Travel Guide Ano Potamia

This village of 360 inhabitants, whose name means "the rivers", is made up of 4 parts linked by numerous footpaths: Kato Potamia, Mesi Potamia, Lierato and Ano Potamia. In the past, up to fourteen mills were built here, mainly to grind cereals. Four of them, fairly well preserved, can be visited at Mesi Potomia. The main hamlet, Ano Potamia, has 4 tavernas. You can stop off at the vrysaki tou Faraskou, a fountain-like spring said to have welcomed young couples from wealthy families of Italian and French origin. During the period of the Duchy of Naxos and the Ottoman occupation, the Frankish and Greek lords certainly had their habits here, establishing no fewer than eight fortified residences, such as the 17th-century Kokkos tower at Mesi Potamia, which houses a mill used until 1966. The village also boasts 34 churches and chapels. The two most famous are in Kato Potamia: Panaghia Protothronos and Aghios Mamas, famous for its frescoes and sculptures, but closed to visitors. Abandoned since the 19th century, the latter is worth a stroll for its beautiful architecture and the view it affords of the surrounding area. Dedicated to Saint Mamas, patron saint of shepherds, it is also known as the church of "the Virgin veiled by God" (Panaghia Theoskepasti), having escaped ransacking during raids on the island.