Paleokastritsa Monastery is located on a lush green hill on a peninsula in front of the beaches of Paleokastritsa, on the west coast of Corfu. The Byzantine monastery is one of the oldest on the island and is dedicated to the Holy Theotokos. Nowadays, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Corfu.
History Of Paleokastritsa Monastery
The Monastery of Paleokastritsa was founded in 1225 to keep the icon of the Holy Theotokos (Mother of God) that was found. The monastery was however destroyed by the Genoese who who set foot in Paleokastritsa in 1403. The complex was rebuilt in 1469, only to be destroyed again in 1469, this time by the Ottomans who tried to occupy the island.
In 1572, the monastery was rebuilt, and over time additions were made. The current church, a single-aisled basilica, and its surrounding cells were constructed in the 18th century.
In the 19th century, the monastery was used as a military hospital for a while and during the German occupation of World War II, the monastic cells were used as military barracks.
Every year the monastery celebrates the Assumption of the Holy Theotokos on August 15th and the Feast of the Life-Giving Spring on the first Friday after Easter.
Visiting The Paleokastritsa Monastery
There are two main reasons why you should make the effort and go up the hill to the Monastery of Paleokastritsa. First of all, to visit the monastery itself and admire its history and beauty, and secondly, to enjoy the incredible views from the various viewpoints on the hill.
Entrance to the Paleokastritsa Monastery is free, but appropriate attire for visiting a monastery is required, which means shoulders and upper legs should be covered. Inside the church you can admire the many beautiful decorations, including the adorned ceiling, the icons on the iconostasis, several other paintings as well as the Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons.
The monastery also houses a small museum with historic icons and other religious paintings, costumes, books, and other memorabilia, including the skeleton of a whale that was killed by a fisherman in the 19th century. There is also a souvenir shop selling religious merchandise and typical Corfiote souvenirs.
Outside the gate of the monastic complex there is a viewpoint with an old Russian canon from 1799, bearing the Romanof coat of arms. From there a small path leads to two other lookout points which are both marked with a large cross. The viewpoints offer stunning views of the monastery, the Ionian Sea, and the mountenous coastline. Also, from the road that leads up the hill, you have an incredible view over Agios Spiridon Beach and the turquoise water of the bay.
Next to the monastery there is also a restaurant with a panoramic terrace where you can indulge yourself in the local cuisine while enjoying the views and the relaxing environment of the green hill.
How To Get To Paleokastritsa Monastery
Paleokastritsa Monastery is located on the top of a hill on a peninsula in Paleokastritsa and can be reached by foot, car, public transport, or with an organized tour.
If you go there by car, it is good to know that there is a small parking next to the monastery, but in the summer it can sometimes be too crowded to find a space there. Alternatively, you can park at the paid parking lot at the bottom of the hill, opposite Agios Spiridon Beach. From there it’s about a 10 to 15-minute walk up the hill to the entrance of the monastery.
To get to Paleokastritsa Monastery by public transport, you can take Green Bus line A9 (Corfu Town-Paleokastritsa) which terminates at Agios Spiridon Beach.
