Archanes village

Archanes lies in a fertile basin between Mount Juktas and Kefala Hill, about 380 metres above sea level. It is roughly 14 km from Heraklion and south of Knossos. The Kaeratos River flows through the valley towards Knossano Gorge.

The main square, with its cafés and tavernas, is a good starting point for a walk around town. The surrounding lanes are lined with restored houses with colourful façades, neoclassical buildings, courtyards and old churches. The town’s efforts to preserve its architecture earned it recognition in the European Village Renewal competition in 2000.

The area’s Minoan history is visible in the town itself. Parts of the Minoan palace of Archanes have been excavated in the Tourkogeitonia quarter. Just outside town, the hill of Fourni is home to Fourni Wood and the Minoan cemetery, where archaeologists have uncovered tholos tombs and other funerary buildings.

Vineyards surround Archanes. A wine press found at the Minoan villa of Vathypetro, south of town, bears witness to the long history of winemaking here. Old presses and mills also show how wine and olive oil were made in more recent times.

Mount Juktas rises to the west. From a distance, its ridge resembles the profile of a person lying on their back. Local tradition places the tomb of Zeus here. The mountain is also home to a Minoan peak sanctuary and the church of Afentis Christos.

For walks around Archanes, explore Knossano Gorge or follow sections of the E4 trail towards Myrtia or Profitis Ilias.

Church of Saint George at Archanes

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The church of St George is a three aisled basilica with a raised middle aisle. Its foundation dates back from the 13th to 14th century and is the largest frescoed church of Archanes. During the last renovation (18th-19th century) the gradients of the roof were decreased and altered its form.

The cells of Nuns at Giouchtas (Kelia Kalogradon)

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Many believed that somewhere in Jiouktas lived once the Apostle Paul. Indeed, within walking distance from the church of Christ there are the remains of a very interesting building that is connected to the hermitage of St. Paul.

Church of Saint Paraskevi at Archanes

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The church of Agia Paraskevi is located next to a green ravine, at a site that overlooks the south side of Arhanes town. What makes this church very important, are the few but very important frescoes preserved on its walls dating back from the medieval age.

Michael Archangel Church, Archanes

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The very old church of Michael the Archangel is located south of Archanes, bearing frescoes of 1315. A mural depicts the founder of the church holding a model of the church and there are depictions of sinners in hell.

Church of Saint John the Forerunner at Archanes

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The church of Saint John Rigologos (Saint John the Forerunner) is located at an elevated position wooded with cypress, plane and pine trees, south of Archanes. The church has been built under a rock shelter and the surrounding place is perfect for a picnic and hiking from Archanes.

Timios Stavros church at Archanes

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Within the picturesque narrow streets of the market of Epano Archanes, we meet the small square with the small temple of the Holy Cross (Timios Stavros). The church is single-aisled and vaulted, and part of the sanctuary is carved in rock, while its sanctuary is stone-built.

Church of Saint John Maganitis

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The Byzantine church of Saint John the Theologian in Archanes called Manganitis after the public stone press (magana) that existed here for wine production. The Venetians called it DE SAN ZUANNE THEOLOGO DETTO STO MANGALO.

Petsiliana waterfalls in Archanes

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The Petsiliana waterfalls form in a lush ravine south of Epano Archanes, near the locality of Asomatos. Spring water flows downhill towards the town, passing beneath large plane trees, oaks and cypresses and creating a succession of small cascades.