Cathedral of Saint James and Saint Christopher, Corfu

If Corfu Town has a soundtrack, the Cathedral of Saint James and Saint Christopher hums in the background. Built at the urging of the Venetian authorities in the 16th century, it gave the island鈥檚 Catholic community its central stage of worship, consecrated in 1533. The building, though, has known no easy life鈥攕carred by Ottoman sieges, rattled by explosions, shaken by earthquakes, and battered again during World War II. Each rebuilding left its fingerprint, so what stands today is less a single monument and more a palimpsest of 17th- and 18th-century Venetian vision, patched and polished through necessity.

Step inside and the mood shifts: a wooden-roofed basilica, arches quietly binding its chapels, and marble columns that still carry the grace of their 17th-century carving. Venetian refinement lingers in the vaulted nave and side chapels, but Corfu鈥檚 blend of East and West shows through in the details, especially in Konstantinos Tzanes鈥檚 1654 Virgin and Child, a painting that fuses Byzantine depth with Western naturalism. Outside, the Tuscan pilasters and triangular pediment keep a disciplined face, while the Gothic bell tower climbs skyward.

Wandering past the Spianada or the Liston, this cathedral may appear subdued compared with Corfu鈥檚 louder landmarks, but it carries a quiet authority. It invites less spectacle and more reflection鈥攐n a city where Catholic and Orthodox traditions lived not in opposition but in uneasy, enduring conversation.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Corfu. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Cathedral of Saint James and Saint Christopher
Sight Location: Corfu, Greece (See walking tours in Corfu)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Corfu Old Town Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Corfu, Greece

Create Your Own Walk in Corfu

Creating your own self-guided walk in Corfu is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Paleopoli Ancient Ruins Walking Tour

The Archeological sites trace the history of ancient Corfu from the 8th century BC to the 6th century AD. The Temple of Artemis Gorgon, located near the monastery of Agoi Theodori Stratias, dates from circa 590 BC. The pediment is thought to be the oldest stone pediment found.

Artemis, in the form of Gorgon, is running as she faces the observer. Her children, Chryssaor and Pegasus, are by her... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

Corfu Old Town Walking Tour

Poseidon, the god of the sea, was obsessed with the beautiful nymph Korkyra, the daughter of the river god Asopus. Poseidon abducted Korkyra and carried her off to an unnamed island. He called the island Korkyra, after his lady love. This island later became Corfu.

By the 8th century BC, the Greek city Corinth had claimed it as a colony, and its ships became key players in the Peloponnesian... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

10 Things To Do In Corfu, Greece

Greek Islands, such as Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, and many others, are a popular destination for people trying to escape the chaotic lifestyle back home. Corfu is one island that has it all: great weather, tasty food, relaxed atmosphere and an abundance of places to explore. The island...

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