About 27 km southwest of Rethymno is an unusual village, which you will not find much information in popular guidebooks, and some of them do not mention it at all. And a pity because the modern settlement known as Argyroupolis was built on the site of the ancient city of Lappa (also called Lambi). And what makes this village extraordinary is this antiquity that accompanies the present at every step. The construction of the village creates a peculiar mosaic in which the present buildings were mixed with the ancient remains of the old city, which were extracted from the ruins by current residents. The present Argyroupolis is not only preserved villas standing in the neighborhood with other houses. These are also small architectural elements dating back centuries, today fulfilling decorative and sometimes useful functions.
You do not have to look for examples of this historic mosaic for a long time. In the stairs leading to the contemporary house, you can find fragments of the ancient lintel, while the ancient column is a decoration reminiscent of the splendor of the ancestors and the place where today stands a flower pot. If during the summer you will be near this extraordinary place, it is worth adding them to your holiday list.
Formerly, according to Mykene legends, it was believed that Lappa was founded by the Greek hero Agamemnon. At the time, it was a huge and extensive city, covering a large part of the Rethymno region between the northern and southern coasts of Crete.
In the 2nd century BC, Lappa, Lyttos and several other cities of Crete of that time, formed a covenant against the powerful Knossos. This conflict did not end with the thoughts of the allied cities. Knossos turned out to be the winner and the inhabitants of Lyttos had to look for shelter in Lappa after their defeat.
The city also suffered from conflicts in the then Roman Empire. Besieged and destroyed by Metellus, it was later rebuilt. During the civil war, which took place during the conflict between Octavian August and Mark Antony, Lappa opted for Octavian. (31 bc) It was a favorable decision as it turned out, because after the defeat of Antonius in the Battle of Actium, the city enjoyed special privileges and gained autonomy. This was the beginning of the best period of ancient Lappy. The prosperity that prevailed during the late Roman period left a mark in the form of rich and impressive architecture. Roman baths, sculptures, bone tools, mosaics, ceramics and various types of inscriptions are traces of splendor that archaeologists found here. Also found coins minted in Lappie. The earliest represent Greek gods: Apollo, Poseidon, Athena and Artemisia. Roman emperors were depicted on coins dating back to Roman times.
Nearby sources also made Lappa a well-known spa in the past. The city also acted dynamically in the commercial field. Goods were exchanged, among others, from Phoenix located next to Loutro, as well as from Dramia (Ydramia). Here it was also founded by the apostle Titus, called the Titus of Crete, which is also the patron of the island, the oldest diocese of Crete. Titus was appointed Bishop of Crete by Saint. Paul. In 961 BC, this diocese was transferred to Episkopi, and its remains in Lappa, nearly 140 years later, were destroyed by the Arabs.
The later history of this place was no less turbulent. In the 11th century, the city was razed by the Saracens. In the 13th and 14th centuries, it served as a shelter and a base of insurgents fighting against the Venetian occupant, as was the case during the Turkish occupation. At that time, the city was known as Gaidouropoli and Samaropoli (Ośle Town), and in 1822 it was renamed by the rebels at Argyroupolis. This name is used today.
If you plan to visit this area, you can get to Argyroupolis by KTEL bus, which leaves twice a day from Rethymno. The ticket costs 3,3 €. Of course, the second option is to come here by car or scooter. The best way to park your car is on a large square in front of the Agios Ioannis church, rightnext to the tiny archaeological site. Visible from here the gate will lead you to the old and charming part of the city. After crossing it, you have to keep your eyes wide open to catch all the Roman and Venetian details and artifacts blended into contemporary buildings. In the further part of the village you will also find the remains of a Roman bath with a well-preserved fragment of a mosaic, which supposedly consists of 7,000 elements in 6 different colors.
On the way back, take a look at the shops that are located in the gate leading to Argyroupolis, you will find here both local products, herbs and products made on the basis of avocado.
After completing the tour it is also worth going down to the lower north-western part of the village, where the above mentioned sources are found. It is a very picturesque place, water flows from springs creating small waterfalls. Formerly, the strength of water was used to grind grain. Nearly to the present day, the remains of the then mills have survived. In total, about 20,000 cubic meters of water flow here. Today, with every mini-waterfall taverns are located. It's a good place to catch your breath after a hot day and enjoy the dishes of the local cuisine.
When visiting the sources of Argyroupolis, it is impossible not to pay attention to the lush vegetation that creates here something like an oasis. It is also worth visiting the nearby cave, where Agios Ioannis is also called the church of Agia Dynami. Water flowing here is attributed to miraculous properties.
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Knossos is one of the flagship monuments visited by tourists, it is also the most popular place where organized trips go.
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Dozens of craft workshops located in this small mountain village make Margarites one of the four main centers where traditional Cretan ceramics are made.
International airport. Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion is currently the largest airport in Crete.
Heraklion (Iraklion) is the largest city of Crete. With almost 140,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest Greek city.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
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Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
According to Greek mythology, Zeus hid (and perhaps even gave birth) in the Ida cave. This myth is the greatest asset of this cave, which is not as interesting and beautiful as the Dikte cave.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
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Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
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gia Galini (Αγία Γαλήνη) jest jednym z najpopularniejszych nadmorskich kurortów na południowym wybrzeżu Krety.
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The museum presents the dramatic history of Crete written over the last several hundred years.
The modern settlement known as Argyroupolis was built on the site of the ancient city of Lappa (also called Lambi)
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Although there are countless caves in Crete, only a few can be visited. Sfendoni is the largest cave open to the public. content comes from: http://www.crete.pl www.CRETE.pl
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Margarites at every step does not let you forget about what the inhabitants live with. Even trees seem to bear here pots that hang picturesquely from branches. It is in this peculiar way that one of the craft workshops advertises its products. After visiting the Margarites, our luggage was enriched by a good few kilos of pottery. Although products from this village can be bought practically all over Crete, it is only here that you will find less-known, though equally beautiful, patterns. Despite its popularity, Margarites has preserved its authentic Greek atmosphere, so it is worth taking a walk along the main street, which is simply flooded with local potter's products.
For tourists who have gone to the Samaria Gorge, the white buildings of Agia Roumeli emerging at the end of the trip are one of the most pleasant views that they will see on that day. Although the number of permanent residents oscillates around a hundred people, in the summer Agia Roumeli is one of the more crowded and noisy places in Crete. In the high season, over 1,000 people meet here every day, who, while waiting for the ferry back, regains his strength in one of the many taverns there.
Komentarze
komentarz z
o tak, tam też byliśmy :) mnóstwo kaskad wodnych i tawern gdzie można zjeść świeżą rybę :)
komentarz z
też byłam :) http://gabi-ostatniaprosta.blogspot.com/2013/10/skuterem-po-krecie-dzien-pierwszyczii.html
komentarz z
Bylam,tam jest pieknie i sa wspaniale naturalne kosmetyki z awokado i oliwy z oliwek! :)
Polski akcent
Biskupem tytularnym Lappy był od 1939r. do swej śmierci w 1943r.polski biskup Michał Kozal. Zamordowali go Niemcy w Dachau zastrzykiem z fenolu.
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