of arms of this family.
The church of Agia Panagia is full of flowers. She is dedicated Virgin and is always open to access.
Well, not far from it, a wonderfully preserved mosaic floor is found, which depicts a painfully familiar pattern that always pops up in the head when it comes to Ancient Greece.
This mosaic floor belongs to the Roman baths and dates back to the 1st century BC. Around it are residential buildings, and the floor itself is under a canopy, so it is not surprising that you can pass by, mistaking it for an outbuilding and not paying any attention.
Now we are trying to find that path (check with the locals) that leads down to the Church of the Five Holy Virgins (Pente Pathenas), and at the same time to the necropolis of Ancient Lappa. The young Martha, Athena, Mary, Thekla and Marianna once lived there, who were martyred around 250 AD. e. during the persecution of Christians.
People's rumor made them saints. In the church there are several icons depicting young maidens, and metal plates are hung on them with various parts of the body engraved on them. It is believed that it helps in the treatment of a particular disease. Such plates are generally often found in Cretan churches.
In the same rock, to which the church is attached, "rooms" are made. At first they can be mistaken for cells or water tanks. But actually this is an ancient necropolis.
We continue down the stone path. It leads to the famous 20th century plane tree - the same age as Jesus Christ, by the way. The huge tree is so old that its lower part has completely gone underground and it seems that this is not one tree, but two.
Today, a summer school camp is being built at its foot. Little Greeks have the pleasure of learning history not from books, but from nature. To be honest, the place for Crete is not quite ordinary. The shadow from the branches of trees, the sky is almost invisible, the muffled noise of the stream - this is so unlike the usual blue and white palette sea coast. At some point, it even becomes chilly. So we are returning from where we came from, but we do not go up to the village, but go down to the springs of Argiroupoli.
Here the noise of conversations merges with the noise of numerous streams that run down the mountain along the old aqueducts.
Previously, these streams supplied water to the nearest city of Rethymnon. It is noteworthy that the aqueducts were not destroyed, but made part of the taverns. This allowed Argiroupoli to become another tourist feature.
The abundance of water is the key element. Waterfalls replace walls and air conditioners, and reservoirs serve as refrigerators for food and even live fish, which you will probably be offered to taste. Feel free to agree. For this fish here in summer season even the locals come. And the prices don't bite too much.
We ourselves did not eat this fish, we managed with watermelon. Now is the season of watermelons, besides, the watermelon diet is good for the figure and for health.
We start the return ascent from the cave chapel of Agia Dinami, which was built right in the cave, from where the river Muselas bursts into the light of day from the mountain. We move with stops and now, after a few minutes, we see the familiar clock tower above us. Somewhere there was our car. She must have been wildly warm under the sun.
We seem to have enjoyed the shade to the fullest.
How to get there: Argiroupoli is located 27 kilometers west of Rethymno. You are driving along the national highway towards Chania, carefully look at the signs, after about 15 km there will be a left turn to Episkopi, then follow the signs to the south.
There is much more water in Argyroupoli in winter period, but that's when everything is closed there.
One of the most famous Latin sayings: "Sic transit Gloria mundi"(thus passes the glory of the world).
A tourist who wants to really feel how the glory of the world passes must certainly visit the village of Argiroupoli in the mountains.
Each era has left its mark on these places, and for two thousand years the rich city of antiquity has turned into a cozy mountain village, where curious tourists come to gawk at the ruins of its former glory.
How to get to Argyroupoli
The village of Argyroupoli belongs to municipality Lappa within the territory of the municipality. From the city of Rethymno to Argyroupoli - about twenty-five kilometers.
You can easily enter the village by moving along the highway to the southwest of Rethymno and focusing on the signs.
There is a shuttle bus from Rethymno Station to Argyroupoli on weekdays: at 10:00 and at 13:00. The fare for one way is 3.30 euros.
There are no flights to Argiroupoli on weekends.
A bit of history
The village is located in the mountains, at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level. The sea coast is about seven kilometers from here.
Once on the site of Argiroupoli there was a rich and independent ancient city Lappa.
The fame of strong, hardy mercenaries from Lappa thundered not only in Greece, but almost throughout the then Ocumene.
Every noble nobleman considered it an honor to have such soldiers in his squad. Of course, the city garrison of Lappa was a rather formidable force, so foreign invaders for the time being bypassed the city.
Only in 68 BC Roman troops led by Quinta Caecilius Metellus managed to capture and destroy the recalcitrant Lappa, who supported Emperor Octavian against Mark Antony. After his victory, Octavian helped rebuild the city. And only in 824 the Arab conquerors dealt a blow to Lappa, from which she never recovered: the city was wiped off the face of the earth.
Gradually, in place of Lappa, a small town of Poly, which under Turkish rule was called Gaidopoli, or Kalamotos, later reduced to a village, which in 1822 received the name Argyroupoli.
The last high point, when the name reappeared on the pages of history, Argiroupoli experienced in 1878: it was here that the accession of Crete to Greece was proclaimed.
Since then, Argiroupoli has been a quiet mountain village. Today its population is about 400 people. Tourists come here to admire ancient ruins, enjoy the beauty of the famous waterfalls and taste delicious dishes in taverns.
The locals are kind and friendly, but extremely economic. Therefore, you can often notice that stones from ancient ruins were used to build houses, doors and gates are decorated with ancient Venetian castings, and floors are decorated with precious mosaics.
Ruins of Lappa and temples in the vicinity
Not far from the village are ruin ancient Lappa
. Excavations are still being carried out here, and everyone can see the remains of the walls and beautiful antique statues.
Also in the vicinity of Argiroupoli (four kilometers to the east, in the village of Agios Konstantinos) can be viewed ruins of a medieval Venetian villa, which served for the rest of the aristocracy during the period of Venetian rule. Northeast of Argyroupoli, carved into the rock ancient roman burials.
There is also a rock-cut Church of Pente Parthenos, or Church of the Five Holy Virgins. According to legend, in 250 AD, five young Christian girls were hiding in this cave: Marianna, Thekla, Martha, Athena and Mary. The persecutors found the fugitives and martyred them.
Since then, the spring gushing from the cave has been considered curative. Local residents believe that if the name of the diseased part of the body is engraved on a metal plate and this plate is hung from the icon of the Five Holy Martyrs in the church, then this sure to help you heal.
In the village of Argiroupoli there are two small churches: Agia Dynami and Agios Ioannis.
Six kilometers to the southwest is Miriokefala village, where pilgrims and just lovers of antiquity come to take a look to the Byzantine church of Panagia, decorated with priceless wall paintings of the fourteenth - sixteenth centuries.
Springs and waterfalls
Since ancient times, Lappa has been famous for its springs. Romans, big lovers water procedures, built on local sources baths And aqueduct.
The partially destroyed aqueduct has been slightly restored in our time, and everyone can admire the powerful buildings, the remains of Roman baths and water mills.
Nature has always been generous to Argiroupoli. It is unusually beautiful here, there is a lot of greenery, an abundance of springs, which, flowing down from the mountains, form waterfalls. Also growing in the vicinity of the village the famous plane tree, two thousand years old.
September 8th, the day of celebration Christmas Holy Mother of God , which the villagers revere especially zealously, local girls come to the plane tree, tie colored ribbons on its branches and make wishes for the betrothed.
Shops and taverns
In the village itself there is a famous olive cosmetics store Lappa Avocado.
All cosmetics are natural, created according to family recipes. Some tourists specially come to Argiroupoli every year for creams made from olive oil and avocados.
Just below the village, where the transparent jets of springs beat, are located taverns of Argyroupoli. They are so well built into the remains of the aqueduct and Roman baths that they seem to be a natural part of the landscape.
Meat is served here, mainly lamb, fried over a fire, and the freshest fish.
If desired, a tourist can choose a sturgeon in the cage, and it will be cooked right there.
For dessert, it is proposed to enjoy delicious local homemade ice cream and watermelons chilled in spring water.
Depending on the ordered dishes and alcohol, one lunch will cost from 5 to 15 euros per person.
