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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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