Archanes is located at the foot of Mount Giouchta, 20 km south of Heraklion. It is built sport ween low hills, in a fertile basin. The presence of the settlement has been constant since prehistoric times, an indication that this area is and was an important economic centre forthe broader region.
However, Archanes had the same fate as other Cretan cities. The same occurred under Byzantine rule. The bridge of the Morosini aqueduct and Karydaki can easily identify the presence of the Venetians.
Venetian rule was followed by Ottoman domination.
Archanes became a seat of the Turkish officials, and the fertile land was divided sport ween them, leaving small pieces of and land to the Christians. The presence of the Turks was strong, as it was all over Crete. Even today, there are reminders of their presence, such as the place-names "Tzami" (Mosque) or "Tourkogitonia" (Turkish neighbourhood) in the village.
Archanes played a very important role in the revolutions of 1866 and especially 1897; it was the seat ofthe Co-ordinating Committee ofthe Fight.
Today, the statue in the courtyard of Agia Christina church in Galano Papouri commemorates the travel ofthe inhabitants of Archanes in the Fight. The first Cretan General Assembly for the continuation of the Fight, under Eleftherios Venizelos, also took place in Archanes. A year later, Crete was declared an independent state, with Prince George as its high commissioner, who visited Archanes.
Archanes continued its course in the difficult years of the German occupation, as it was used as a base by a German division.
In the post-war period, Archanes underwent the same hardship as the rest of Greece. However, it was able to regain its strength, although the phylloxera that hit the vineyards was a strong blow to the local economy. Despite this, the co-ordinated efforts of public authorities and the inhabitants of Archanes have managed to make the village a gem for the whole area.
The Municipality of Archanes has made huge efforts in recent years to promote the area, and the village won the first prize in the category "Excellent quality integrated and sustainable development" in the competition for the "European village re-formation award", in which many European countries participated, and the second prize in the general classification. A simple walk through the village streets and the square is sufficient justification for the award granted to the authorities and the inhabitants. The maintenance and renovation of more than 170 old buildings, the promotion and renovation of buildings such as the Old Primary School at the village entrance, the Town Hall, the entire Market, the building housing the archaeological collection, the churches and so many other structures bear testimony to this. All of the above and the tastefully designed areas of the village are restful and contribute to the education of both residents and visitors. The promotion and maintenance of the village's archaeological and historical monuments, and the general effort to maintain the archaeological heritage make Archanes a special place. We could say that this place is a"sight for sore eyes", eyes that have been hurt by the ruthless building and development of other areas. And the results of this are evident; the population of Archanes is increasing, with all those people attracted to the small miracle that has taken place there. Also very important is the fact that besides the natural or structured environment, great attention is also paid to human resources. Many efforts are made for the general development of the inhabitants. Events are organised for the young and elderly. The sports facilities, cultural centre, the library and many other facilities give everyone the opportunity to unfold their skills, their strengths. Archanes offers itself both to foreigners and to locals. In the traditional cafes, you can exchange a few words of humanity with the elderly residents.