Argiroupolis

In the place that in the present days stands Argiroupolis was the ancient city of Lapa (GPS: 35.285686, 24.335406 ). As myths say, king Agamemnon, the hero of the Trojan war, created Lapa. Lapa was one of the most important cities of western Crete during Roman times. It controlled the area around it from the north to the south coast. It had two harbours, one on the north coast of Crete and another on the south. It is said that its harbour was Finix on the south coast of Crete in present-day Loutro. In the Greek wars they were allies of Knossos but when Knossos destroyed Lyttos the people of Lapa accepted the Lyttoans in their city. Lapa was also important during Byzantine times till it was destroyed by the Arabs in 828 A.D.

Today, in the northwest area of Argyroupolis , the vegetation is very rich and there are small, beautiful water springs (GPS: 35.287290, 24.332580 ). In older times, the water power was used to grind grain. The water mills still stand today.

The flora of the area is quite interesting. You can follow the beautiful path through the springs and visit the cave which houses Agios Ioannis or Agia Dynami church and from which Mouselas river springs.
The water flowing through the church is considered sacred and miraculous. Argyroupolis is also well-known for its lovely taverns , where you can taste exquisite dishes of the traditional Cretan cuisine.

Pente Parthenes church is another place worth to visit in Argyroupolis (GPS: 35.290823, 24.339558 ). Inside the church, there is a Roman vaulted tomb. The church is dedicated to Pente Parthenes (Five Saint Virgins),
who are said to have died in the area. Their names were Thekla, Marianna, Athena, Martha and Maria.