On the banks of the Ambelikos River lies one of
the most impressive villages on the island, rich in natural vegetation
and pretty as a picture with its traditional Cypriot architecture.
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Potamitissa was so named because of its riverside situation (Potami
means river in Greek). it stands at a height of 820 metres among
pine-clad rocky mountain peaks not far from the highest point of
Troodos.
Asphalted modern roads crossing the picturesque mountains and valleys
link the village with Nicosia and Limassol. Potamitissa is a road
hub linking together the various villages of the surrounding area.
Village history dates Potamitissa back to the middle ages. It was
established by the inhabitants of the village of Rogia, when that
village was destroyed by Saracen pirates prior to the start of the
Ottoman era in 1570.
The village church, dedicated to the Holy Virgin, gazes regally
over the steep river banks and dominates the confluence of two tributaries
with the Ambelikos River. Designed in
the shape of a cross, fashioned of local stone and village-made
red brick, its Byzantine style and general architecture is unique
in Cyprus. The church was built voluntarily by Potamitissa inhabitants
in the exact spot where an old church had been sited. According
to village lore the Holy Virgin herself indicated the location where
she wanted the church to be built.
Potamitissa is blessed with abundant vege- tation,
vines, apple and peach trees, olives and almonds and a profusion
of wild violets.
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