Potamos

The area of Potamos is only 4 km from the city of Corfu and belongs to the Municipality of Corfu. It is named after the river, the banks of which are joined by the Venetian Asyrmatos Bridge. The river contains a significant amount of water which is of the highest importance to the island. Its source starts from the hill of Pelekas and its mouth is at the sea area of Alykes

The historical data of the area shows the strong connection of the inhabitants with the Orthodox faith. The area could very well be called the village of Panagia, (Virgin Mary), as so many of the old churches are dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

According to the tradition of the Church, many processions took place that ended at the Holy Monastery of Agios Theodores in Paleokastritsa. One of them, the resurrection procession of the River, was probably the oldest of them. According to the inscription on the candle donated to the monastery, in 1677 they stopped the procession of the icon to Paleokastritsa.

In 1677 there was intense drought on the island that particularly affected the Potamos area, so residents in the procession of the icon in the Temploni area prayed to the Virgin Mary. Their prayers were answered and at the place where the rain began, they built a church dedicated to Panagia Sparmiotissa. Since then, the litany starts at this church and goes as far as Temploni where the liturgy takes place and then returns. This magnificent procession takes place on the Sunday of the Blind, 35 days after Easter.

One of the places worth visiting in Potamos is the church of Agia Eleousa which was built in 1562 and is located up on the hill. The church was completely destroyed in 1943 by a German plane which crashed. The church was rebuilt from scratch. A round stone in the churchyard remains reminiscent of the old bell tower, and on September 13th each year, the bells ring mournfully in memory of the church’s destruction.

In the area there are very noble 16^th Century mansions and buildings to be found.  The old school building which was constructed in 1741 is also of interest. It has sadly been allowed to go to ruin but in the past hosted primary school students for many years. Other places to visit are the bell tower of Ag. Varvarou and the staircase of Panagia with its gate.

The wider area of ​​Potamos is scattered with delightful cafes and restaurants. A walk in the area where the river is located will definitely fill your photo album.