Arachova (, also Αράχοβα) is a mountain town and a former municipality in the western part of
Boeotia
Boeotia ( ), sometimes Latinisation of names, Latinized as Boiotia or Beotia (; modern Greek, modern: ; ancient Greek, ancient: ), is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the modern regions of Greece, region of Central Greece (adm ...
. Since the 2011
local government reform it is a municipal unit, part of the municipality
Distomo-Arachova-Antikyra.
It is a tourist destination due to its location in the mountains, its traditions and its proximity to the town of Delphi. The town is a popular day or weekend trip destination from Attica and a gathering place for the rich and famous. This is not to be confused with Caryae (also spelled Karye) which is a town in the Southern Peleponnese that used to be called Arachova.
Greek rebels under
Georgios Karaiskakis defeated the
Ottomans
Ottoman may refer to:
* Osman I, historically known in English as "Ottoman I", founder of the Ottoman Empire
* Osman II, historically known in English as "Ottoman II"
* Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire (), also called the Turkish Empir ...
at the 1826
Battle of Arachova.
The
Formaela cheese from Arachova has been designated as a
protected designation of origin
The protected designation of origin (PDO) is a type of geographical indication of the European Union aimed at preserving the designations of origin of food-related products. The designation was created in 1992 and its main purpose is to designat ...
.
WIPO
/ref> Nearby Arachova, modern ski facilities are popular with visitors. Although contemporary culture tends to outdo regional folklore, the town maintains some local customs and demonstrates them at celebrations on 23 April, in the honor of the patron Saint George.
Arachova has a panoramic view, uphill small houses and the cobbled streets show a picturesque architecture. The town center includes a huge and steep cliff, the Bell Tower, covered with dense ivy. At the top of the tower is a large 10m height clock. Arachova is famous for its black wine, its "brusque", the colorful textiles, carpets and rugs, handicrafts and woodcut creations as well.
Historical significance
Geography
Arachova is situated at about a 970 m (3182 ft) elevation on the southern slope of Mount Parnassus, above the valley of the river Pleistos. The municipal unit has an area of 139.448 km2.Delphi
Delphi (; ), in legend previously called Pytho (Πυθώ), was an ancient sacred precinct and the seat of Pythia, the major oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient Classical antiquity, classical world. The A ...
, 9 km northwest of Distomo, 18 km southeast of Amfissa and 26 km west of Livadeia. The Greek National Road 48 ( Naupactus - Delphi - Livadeia) passes through the town. The Parnassos Ski Centre is situated to the north.
Climate
Arachova has a temperate climate. Snow falls in winter, though its sheltered location means that it receives less snow than areas at similar altitudes on the north side of Parnassos mountain. Summers are warm with pleasant nights.
Historical population
Notable people
* Loukas Papaioannou (1831-1890), medical doctor and professor
Gallery
File:Arachova hoj05.jpg, View of the town hall
File:EHGritaly_120305-02_(Street_in_Arachova).JPG, A street in Arachova
File:Arachova hoj17.jpg, View of Arachova
File:Arachova hoj06.jpg, Another street of the city
File:Arachova.jpg, Arachova Viewpoint
See also
* List of settlements in Boeotia
References
External links
Arachova site
{{Distomo-Arachova-Antikyra div
Populated places in Boeotia
Distomo-Arachova-Antikyra
Mount Parnassus