Genoan Castle

• Description

The “Genoan Castle” or “Kastraki of Panagia Potamiou” (as it is known to locals) it’s a small fortress built by the Genoans on a low hill in the very beautiful location Potami, 3km from Karlovasi of Samos. The Genoans had occupied the island since the 13th century. Not a strong fortification, but sufficient enough to repel pirate raids.

The castle is located behind Potami beach, and at the same area,is the byzantine church from the 11th century, the oldest in Samos.

• Features

• Construction time : 13th century or later
• Origin : Genoan
• Castle Type : Castle
• Altitude : Elevation ≈ 45 m (Relative Height≈30 m)
  
• Condition : Not good

• Admission

• Access is free to the public, the castle is not fenced.
  

• Getting there

• Driving for 5  km from the center of Karlovasi city, there is potami area, with the homonymous beach.
  When you get there, a few meters before the bridge, you will see the sign from where the path leads you to the castle, after about 250m.
  Continuing the path you will reach the waterfalls.
• By hiking route from Karlovasi Port > Paleo Karlovasi > Potami area, till waterfalls (root here)
• Public bus
• TAXI station at Karlovasi > 5 Km Tel 22730 30777
• Free parking

• Tips

• Next to Genoese Castle, is the church of Metamorphosis, which is the oldest church on the island, and the “waterfalls” (route here),
• Go for swiming at Potami beach.
• From Potami area, starts the path to the beaches Mikro Seitani and Megalo Seitani (hiking only route here)
• Hiking routes you can do at Potami area:
  > route #2 the small round of Potami
  > route #3 the big round Potami.

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