Just 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Gavalochori lies the village of Argyroupoli (Αργυρούπολη), which is built on the ruins of ancient Lappa (Λάππα). The village and nearby area contain both archaeological sites and natural spaces worth visiting. A day trip here can encompass a visit to ancient ruins, a walk along springs and waterfalls, and time to enjoy tavernas and shops. Lappa, a powerful city state that goes back at least to 300–400 BC., was founded, according to legend, by Agamemnon of Mycenae. It became very powerful during the Roman period and was destroyed by Arab or Saracen pirates during the Byzantine period. Its power waxed and waned through the years, but at one time, the city had its own mint and encompassed ports on both the north and the south coasts of Crete.
Locating the attractions of the area can be challenging. Think of the site as having three distinct areas: (1) the ruins of ancient Lappa, (2) springs and waterfalls, and (3) attractions in the village that include Roman ruins. If you are coming from Gavalochori, you will enter the village from the north using the Episkopis-Chora Sfakion road. On the outskirts of the village, you will see the Church of Agia Paraskevi on your left. The yard of this church contains some columns and stones from Lappa. From the church, you can take the road to the left that directs you to the village of Kato Poros (Κάτω Πόρος). Approximately one kilometer (half a mile) down that road is a sign pointing to the Church of the Holy Virgins and Roman tombs. From here you can walk about half a kilometer on a cobbled path to these sites and beyond to more remnants of the ancient city.
To visit the waterfalls and springs of Argyroupoli, return to the road that leads into the village and follow it south. Nearly immediately, you will encounter a “Y” in the road. A sign pointing to Asi Gonia (Ασή Γωνιά) will direct you downhill and to the right. Follow this road a short distance, and near the bottom of the hill, you will encounter numerous springs and waterfalls with attendant tavernas.
To visit the Roman mosaic floor, the Roman baths, and the village of Argyroupoli, return to the main highway and head south, following the main road into the village. Signs there will direct you to the mosaic floor and the baths. The village contains many old buildings from the Venetian period as well as shops and tavernas.
Just 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Gavalochori lies the village of Argyroupoli (Αργυρούπολη), which is built on the ruins of ancient Lappa (Λάππα). The village and nearby area contain both archaeological sites and natural spaces worth visiting. A day trip here can encompass a visit to ancient ruins, a walk along springs and waterfalls, and time to enjoy tavernas and shops. Lappa, a powerful city state that goes back at least to 300–400 BC., was founded, according to legend, by Agamemnon of Mycenae. It became very powerful during the Roman period and was destroyed by Arab or Saracen pirates during the Byzantine period. Its power waxed and waned through the years, but at one time, the city had its own mint and encompassed ports on both the north and the south coasts of Crete.
Locating the attractions of the area can be challenging. Think of the site as having three distinct areas: (1) the ruins of ancient Lappa, (2) springs and waterfalls, and (3) attractions in the village that include Roman ruins. If you are coming from Gavalochori, you will enter the village from the north using the Episkopis-Chora Sfakion road. On the outskirts of the village, you will see the Church of Agia Paraskevi on your left. The yard of this church contains some columns and stones from Lappa. From the church, you can take the road to the left that directs you to the village of Kato Poros (Κάτω Πόρος). Approximately one kilometer (half a mile) down that road is a sign pointing to the Church of the Holy Virgins and Roman tombs. From here you can walk about half a kilometer on a cobbled path to these sites and beyond to more remnants of the ancient city.
To visit the waterfalls and springs of Argyroupoli, return to the road that leads into the village and follow it south. Nearly immediately, you will encounter a “Y” in the road. A sign pointing to Asi Gonia (Ασή Γωνιά) will direct you downhill and to the right. Follow this road a short distance, and near the bottom of the hill, you will encounter numerous springs and waterfalls with attendant tavernas.
To visit the Roman mosaic floor, the Roman baths, and the village of Argyroupoli, return to the main highway and head south, following the main road into the village. Signs there will direct you to the mosaic floor and the baths. The village contains many old buildings from the Venetian period as well as shops and tavernas.
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