Church of Agios Athanasios in Polypotamo

On the northern side of Polypotamo stands the historic Church of Agios Athanasios, built between 1740 and 1760. This three-aisled, timber-roofed basilica, with its distinctive saddle-shaped roof and chamfered corners, is an outstanding example of 18th-century ecclesiastical architecture. The church features unique elements, such as its semi-subterranean construction (at least one meter below the courtyard level), the southern women’s gallery, and the sanctuary apse adorned with seven blind arches.

The interior of the church is remarkable for its intricately carved wooden ceiling, the imposing pulpit, and the iconostasis, crafted in 1845. Originally, the church had a stone floor—remnants of which are preserved in the narthex—and a stone roof, which was later replaced with tiles after being damaged. The exterior is adorned with decorative recesses, while the traditional narthex, added later, complements its architectural character. The original bell tower, still standing intact beside the church, serves as an important historical feature.

Today, the Church of Agios Athanasios remains an active place of worship and a significant cultural monument, blending its historical value with the religious heritage of the region. Its architectural simplicity, combined with refined aesthetic details, makes it one of the most distinctive ecclesiastical structures in Florina.