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Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna: Corfu's Iconic Islet Sanctuary

Discover Corfu's enchanting Vlacherna Monastery: a serene islet sanctuary with stunning views and rich history.

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The Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna, a 17th-century Greek Orthodox church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, graces a small islet connected to Corfu by a causeway. Its picturesque setting, characterized by whitewashed walls and a distinctive bell tower against the Ionian Sea, draws visitors worldwide.

A brief summary to Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for breathtaking views of the monastery against the colorful sky.
  • Take a short boat trip from the jetty to Pontikonisi (Mouse Island) and explore the Byzantine chapel.
  • Check out the views from Kanoni Hill, accessible by bus from Corfu Old Town.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Kanoni, the monastery is easily accessible by foot via the short causeway connecting the islet to the mainland. The walk is flat and takes only a few minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take Corfu City Bus line 2A to Kanoni. Get off at the 'Τέρμα - Κανόνι / End - Kanoni' bus stop, which is a short walk from the causeway leading to the monastery. Bus tickets cost approximately €1.50.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Corfu Town to Vlacherna Monastery costs approximately €7-€9 and takes about 7 minutes. Taxis are readily available throughout Corfu Town.

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Discover more about Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna

The Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna, dating back to the 17th century, stands as one of Corfu's most iconic landmarks. Situated on a tiny islet just south of Kanoni, it's connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, offering both spiritual solace and stunning views. The monastery derives its name from a famous monastery in Constantinople. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the monastery features a charming architectural style, with its whitewashed walls sharply contrasting the deep blue of the Ionian Sea. The bell tower serves as the main entry to the church's courtyard. Inside, the church showcases beautiful frescoes and religious icons, reflecting the area's rich spiritual heritage. Historically, the monastery belonged to the Hilikiopoulos-Mantzaros family and functioned as a nunnery until 1980. Although no longer a full-time religious community, the church is still used for celebrations and is open to visitors. A small gift shop operates within the courtyard, offering religious items and souvenirs. Beyond its religious significance, the monastery is a popular tourist attraction. Its location offers exceptional views, especially of planes landing at Corfu International Airport. From the jetty, boat trips are available to Pontikonisi (Mouse Island), adding to the allure of the area. The monastery also gained fame for its appearance in the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only".

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