Follow the road east of Kournas and head for Episkopi. Take the uphill road to Argyroupoli. You are now no more than 20 km away from Rethymnon, yet you will feel as if you have travelled to a distant, imaginary world ...Park your car on the tarmac road and choose one of the footpaths leading to... paradise.
The area's water springs make their presence felt by the sound of running water which, combined with the verdant landscapes, creates a dreamy mood. The local tavemas have respected the environment and are in perfect harmony with the surroundings, as wood and stone are the predominant features.
The landscape is characterised by stone fountains spouting crystal water, wooden mills that are turned by running water, waterfalls, a small river crossing the land and its picturesque bridge, rich vegetation and dozens of birds singing brightly in the trees. Descend the steps to your right at the entrance of the village, and you will reach the cave where Moussellas River flows from, with the little chapel of Agia Dynami (St Strength!) inside it. After a relaxing meal in the beautiful tavemas by the tranquil water spnngs, climb up to the mountain village, built on the remains of ancient Lappa. Ancient Lappa was one of the most important cities in Western Crete in the Roman period, and is estimated to have had about ten thousand inhabitants. The actual city is much older, however, and was already active in 220 BC, granting asylum to the Lyttians pursued by powerful Knossos. The city was destroyed in 68 BC when Metellos occupied Crete. It was re-built in 31 BC, when the Lappians earned the favour of Octavius.
The city was destroyed again by Saracen invaders and re-built again, under the name Poll (City) of Stimpoli, as archaeologists have discovered. You will be impressed by the panoramic view of this village, which appears suspended in air. The church of Agios loannis (St John), built in the 17th century is located in the village square. To the left of the square you will find the folk art museum, where you can see erstwhile costumes, tools, domestic utensils and other samples of folk art. To the northwest of Argyroupoli there is a grave dating from the GreekRoman years, and a country chapel dedicated to the Five Saintly natural s (Pente Agies Parthenes). During the Venetian occupation, Argyroupoli must have played an important role, because monuments from that period were found at the beginning of the century. The inscription "omnia mundi fumus et umbra" (everything ofthis world is smoke and fire) was found on the door of one of these I 6th century mansions...