The Pantokrator Monastery is located on the top of Mount Pantokrator, the highest mountain in Corfu with an altitude of 917 meters. The Greek Orthodox monastery is one of the most important cultural heritage sites and a popular attraction on the island that offers visitors spectacular views.
History Of The Pantokrator Monastery
In antiquity, the mountain was called Histoni or Istoni, but nowadays bears the name Mount Pantokrator, after the monastery that was first built here in 1347. According to historical documents, the residents of 23 villages surrounding the mountain consented and contributed to the construction of the monastery.
During the Ottoman Siege of Corfu in 1537, the Turks destroyed the monastery. In the late 17th century, the complex was restored and most of its appearance has since been preserved.
The fresco paintings inside the church date to the 14th and 17th centuries and the wood gilded iconostasis was built in 1711. Its facade was renovated in the 19th century.
Today, there is no longer any active monastic life inside the monastery but the church is still in use and celebrates on August 6th of every year. This is an important event that attracts hordes of pilgrims to the top of the mountain.
Visiting The Pantokrator Monastery
The Pantokrator Monastery can be visited for free. The bell tower doubles as the entrance gate to the complex, of which the main attraction is the church. From the inside it is richly decorated with beautiful fresco paintings, wood carvings, and an iconostasis with silver plated icons.
In one of the monastic cells, there is a shop selling religious merchandise and Corfiote souvenirs. Outside the entrance gate, there is a small cafe to get some refreshments.
Another reason to get up to Mountain Pantokrator is of course that this is the highest point on the island, which offers stunning views in all directions, including almost the entire island, the Ionian Sea, and the mainland of Greece and Albania. To get a good view to the south, simply follow the path through the ‘forest’ of antennas opposite the monastery.
How To Get To Pantokrator Monastery
The Pantokrator Monastery is located on the summit of the homonymus Mount Pantokrator, the highest point in Corfu. In order to reach the monastery, you will need your own transportation, like a rental car or scooter, or book a guided tour as there is no public transportation to this attraction. From the center of Corfu Town, it takes about an hour to get there by car.
The long and curvy road leading up to the mountain might seem a bit challenging to those who are not used to driving in the mountains, but the road is asphalted all the way to the top and is in a relatively good condition. You might want to take your time to enjoy the scenic drive and make some photo stops at panoramic viewpoints along the way. When you approach the monastery, you can simply park on the side of the road.
If you’re into hiking, there are also several marked hiking routes that lead up the mountain from different sides. If you decide to go on a hike, make sure to bring enough water and snacks to stay hydrated, especially on hot days.
