RETHYMNON

   At the southwest edge of the district of Rethymnon lies the historic mountain village of Argyroupolis. The rivers Petre and Mousella flow on either side of the village. Where today Argyroupolis stands was once the ancient and important settlement of Lappa. Many finds are now on display in the museums of Rethymnon and Heraklion.

   A walk through the narrow streets of Argyroupolis will give you a taste of a once great past.

   South of the village there is an old cistern built in 27 BC and still working. About 5 years ago a mosaic floor from the Roman epoch was discovered. Some manor houses from the Venetian era also remain.

   Below the village the land is especially idyllic. The place is rich in water, the wells supplying the drinking water of Rethymnon. Today small tavernas invite you to take a meal near the water under the shade of the trees.

   Outside of Argyroupolis there is the place of the Five Virgins with a small church. Below the church there is a huge plane tree, which is 2000 years old.

   The place is located at an ancient necropolis with hundreds of tombs. The necropolis can be reached by following the small road to the village of Kato Poros just before Argyroupolis, coming from the direction of Episkopi. After about 1 km a shrine can be seen on the left hand side of the road. Following the stone-paved footpath beside the shrine, one reaches the church of the Five Virgins after ca. 5 minutes.

   The other footpath on the right hand side of the road leads up to the village of Argyroupolis (1,5 km).