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Holy Church of Saint Spyridon: Corfu's Guardian

Visit the Holy Church of Saint Spyridon in Corfu Town, a beacon of faith and history, and explore the legacy of Corfu's patron saint.

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The Holy Church of Saint Spyridon, located in the heart of Corfu Town, is dedicated to the island's patron saint. Built in 1589, it houses the relics of Saint Spyridon, revered for his miracles and protection of Corfu. Its prominent bell tower and Venetian architecture make it a must-see landmark.

A brief summary to Holy Church of Saint Spyridon

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting; men should wear long pants, and women should cover their shoulders.
  • Visit in the afternoon to avoid the morning crowds.
  • Attend one of the four annual processions (Palm Sunday, Easter Saturday, August 11, or the first Sunday of November) for a unique cultural experience.
  • Explore the monastery shop for religious items like paintings, books, and crosses.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Holy Church of Saint Spyridon is located in the heart of Corfu Town, behind the Liston. From Liston, walk east towards the church. The church's distinctive red bell tower is visible from many points in the Old Town, serving as a helpful landmark. Entrance to the church is free.

  • Public Transport

    The Corfu Town bus station (San Rocco Square) is an 8-minute walk from the Church of Saint Spyridon. From the bus station, walk towards the Old Town and follow signs for Liston. Once at Liston, walk east towards the church. Bus tickets cost between €1.10 and €1.80 depending on the route, if purchased at a kiosk. Tickets purchased on board the bus cost €1.50. A day pass for the city buses costs €5.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Corfu Town. Ask the driver to take you to the Holy Church of Saint Spyridon, located near Liston Square. A taxi ride from Corfu Airport to Corfu Town typically costs between €15 and €20. Within Corfu Town, a short taxi ride should cost approximately €6-€11. Be sure the driver resets the taximeter to the base fare of €3.60 before you begin your journey.

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Discover more about Holy Church of Saint Spyridon

The Holy Church of Saint Spyridon is one of Corfu's most significant religious sites. Dedicated to Saint Spyridon, the island's patron saint, the church is located in the heart of Corfu Town and is easily recognizable by its towering red bell tower, the highest in the Ionian Islands. Built in 1589 by the Voulgaris family, the church was constructed to house the relics of Saint Spyridon, which were brought to Corfu from Constantinople in 1456 after the Ottoman conquest. Saint Spyridon is credited with saving the island from famine, plague, and Ottoman invasions, solidifying his place as the protector of Corfu. The church's architecture reflects the Venetian influence prevalent in Corfu's Old Town. The interior boasts a stunning gilded ceiling, impressive frescoes, and intricate silver lamps. The marble iconostasis, created by the Corfiot artist Spyros Prosalentis, is particularly striking. The ceiling is divided into segments depicting scenes from Saint Spyridon's life and miracles. Visitors can also view the saint's relics, which are kept in a silver shrine to the right of the sanctuary. Saint Spyridon is deeply revered by the locals, and his memory is honored with four annual processions through Corfu Town. These litanies, accompanied by local bands, are a strong tradition and a testament to the saint's importance in Corfu's cultural and spiritual life. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and behave respectfully when visiting the church.

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