In the picturesque Municipality of Amari, lies the Potami Dam.

As per the Municipality of Amari, the recent construction of the dam, positioned north of the settlement of Voleones and the Patsos Gorge, has brought about a significant transformation of the landscape. The once-small enclosed valley of Potami now boasts a lake, serving as an artificial wetland. This transformation has rendered the area particularly captivating, forming a new hub for leisure and tourism activities.

From a biological perspective, the area already appears to support a substantial population of wintering birds, including endangered species like the ferruginous duck. Concurrently, the reservoir plays a crucial role in conserving a significant volume of water.

Photos: Wikimedia Commons

In the heart of the village of Opsigia in the Municipality of Platanias stands the Church of Agios Georgios. This single-aisled vaulted church dates back to the 15th century.

Fragments of frescoes adorn the interior of the church. Additionally, on the south side, there is a doorway with sculptural decoration.

It serves as the cemetery church of the village.

Info: Wikipedia

Fourfouras may be a relatively small village, but its reputation extends beyond the boundaries of Crete.

What is the reason behind this success? 

It’s the innovative actions taking place at the School of Nature and Colours, the state primary school of the village, where teachers are driven by passion and dedication, making all the difference!

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The beautiful building of the 19th century is located in the heart of the Nefs Amari settlement and it is today a preserved monument. 

Until the 1980s, it housed the primary school of the settlement, while today the Amari Cultural Association has taken over its management and hosts cultural and other events. In fact, one of its rooms has been configured as a visitable exhibition space, where an interesting collection is exhibited, which mainly includes old objects from school life, etc.

Information Municipality of Amari

Photo Wikimedia Commons

North of the village of Pantanassa in the Municipality of Amari, there stands an impressive two-aisled church dating back to the 17th century. It is dedicated to Agios Ioannis Theologos and Agia Triada.

As indicated in the engraved inscription, the church was erected in 1645 by the priest Manolis Vlastos.

It is worth visiting and appreciating the church's Gothic-style doors, while also noting the presence of a vaulted tomb dating back to 1594.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

In the picturesque village of Patsos, located in the Municipality of Amari, one can discover the Church of Panagia.

According to the Ministry of Culture, the church is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. It was originally classified among the Middle Byzantine churches (11th-12th century), with significant reconstruction undertaken in the 14th century.

The church lies in ruins, its superstructure having collapsed in an unknown era, yet it still stands as an impressive monument of considerable size. It stands out from the small, single-aisled churches that dotted the Cretan countryside during the Venetian occupation. From early on, it was associated with the Kallergi family, a prominent family under Venetian rule, which held extensive estates in western Crete.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons