Heraklion Arhanes
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Hotels in Arhanes
Kalimera Archanes Village
$$For an authentic experience of accommodation, Kalimera Archanes Village building complex consists of 4 main buildings, located a short drive away from Heraklion. The hotel's rooms are equipped with traditional furniture and they have a warm atmosphere. They open to a beautiful garden.
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Things to See & Do in Arhanes
Activities & Entertainment
Top Activities & Tours in Arhanes
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![Guided safari South Crete and Tripitis Gorge 1]()
![Guided safari South Crete and Tripitis Gorge 2]()
![Guided safari South Crete and Tripitis Gorge 3]()
Guided safari South Crete and Tripitis Gorge
Book nowfrom € 88.36Category: Day Trips9 hoursFind out more about hidden parts of Crete by hopping onto a guided tour that includes Tripiti Gorge, Patsides, and the Monastery of Saint George Epanosifis.
Arhanes Map
Photos by Greeka Members
Photos by Greeka Team
More about Arhanes
Brief History
Arhanes possibly took its name after God Arhos who was worshiped in Knossos during the ancient times. The region has been inhabited since 6000 BC and prospered during the same time as Knossos and Festos, between 1400 BC and 500 BC. During the Roman Period, the area was a part of Knossos and used to be really prosperous thanks to wine, olive oil, and raisin trade.
In the wider region, some interesting archaeological findings have come to light and have revealed a Minoan construction including a small palace that is believed to have been the summer residence of the king of Knossos.
Other excavations have brought to light the richest and most extended prehistoric graveyard of the Aegean, dating between 2500 and 1250 BC. It has been found on the hill of Fourni, 1 km northwest of Arhanes, and includes domed tombs which are carved on the rock, a group of graves, and burial chambers. Some seals, stone plates with ivory, gold jewels, copper urns, pots, and statuettes have also been excavated.
During the Turkish rule, Arhanes was attacked many times by the Turks. Several very bloody battles have taken place in the area during the Turkish occupation.
Sights
The Folklore Museum: In this museum, you can discover the way residents lived their everyday lives during the previous centuries. It is housed in a building dating to 1711 and includes items such as paintings, jewelry, plates, cooking utensils, as well as handmade wefts and embroideries.
The Archaeological Museum: This museum boasts a collection of exhibits from the Minoan Era that were discovered in the region, including wine pots, clay jars, and other household items.
Churches: In the village, you can find many churches, mostly of Venetian architecture. Out of them, the Church of Panagia Faneromeni, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is the most impressive one.
Also, a very interesting activity that you can do in Arhanes is to go hiking to Giouchta, the holy mountain where, according to the legend, lies the grave of God Zeus.
