Metamorfosis Sotiros church at Potami

• Description

Metamorfosis Sotiros church, (transfiguration of Savior) also known as “Panagia Potamiou” (Virgin Mary of Potami) or “Agia Sotiro” (Holy Savior), is the most important and best preserved Byzantine monument in Samos island.

The erection of the existing church is placed in the 11^th century AD during the late Byzantine period, however, probably the church it was first founded in the 6^th century AD, during the Early Christian period.

The church belongs to the Byzantine architecture technique, and the architectural type is “simple, four columns, cruciform“. At the interior of the church, the four marble columns, that support the dome, end up in Corinthian capitals, which probably originate from ancient / early Christian monuments at the area. The exterior masonry, is influenced by Constantinople construction technique (blind arches, imitation of a brick-built masonry system). The narthex has been almost completely demolished, except a small part of its masonry. At the southern part of the church there is a vaulted building that communicates with the main church which probably was chapel or a cemetery.

There is the rumor that there was an underground artificial tunnel that connected the church with the Genoa Castle, which is located near by, and in which was a church of the Holy Trinity (today only the foundations are preserved).

In 2021, began reconstruction works of the church, with the aim, to highlighting the original form of the emblematic monument.

The church is celebrated in the name of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (15 August), but celebrates at 6th of August as well, at the feast of Transfiguration.

Ιt has been declared a historic listed monument since 1972 (ΦΕΚ 126/Β/11-2-1972)

• Features

• Foundation : 11^th century AD (first founded in the 6^th century AD)
• Celebration : 15 August & 6 August
• Altitude :  Elevation ≈ 15 m
  
• Condition : good

• 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, after about 250m, to the chapell.
  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 church of Metamorphosis , is the Genoese Castle, the “waterfalls” (route here), and the St. Nicholas chapel, worth to visiting.
• 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.

• Video

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