Arcus Suites is located in the prefecture of Rethymno, in the village of Argyroupoli, 21 km from Rethymno main town, 59 km from Chania International Airport (CHQ), and 101 km from Heraklion International Airport (HER). Access is easy and fast, no matter where you are coming from.
Arcus Suites is built at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level and lies in the heart of one of the island’s greenest areas. Here, time seems to stand still as the splendor of Cretan nature is complemented by an authentic experience of living in a quaint, meticulously restored traditional village, in one of the most beautiful and untouched places of mainland Crete – a place where you can feel and experience the authentic Cretan way of life.
Situated almost in the center of Crete, Arcus Suites is only 7 km away from “Episkopi,” one of the longest sandy beaches on the north coast, and 27 km away from the amazing Frangokastello (Venetian Castle) on the south coast.
Argyroupoli (Ancient Lappa)
The tranquil village of Argyroupolis is a remarkable area of special historic interest, and the entire surrounding area is outstanding. It is a mountain village located near the once important ancient Greek-Roman city of Lappa and is close to Georgioupolis beach and Kournas Lake. The rivers Petre and Mousella flow on either side of the village. Despite the fact that most of its precious finds are now in the Archaeological museums of Rethymnon and Heraklion, you should not be discouraged from exploring this beautiful village. This is one of the most attractive villages in the whole area, and the first stop should be at the square and the 17th-century Venetian church of Saint Ioannis (Saint John).
The name Lappa was well known from the 4th century B.C. Around 220 A.D., the village prospered and developed into one of the most important towns in western Crete, thriving during the Roman era. It controlled the surrounding area from the north to the south coast. The reason for its destruction remains unknown, with theories including enemies, a possible earthquake, or perhaps an epidemic. Lappa most certainly had two major harbors: “Hydramia” on the Cretan Sea, where the present-day village of Dramia is located, and possibly Kavros on the northern coast; the other was at “Phoenix” on the Libyan Sea, possibly the site of modern Loutro..
During the second Byzantine period, the city was destroyed by the Arabs in 828 A.D. A new town was built on the site, and the name Lappa was superseded, with the new settlement becoming known in the Middle Ages as “Stimpolis” (meaning ‘in the city’).
Lappa was taken by storm and almost entirely destroyed by the Romans in 67 B.C. The emperor Octavian Augustus restored it. In recognition of the aid rendered to him in his struggle with Mark Antony, he bestowed upon the citizens their freedom, the right of coinage, and a water reservoir in 27 B.C., which still supplies the village today. Silver and copper coins were minted, often bearing representations of Poseidon.
Following this period, the town was given many other names. The Turks called it “Gaidoropoli” (Donkey town) or “Samaropoli” (Saddle town). The new name, Argyroupolis, was adopted in 1822, possibly derived from “argyro” (silver), which was mined in the area..
According to local myths, Lappa was founded by Agamemnon, the hero of the Trojan War. The older coins of the city depict the goddess “Britomartis Artemis”, a Cretan goddess influenced by the Minoan religion. During the conflicts in ancient Greece, they were allies of Knossos. However, when the armies of Knossos destroyed Lyttos, the people of Lappa welcomed the Lyttoan refugees into their city and homes.
Many of today’s buildings and churches have been constructed using stones and other building materials from the ancient city and more recent Venetian structures. These remnants can be seen throughout the narrow streets of this lovely village, including Roman baths, part of a Venetian villa, a Roman Gate, and Ionian columns.
The village also features a folk museum, assembled by the Zografakis family who lived in Argyroupoli. Their collection includes tapestries, farm implements, photographs, and much more.
An elegant Venetian dwelling remains with a portal bearing the legend, “Omnia Mundi Fumus et Umbra” (all things in the world are smoke and shadow). The tale is about a beautiful Venetian Princess named Sofia, daughter of the local feudal Lord Francesco da Molin. She was engaged to marry Petros, the son of a Cretan rebel named Yeorgios (or George) Kantanoleon. The wedding took place at the initiative of the Kantanoleon family and was intended to reconcile the two enemy sides. But Francesco da Molin considered this an ideal opportunity to get rid of his opposition once and for all. During the great feast that followed the wedding, he made sure that Kantanoleon and his three hundred men were so drunk that they fell asleep. He then gave a sign for two thousand men from his army to unexpectedly capture the rebels, and during the next few days they hung them all in the streets as a warning and threat to the local population not to retaliate. After the incident, the Cretans learned their lesson well: “If you want to be a rebel, better forget about marriages and stay in hiding in the forests.” On one of the stones on the main entrance lintel of the da Molin fortress, the moral of the story was engraved.
Located approximately 500 meters behind the church in the village square is an old, functioning cistern dating back to 27 B.C. Its water capacity is more than 1000 cubic meters. Twenty years ago, a large mosaic floor from the Roman period was unearthed.
Some of the manor houses are still in good condition. Stone portals and historic ruins lend a unique character to this village, which boasts 32 churches and chapels.
Just outside the village, off the main road, lies a site known as the “Five Holy Virgins” or “Lappa cemetery,” which includes a small cave church. This is the ancient Necropolis, an open-air museum where visitors can explore numerous tombs. The chapel is named in memory of five young women who were martyred by the Romans in the 3rd century for secretly practicing Christianity. On the first Saturday after Orthodox Easter, local farmers bring their lambs to be blessed in a traditional ceremony. Following the blessing, the sheep are milked, and the milk is then boiled and drunk by the congregation as part of the local custom. For the best views of additional cave tombs, visitors should walk behind the chapel.
Below the tombs, further along the ancient walkway, you can find a huge plane tree, said to be over 2000 years old. This magnificent tree was split in two by a thunder strike, enabling you to walk right through it.
To reach this tree, follow the signpost for a narrow road leading to the village of Kato Poros. This turn-off is located just before you reach Argyroupolis when coming from the village of Episkopi.
BBelow the village lies an idyllic area that remains refreshingly cool even on scorching summer days, thanks to the shade of evergreen trees. This area is signposted as the Water Springs of Argyroupolis, Argyroupolis Waterfalls, or the Argyroupolis Green Oasis. As these names suggest, the entire area is abundant in water, with spring water cascading over rocks and stones throughout this fertile landscape, dotted with plane and walnut trees. The traditional taverns here invite you to enjoy a meal in the shade of the trees and near the waterfalls. However, it is particularly popular on Sundays and local holidays, so a weekday visit is advisable to better experience its tranquility and avoid crowds..
“The spring for the abundant water that flows freely throughout the area originates at the “Ayia Dynami” (Holy Power) cave church. These springs supply the drinking water of Rethymnon city. For many years, this area was the site of a carpet laundry with mills that produced the famous Greek “Flokati” rugs; its ruins can still be seen. Vegetation is abundant in this fertile environment. Around the taverns at night, the whole scene is quite magical with lights illuminating the shrubbery. If you wish, you can continue on to Asi Gonia further up the Gipari gorge and then return via the old road to Kournas Lake and Georgioupolis, or take an alternative route through Episkopi.