Arachova

Arachova (Greek: Αράχωβα, also Αράχοβα) is a mountain town and a former municipality in the western part of Boeotia, Greece, originally called Karyai (also spelled Caryae). Since the 2011 local government reform it is a municipal unit, part of the municipality Distomo-Arachova-Antikyra.[2] Its name is of South Slavic origin and denotes a place with walnut trees. It is a tourist destination due to its location in the mountains, its traditions and its proximity to the town of Delphi.

For the village in Aetolia-Acarnania, see Platanos, Aetolia-Acarnania. For the village in Arcadia, see Iraia. For the village in Laconia, see Karyes.
Arachova

Αράχωβα
Arachova
Arachova
Location within the regional unit
Coordinates: 38°29′N 22°35′E
CountryGreece
Administrative regionCentral Greece
Regional unitBoeotia
MunicipalityDistomo-Arachova-Antikyra
 • Municipal unit139.45 km2 (53.84 sq mi)
Elevation
968 m (3,176 ft)
Population
 (2011)[1]
 • Municipal unit
2,770
 • Municipal unit density20/km2 (51/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code
320 04
Area code(s)22670
Vehicle registrationΒΙ
Websitearachova.com

Greek rebels under Georgios Karaiskakis defeated the Ottomans at the 1826 Battle of Arachova.

The Formaela cheese from Arachova has been designated as a protected designation of origin.[3] 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

Caryae is in Arcadia (ancient region) and was celebrated for its temple of Artemis Caryatis, and for the annual festival of this goddess, at which the "virgin" priestesses performed a ecstatic plant dance.[4] This festival was of great antiquity, for in the Second Messenian War, Aristomenes is said to have carried off the Lacedaemonian virgins, who were dancing at Caryae in honor of Artemis.[5]

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.[6] Arachova is located 8 km E of Delphi, 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.

Climate data for Arachova (1.069m)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 5.9
(42.6)		 8.4
(47.1)		 11.5
(52.7)		 13.5
(56.3)		 19.8
(67.6)		 24.2
(75.6)		 26.7
(80.1)		 27.5
(81.5)		 23.8
(74.8)		 19.3
(66.7)		 13
(55)		 9.2
(48.6)		 16.9
(62.4)
Average low °C (°F) 0.2
(32.4)		 2
(36)		 4.6
(40.3)		 6.4
(43.5)		 11.2
(52.2)		 15.5
(59.9)		 18
(64)		 18.7
(65.7)		 15.5
(59.9)		 12.3
(54.1)		 7.5
(45.5)		 4.7
(40.5)		 9.7
(49.5)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 129.4
(5.09)		 62.1
(2.44)		 75.3
(2.96)		 62.6
(2.46)		 32.4
(1.28)		 35.8
(1.41)		 44.3
(1.74)		 36.3
(1.43)		 75.2
(2.96)		 56.2
(2.21)		 97.3
(3.83)		 125.6
(4.94)		 832.5
(32.75)
Source: http://penteli.meteo.gr/stations/arahova/ (2019 – 2020 averages)

Historical population
YearPopulation
19812,910
19913,084
20014,158
20112,770

Gallery

  • View of the town hall
  • A street in Arachova
  • View of Arachova
  • Another street of the city
  • Arachova Viewpoint

See also

References
  1. "Απογραφή Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2011. ΜΟΝΙΜΟΣ Πληθυσμός" (in Greek). Hellenic Statistical Authority.
  2. Kallikratis law Greece Ministry of Interior (in Greek)
  3. WIPO
  4. Lucian. de Salt. 10; Pausanias. Description of Greece. 3.10.9.
  5. Pausanias. Description of Greece. 4.16.9. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  6. "Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)" (PDF) (in Greek). National Statistical Service of Greece. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-21.
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