Byzantine Museum of Antivouniotissa: A Spiritual and Artistic Haven

The Byzantine Museum of Antivouniotissa, also known as the Antivouniotissa Ecclesiastical Museum, is located in the historic center of Corfu Town. It is housed within the Church of the Virgin Mary Antivouniotissa, one of the oldest and most historically significant religious monuments on the island. Built at the end of the 15th century, the church is dedicated to the Holy Virgin of Antivouniotissa, meaning 'opposite the mountain'. The church itself is an aisleless, timber-roofed basilica, showcasing the architectural characteristics of Corfiote churches of its time. The exterior features arched doorways and windows with minimal ornamentation, while the interior boasts high pews, painted tapestries, and a decorated ceiling. In 1979, the descendant families of the church's founders donated a collection of heirlooms and portable icons, leading to the church's conversion into a museum. The museum was inaugurated in 1984 by the Greek Minister of Culture, Melina Merkouri. The museum's collection includes portable icons and religious artifacts from the 15th to the 19th centuries, representing the Cretan and early Heptanese artistic styles. These works reflect the influence of artists who traveled from Crete to Venice via Corfu after Crete fell to Ottoman rule. The collection includes works by both known and anonymous artists, giving a full picture of the religious and artistic output during this period on Corfu.