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Arachova and Parnassus or Parnassos
Arachova is a great winter destination in Greece and known for its winter activities in Parnassos Ski Center.
Arachova , as it was known the year of the Greeks Revolution, is built on the southern ridges of Mount Parnassos, as evidenced by its name, at an altitude of 900-1000 meters, numbering 4158 inhabitants (2001) in a distance of Athens of 160 km.
The region of Arachova has a great ancient history. It is full of ancient settlements dating back to 1200 BC, and scattered traces in antiquity from Parnassus mountain and the big valley that Arachova Visitors are able to admire.
In Korykeion Cave the oldest traces exists from Neolithic period (about 3000 BC). On the west side of Arachova exists Anemoreia or Anemoleia, Homer city, reported from Homer, is located east of Arachova Village. An ancient city Likoria, highly in Parnassos, leads us to the time of the flood that destryed the hole area. Then in Liakoura, the highest peak of the mountain (2457 m) was the ark of Deucalion and Pyrras. But the same name Parnassos, pre-Hellenic word, brings us to the depths of time before 2000 BC.
Continuing in the historic area many monuments are displaying the ancient life looking the settlements and the Byzantine period constructions.
According to many reports, in 1435 AD Arachova was a popular city. In 16th century Parnassus is referred as the most famous large village in the area. In 1826 the Battle of Arachova saved the revolution of the Greeks. George Karaiskakis faced victory against 2000 Turkish Albanians, opposite the church of St. George.
Moving through the time we find Arachovas Residence fighting for the ideals of Greece. They took part in all the national races.
Olives, olive oil and fine wine, continues the tradition of the old Brouskou wine that is one of the products of the Arachova land. Famous are the dairy products like cheese and Parnassus and mainly Formaella.
An important step in the development of Arachova and especially the Touristic life of the area was the creation of the ski resort center of Parnassos.
Today Arachova despite the exponential growth, maintains its traditional character, the manners and its customs. A genuine expression of arachovitikis soul is the three-day celebration of the famous Panigiraki event. National and religious festival in honor of patron St. George is connected to the memory of the battle of 1826. The festival is surviving ancient Greek tradition, which shows the deep historical roots of Arachova.
The 35 churches of Arachova are a sign of deep faith, which distinguishes the natives.
In the west exit of town to Parnassus has erected a marble bust of G. Karaiskakis stone, symbolic trophy to show its winning against 300 Turkish head army.
All those who passed through the area of Archova praising its beautiful natural terrace of Parnassus. The Arachovites (the residencies) simple, quiet and hospitable people, love the tradition and trying to maintain all their customs coming from the ancient years. Eagles of Zeus are attented the peaks of Parnassus. From ancient years the peaks and slopes and Fterolaka Cellars are the only companions of the Mountain Parnassos.
Visitors who has not lived the Easter period in Arachova, has not seen the procession of the silver image of their patron Saint George, the Great Arachova Resinence with foustanela and Segunda. In Eastern period the visitor has the opportunity to eat roasted meats, to drink the famous arachovas wine and of course celebrate in the proper christian tradition with Gods Communions Representatives.
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