Churches and Monasteries in Corfu.

There are over eight hundred churches and Monasteries in Corfu, so only the main ones are listed here. Many of the churches and Monasteries can be visited, but you should bear in mind that some of them are still working as religious communities, and visiting may be restricted or forbidden.

If you wish to visit Monasteries or churches in Corfu, please remember to be respectful in your dress. You should not try to visit in swimwear, shorts, or revealing clothing. Female visitors who have bare arms and legs may be asked to wear a shawl or long skirt to enter the building. This applies to the Monastery at Paleokastritsa, where the shawls and skirts are provided at the entrance to the Monastery, as well as some other Holy buildings.

Monasteries in Corfu:

Monastery of Paleokastritsa

The monastery of the Blessed Virgin is probably the best monasteries to visit on Corfu. The facilities for tourists are excellent, and there is free parking outside the gates. It is open from May to October, but the Monastery is closed during siesta hours (between 1.30 and 5.30 each afternoon).

It was originally build in 1277, a date commemorated on the fabulous fresco above the entrance gate. The church at the centre was restored in 1722. The gardens and the monastery offer fabulous views of the bays of Paleokastritsa below. There is a small museum with religious artefacts and even a showcase of bones from a sea monster which was found nearby. There is a small gift shop, olive press, monk’s cells and the Abbots quarters, as well as quiet gardens and patio areas. The narrow, steep road up to the monastery is controlled by traffic lights, and is busy with coaches in the summer months.

There is a small snack bar outside the monastery gates.

Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Platitera

This is on the outskirts of town between Mandouki port and San Rocco square. It was built by a monk around 1748. The church contains some wonderful religious icons by Italian craftsmen and painters. The ceiling of eleven religious icons surrounded by gilt frames is stunning. The church was rebuilt in 1801 after the French destroyed it. It is the resting place of John Capodistrias and other eminent Corfiots, who rest under simple marble slabs in the Sanctuary.

Monastery of Mount Pantocrator

This is to be found on Mount Pantocrator, Corfu’s highest mountain of 960 metres. It was build around 1347. It has Baroque, late eighteenth century icons and seventeenth century frescoes on the walls. It was destroyed in 1537, to be rebuilt in the late 17th century. It is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ.

Convent of the Blessed Virgin Vlacherna at Scripero

Placed near to the village of Scripero on the main road from Corfu town to Sidari is this late 18th century Basilica with a single nave. It has two icons which were reputed to have been brought here from Saint Spyridon’s church in Corfu town.

Convent of  Saint Theodore at Kannoni

This convent is close to the Temple of Artemis in Kanoni. It is an early Christian church, with only a nave and a single aisle still existing from the original church. Cells with a courtyard and covered gallery can still be seen.

The original building, which was pre Christian, dated back to the 5th century BC.