In 961 Nikiforos Fokas liberates Crete from the Arabs and builds "Roka" fortress in the west of Giouhtas, so that he can control the hole area. In 1912 Crete is conquered by Venetians and many churches are built, combining both Franc and Byzantine characteristics. At the same time, important churches are also constructed in Archanes (14nth-15nth century), such as Agios Georgios, Agia Triada (Holy Trinity), Agia Paraskevi, Estavromenos, Afentis Christos on the top of the mountain, as well as an impressive building on a steep side of Giouhtas known as "Kelakia ton Kalogradon", which, according to traditional beliefs, was made by nuns who were digging in the rocks to create their cells. At Asomatos, 3km southeast from Archanes, lies another exceptional Byzantine church decorated with frescos, which is devoted to Michael Archaggelos.