Municipality of Archangelos
Population: 5,752
28 km from Rhodes town
The village of Archangelos, is situated south on the east coast of the island. It is the largest village on the island with a population around 6,000 inhabitants. It is a particularly traditional village and once you make your way into the narrow streets, you will understand why: bread is still baked in the old wood-fired ovens, skills and crafts of forefathers are kept alive, traditional wedding ceremonies are held and they still speak in their own special dialect.
During the Knights rule a castle was built on top of Kastro hill outside the village. They planned a chain of defences against the Turks all along the Eastern Coast. Today the outer walls are the only significant remains. The walls are lit up in the evenings and cast exaggerated shadows on the walls turning the village into a type of a Medieval Fortress.
The village was named after the Archangel Michael who is also patron saint of the village its protector and its guide, Archangel Michael is popularly depicted holding a sword or a spear while slaying a devil that lies under foot. The imposing church of the Archangel Michael dominates the village with its exquisite bell tower dating back to the 15th century. All around the beautiful church, the houses grab your attention with their arches and walls decorated with ceramic plates.
On the road to the beach at Stegna, lie the caves of Koumellos, famous for its extraordinary stalactites, and recent discovery of objects from the Neolithic and the Mycenaean age. Many local people claim that the cave communicates with the sea. The cave is definitely worth a visit. The locals are very loud and hearty, they welcome all visitors with open arms and are proud of their village and the life they have on one of the most vibrant villages on the island. You can't help but be charmed by this picturesque village and the locals will have you coming back time and time again as you will have no doubt have many new friends to visit.
|
What an incredible place. Rhodes offers almost any kind of holiday you could want. If you want peace and quiet, you’ll find it on Rhodes. If you want activities and night-life, Rhodes has got it. If you want to explore history and culture, that is there too. The island is clean, the locals are very warm and friendly to tourists. English is spoken everywhere and most signs are in English too.
