Let's have a tour at Archangelos.The biggest village in Rhodes........

Greece, Municipality of Archangelos Rhodes

Author: George Papas

Municipality of Archangelos
Archangelos. Epta Piges (Seven springs), Tsambika, Malona, Masari, Haraki
Municipality of Archangelos tel. +30 22410 29355 www.arhaggelos.gr
Archangelos, the biggest village on Rhodes, the centre of the municipality of the same name, was built in medieval times, away from its initial site by the sea, to guard it from pirate raids. The Knights of Saint John later protected the village by building a castle there.
The remarkable development of tourism in the region, which still preserves its particular character, ensures ideal holidays for those who stay in smaller, family-run hotels which offer a friendly atmosphere as well as all modern comforts.
The tradition of arts and crafts is more evident in Archangelos than anywhere else. Ancient crafts, such as pottery and hand-made tapestries, are still practiced with the same methods and the same artistry. There are houses built in the traditional local style, and the inhabitants are friendly and straight forward people, who celebrate and keep alive their age-old customs.
The local area is fascinating, with golden beaches, such as that at Tsambika, at the foot of the steep cliff of the monastery of the Virgin Mary. Stegna is a picturesque resort close to Archangelos, and at Haraki, with its idyllic small bay, the visitor can see the ruins of Faraklos, a medieval castle. Inland are the rural villages of Malona and Masari on the Naithonas river at the northern edge of the region is Epta Piges (Seven Springs), where nature has been especially bountiful.
The people of Archangelos are simple and almost untouched by the rapid tourist development of the region. They maintain their traditions with respect.
The visitor can find this in their hospitality, local dialect, customs, and in the architecture of their houses. The distinctive decoration of Rhodian houses includes wooden sofas (mainly used for meals times and sleeping), an internal arch, brightly coloured external walls, courtyards laid with pebbles, garden flowerpots of many kinds; all examples of a simple folk style.
All the inhabitants vigorously participate in ceremonies, festivals and weddings.
The numerous white chapels. many of which belong to founding families. demonstrate the deep religious beliefs of the Rhodians.
Epta Piges (Seven Springs) is a valley flowing with clear springs and covered with enormous plane and pine trees. Here the visitor can experience the unique beauty of the interior regions of Rhodes.
Traditional arts and crafts still thrive in Archangelos. In ancient times, the potters of the region were famous and there are documents reporting that clay bricks were transported from here to Constantinople, where they were used in the construction of the dome of Agia Sofia. Today the potters of Archangelos work with clay in the same traditional way, making masterpieces of popular art.
The weaving of traditional hand-made carpets is still a flourishing craft. Tsambika is one of the most beautiful bays of the island. Stegna, close to Archangelos, a growing beach resort with a picturesque harbour. Hotels, rooms to rent and tavernas by the sea. Haraki, a small idyllic bay and organized tourist resort. Visit the ruins of the Knights' castle at Faraklos.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/greece-municipality-of-archangelos-rhodes-826517.html
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