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The best Polish website dedicated to the Greek island Crete and to a small extent of continental Greece. You will find useful information related to visiting Crete that goes beyond the offer of optional tours. On the website you will also find descriptions of the most interesting places that we visited by visiting this largest Greek island. The content complements the current news, photographs and recipes of Greek cuisine.
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.
Lappy's story
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.
How to visit and get to Argyroupolis
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.
Sources of Argyroupolis
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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Interesting places on Crete
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W 2002 roku Falasarna zdobyła tytuł najlepszej plaży w Grecji. Wyróżnienie to nie jest bynajmniej przypadkowe, gdyż miejsce to jak na standardy Krety jest naprawdę unikalne.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Aptera is a city whose history dates back to at least a thousand years before our era. In the peak period, about 20,000 lived in it. people, of which only 1/5 were free people.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
Located 47 km from the city of Chania, it is the only freshwater lake in Crete. Its area is about 580 thousand. sqm. and the maximum depth is about 45 meters
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
The steel crossing, which in the central part is separated from the ground by nearly 150 m, is at the leading position of the places where the longest bungee jumps are made.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
The cave is less than 1 km from Moni Gouvernetou Monastery. You will reach it using the pedestrian trail that has been marked out along the slope of the Avlaki Gorge.
Balos is one of Crete's flagship beaches if not all of Greece. We can assure you that the landscapes you see during your trip to Balos will remain with you for a very long time.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
On the north-western coast of Crete, at the foot of the Gramovous peninsula, there are ruins of the ancient port of Korikos, later known as Falassarna.
Polyrinia was one of the most important city-states of western Crete during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It was built amphitheater on a steep hill, rising to a height of 481 meters above sea level
The island of Gramvousa, or in fact Imeri Gramvousa (Ήμερη Γραμβούσα), is an inseparable point of a trip that combines a stay in the Balos Lagoon with visiting the remains of a fortress located on the top of the island of Imeri Gramovousa.
There is a beach in Crete that literally makes some people shiver. This place is Seitan Limania which can be translated as Satan's Ports or Cursed Ports.
Dozens of craft workshops located in this small mountain village make Margarites one of the four main centers where traditional Cretan ceramics are made.
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.
Rethymnon with around 40,000 inhabitants are the third largest city of Crete. This place was populated already in the Minoan period. Historically, the city was an important commercial center.
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.
Plakias is a perfect place for people who like to spend time hiking. In the area of the town and the surrounding area, there are several hiking trails that lead to interesting beaches.
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.
The Kourtaliotiko Gorge, also known as the Asomatos Gorge, is perhaps one of the most spectacular natural attractions available in the central part of Crete.
Agia Triada is a small Minoan archaeological site in the south of Crete, located near Timpaki, located on the western slope of the hill about 40 meters above sea level.
This fortress is a perfect example of Crete's multiculturalism. Located today in Greek hands, it was built by the Venetians, but is called a name taken from the Turkish language.
Rouvas Gorge is one of the most interesting places in this part of Crete. The interesting trail leads in a perfect way to the changing appearance of this gorge.
Matala is one of the most popular towns not only of the southern coast but also of the whole of Crete. In the 1960s and 1970s, this small fishing village was a mecca for hippies.
The Odigitrias Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of southern Crete. Unfortunately, in terms of popularity, he is far from other Cretan monasteries.
In addition to the famous grand palaces on the island in the Minoan period, a number of smaller residences were created. One of the most important examples is the Vathipetro discovered about 5 km north of Archanes, on the southeastern slope of Mount Juchtas in the central part of Crete.
When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.
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
Only a few kilometers separate the bustling city of Rethymno from Mili, a village abandoned by its inhabitants. This place is also known as the village hidden in the gorge.
Information about one of the more known tourist cities of Crete, or about Malia. Description of attractions located in the city of Malia and a description of the specificity of this town.
The Lasithi Plateau is located about 70 kilometers from the capital of Crete - Heraklion. The average height at which the terrain of this plateau is located is 840 m above sea level.
One of the tourist attractions eagerly visited by people spending their holidays in Crete is the Dikte (Psychro) cave. The main factors that attract people to this cave are a rich and varied dripstone robe and a close connection with mythology.
Among the olive groves in the place called Logari, which is less than a kilometer from the village of Kritsa, there is a small Byzantine church of Panagia Kera from the 13th-14th centuries.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Most people crossing the route between Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra will definitely notice the large crack which is marked by the mountain located east of this road. This majestic geological creation called Ha was probably created as a result of an earthquake.
Xerokambos is a small settlement in which you will find literally several taverns, and most of the buildings are single-storey and one-story houses. The big advantage of this beach is a gentle sandy descent to the sea.
Agios Nikolaos (Άγιος Νικόλαος) is a small town with less than 20,000 inhabitants. permanent residents (according to statistical data from 2001). This city is the capital of the Lasithi nomos.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
The first palace was built around 1900 BC. in the place where there was a quite impressive settlement whose remains were later transformed into the central part of the city.
The ruins of the ancient city of Itanos are located at the eastern tip of Crete, less than 3 kilometers north of the famous palm beach of Vai. Although there are also nice beaches at Itanos, unlike its well-known neighbor, this place does not attract crowds. There are either accidental stray tourists or excavation enthusiasts here.
Less than 10,000 population of Sitia makes the city the smallest in Crete. Some even go a step further and say perversely that it is rather the largest village of Crete.
Napoleon's house is one of the few typically tourist attractions in Ierapetra. About what could have happened here in the summer of 1798 and possibly how much in this legend is the truth we write in the article on the page below.
Moni Kapsa Monastery is one of the most interesting monasteries in Crete. Its massive buildings were erected on rocky, gray slopes surrounding the nearby Pervolakia Gorge.
However, Pachia Ammos is not a typical crowded and lively tourist destination, which is not lacking in the north of Crete. It is a quiet place with few private guesthouses, but a few good tavernas.
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.
Mochlos is a small town located roughly halfway between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. There are several taverns and guest houses offering rooms for rent on the main road that runs through this village and then approaches the coast.
gość PiotrWie Od czasu gdy możemy jechać na 25 - 27 dni myślę nad wyjazdem samochodem - przede wszystkim ze względu na możliwość zabrania rowerów. Dopóki pracowaliśmy i ograniczało nas 26 dni urlopu szkoda nam było 4 dni na przejazd do Aten i z powrotem. Wstępnie myślimy o tym, by w przyszłym roku majowy wyjazd zrealizować samochodem a wrześniowy - samolotem. (...)
gość dodekanezowiec Przy czym Broń Panie Boże, nie że coś pejoratywnego. Po prostu skojarzyłem z faktem, że płace w Rumunii, co ciekawe, bardzo zbliżyły się wg różnych statystyk do polskich czy np. greckich.
gość dodekanezowiec Też potwierdzam - Spinalonga piękna i sorry że niestety pomarudzę, ale gdyby tak więcej miejsc na Krecie było z tak turkusową wodą w morzu...
Byłam w tym dniu w wąwozie, nic nie zapowiadało takiego załamania pogody. Burza zaczęła się jak byłam gdzieś ok 10 km. To co się potem wydarzyło trudno opisać, z gór lała się woda z błotem, słychać było spadające kamienie. Trzeba było brodzić w rwącym potoku bo załamała się kładka. (...)
Moje koledzy którzy mieszkają na Krecie mówią że według prognozy tego dnia nie przewidywano żadnego deszczu w tamtym rejonie wyspy.
gość PiotrWie Na Krecie nie ma GOPR , ale w Samarii w zeszłym roku noga, w tym roku jedna osoba zginęła i piszą w całej Europie. A w Tatrach GOPR , lepsze oznakowanie i co roku kilkanaście trupów. Więc raczej na Krecie bezpieczniej. Ale faktem jest że jak zaczynaliśmy chodzenie po górach Krety przed kilkunastu laty to spotykało się pojedynczych ludzi - a teraz coraz więcej. (...)
Jestem obecnie na Krecie i w środę byłam na wycieczce na Balos. Dzień wcześniej w prognozach i rano nic nie zapowiadało że będzie załamanie pogody. Burza i ulewny deszcz nadszedł dość gwałtownie. Na Samarię wyrusza się wcześnie rano a wtedy pogoda była ładna. Źle jest oceniać kogoś jeśli się nie zna okoliczności. (...)
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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