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Arhanes
The town of Arhanes, is built on the side of a short hill, with abundant waters, among fruitful vineyards. The best kind of table grapes grows here ("rozakia") in Crete that the renowned wine of Arhanes brews here. Narrow picturesque streets and Neo-classical houses, snowed under the flowers, form the image of Arhanes. In the area, ruins of a Minoan Mansion have been found dated back to about 1450 BC. 1 km northwestward of Arhanes, at the location called Fourni archaeologists have discovered the biggest cemetery in Crete in the 60s. It consists of vaulted tombs with carved on a rock compartments as well as groups of sink-like tombs.
The burials in this cemetery cover the centuries from the Early Minoan until Mycenaean Period. Several reliquaries, pots, seals, idols, golden jewels and of course hundreds of human skeletons have been found in these tombs.
At the location called Anemospilia, about 4 km southwestward of Arhanes, at the north side of Giouhta Mountain, the unique famous Minoan temple was discovered, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1800 BC. The archaeologists ascertained, after the excavation, that it constituted an altar of worship, where human sacrifices were taking place.
Besides, the Venetian Occupation as well, has created its own character. Hagiographic churches are still preserved in this area of Agia Triada and Agia Paraskevi.
1 km southward, at the desolate settlement of Asomatos, among vineyards, the church of Michael the Archangel is located with frescos from 1315 AD.
Opposite of Arhanes, at the west side, the holy mountain Giouhta rises. According to mythology, it was here that Zeus came to die. The shape of the mountain resembles the head of an old man who is laying down supinely, and supports the myth that says that the tomb of Zeus is located here.
In the middle summit of the mountain, the chapel of the Transfiguration of the Savior is situated, where in August 6 a great feast takes place. The view of the nearby area compensates you for any discomfort you have faced in order to get up here.
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