Arachova
Arachova (Greek: Αράχωβα, also Αράχοβα) is a mountain town and a former municipality in the western part of Boeotia. 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.
Arachova
Αράχωβα | |
|---|---|
Municipal unit | |
Clockwise from top: View of Arachova, Arachova Town Hall, view of the center, a street in Arachova, Arachova Clock Tower, Arachova Square, Church of Agios Georgios | |
Arachova Location within the regional unit | |
| Coordinates: 38°29′N 22°35′E | |
| Country | Greece |
| Administrative region | Central Greece |
| Regional unit | Boeotia |
| Municipality | Distomo-Arachova-Antikyra |
| Area | |
| • Municipal unit | 139.45 km2 (53.84 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 968 m (3,176 ft) |
| Population (2021) | |
| • Municipal unit | 2,439 |
| • Municipal unit density | 17/km2 (45/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Postal code | 320 04 |
| Area code(s) | 22670 |
| Vehicle registration | ΒΙ |
| Website | arachova.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. 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.