Potamies, Chersonissos

Potamies (Ποταμιές) is a village and the seat of the homonymous community in the Municipality of Chersonissos in the Regional Unit of Heraklion, Crete. It belonged to the Province of Pediados. Potamies is one of the first villages in the interior of the municipality and is 10 km from the Port of Chersonissos. The village is located on the right bank of the Aposelemis River, which flows through the Lagada amidst olive groves, citrus fruits and the wild vegetation of the river, from which it took its name. The main occupation of the inhabitants of the village is agriculture.

History

In the Castrofylakas census, two settlements are mentioned, Potamies Apano with 90 inhabitants and Potamies Catto with 63 inhabitants in 1583. In 1881, 308 Christians and 115 Muslims inhabitants are mentioned. A short distance to the west of the village north of the road is Panagia Gouverniotissa, a very old monastery dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos. The church, in the shape of a cross, is inscribed, In the middle dome is Christ Pantocrator, in the middle walls are prophets, the Crucifixion and others. Copies of these are in the hall of the Basilica of Saint Mark. Today the monastery is abandoned.

According to tradition, the monastery of Panagia Gouverniotissa was built by a Byzantine ruler after the liberation of Crete by Nikephoros Phokas. In the area of the monastery, there were settlements at that time, the ruins of which are preserved. One of them was Galini, a name preserved in a place name of the area. During the siege of Handakas, the vicar of the monastery Papa-Nikolos Magafouris gained the favor of the Turkish pasha and not only ensured the integrity of the monastery’s estates, but also appropriated other private estates. Magafouris’ descendants succeeded one another in the administration of the Monastery. The last Papa-Michalis Magafourakis did not acquire heirs and donated the monastery to the Holy Sepulchre. In the following years, the monastery was dissolved and its rich estates were distributed to the inhabitants of the village.

The village of Potamies is an authentic Cretan village, in the Municipality of Chersonissos, at an altitude of 170 m. Potamies is one of the first villages on the route from the coastal tourist resort of Limani Chersonissou to the hinterland and the Lassithi plateau. It is only 10 km from the Port of Chersonissos.

The route to the settlement of Potamies is pleasant and interesting. The landscape clearly offers the image of tourist development. Large areas have been used for the operation of a golf club and a water amusement park. A place with a special character and unique beauty. Landscapes that alternate in height, color, vegetation, geological features, distinct at every point.

The village is located on the right bank of the Aposelemis river, which flows through the Lagada amidst olive groves and the wild vegetation of the river, from which it took its name. The main occupation of the inhabitants of the village is agriculture, while a significant percentage is employed in tourism in the area of Chersonissos and Malia.

In Potamies, vegetation predominates, it is a verdant village surrounded by wooded hills with olive groves, laurels, cypresses, quinces, mulberries, lemon trees, orange trees, medlars (medlars) and plane trees. The landscape is magical, verdant nature, beautiful landscape, clean air and the wonderful cool climate give the village a special beauty and charm. The visitor enjoys the catalytic sense of peace and relaxation. The village has several, in relation to its size, traditional cafes where the visitor can taste the genuine Cretan cuisine under the shade offered by the huge mulberries. The inhabitants are open and cheerful, maintaining in the best way the reputation for the special Cretan hospitality.

The village is bustling with life mainly in August. The cultural association organizes various cultural events every year. Most events take place in the landscaped courtyard of the monastery of Panagia Gouverniotissa. Locals and visitors have the opportunity to get to know elements of the tradition and history of the village.

The Monastery of Panagia Gouverniotissa is located before the entrance of the village, on a wooded hillside. Before the monastery of Panagia the Gouverniotissa is the single-aisled church of the Transfiguration of the Savior or “Afendis Christos”, built in the 15th century with rare frescoes.

East of the settlement, in the location of “Xerokamares” the imposing remains of the ancient Aqueduct of the area are visible. A project of great importance if one considers its usefulness for the time, as archaeological findings have shown that the ancient city of Chersonissos had entirely irrigation from the aqueduct.

Another attraction in the area is the Aposelemis Dam, which is located 500 meters from the settlement. The area belongs to most of the proposed Area of Community Interest and Protection “Dikti” of the Natura 2000 Network.

Settlement: Key Points

• Historical References: The village is mentioned in the Castrofylakas census in 1583.
  • Location: The village is located in the Municipality of Chersonissos in the Heraklion Regional Unit of Crete.
  • Historical Significance: The village has a rich history, with several historical monuments and landmarks.
  • Population Data:

• Current Status: The village is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and historical landmarks.

References

• Wikipedia