The old village of Argyroumouri

Argyromouri?

You may wonder where that is. On the road towards Georgioupolis from Kalamitsi as you turn the corner and first see the sea, on your left is a small taverna, a road leading to a church and a few houses. If you follow the lane further along you come to the old village of Argyromouri. 

Argyromouri  used to be a thriving village. It was possibly there as long ago as Minoan times -  The settlement of Amphimala was believed to be in the area between it and Georgioupolis. During the Turkish Era times the village was bombarded by a canon set across the hill at Exopoli. Before the war there were 70+ families living here but now there is barely one. There are many stories and legends. The name means "Silver face" and there was once  a mint making coins. Legend says that treasure was hidden during the war - it has not been found. Nor have the "Silver Pigs" which were hidden down a well - not for want of searching!

The church of St George

The old "fabrika"

Remains of the old settlement

The view down to Georgioupolis 

Crete has many  of these old communities tucked away just off the road.

There are some stories associated with this village and the church in the blog archives  here and here