Archangelos

The village of Archangelos, as is the municipality of the same name which it belongs to, was named after Archangel Micheal who is patron of the municipality, its protector and its guide. Archangel Micheal is popularly depicted holding a sword or a spear while slaying a devil who lays under foot. And probably because of his noble and chivalrous reputation, Angel Micheal was chosen as the protector and patron saint of this small municipality in the island of Rhodes, Greece.

 

During the Hellenistic era when the cultures of Africa, Asia and Europe were undergoing a forging together of sort, many settlements have been built along the region which was to be partly the future site of Archangelos, Rhodes. These settlements were built along the coast where they lived mostly off the sea or inland where farming was the main livelihood. However, meddlesome pirates continuously caused trouble for the settlers as they repeatedly came to attack and steal from the coastal settlements. The people decided to move their homes and livelihoods then which lead to the founding of the village that would be known as Archangelos, Rhodes.

 

When the capital of the Byzantium empire, the majestic city of Constantinople, collapse under the invading Ottoman Empire, the Knights Hospitallers fled to Rhodes and built a fortress or a kind of acropolis a top a hill in Archangelos. They planned to defend the acropolis and seek protection from the wrath of the Ottoman army. But the locals of Archangelos and the tourists who visit the village in this day and age would, unfortunately, not have the opportunity to see the said acropolis or even its remains as it was destroyed by invading forces. Legend even tells that the ruins of the fallen acropolis of Archangelos were shipped and transported to Constantinople, now under Ottoman rule, and used to build the Muslim place of worship, the grand Hagia Sophia.

 

Clearly, the history and culture of this fair Rhodian village is quite impressive. And in fact, it is considered as one of the most traditional villages in modern day Rhodes. The village keeps alive traditions, beliefs and celebrations whose roots are embedded in the depth of centuries. The Carnival of Archangelos held on February of every year is one of these said traditional events which continue to be practiced in Archangelos and now attracts many tourists. The three day celebration involves a practice called mouzoma, wherein participants would paint each other’s faces black using fumes and ash.

 

The village of Archangelos remains charming and quaint as ever. Houses and architectural details remain the same as several centuries ago, and even the way they bake their bread and make wine is still the same as always. Combine this village atmosphere with the allure of nearby caves, beaches and mountains and you get a most beautiful and picturesque village unparalleled in any other island in the Aegean.