Saint Spyridon Church, Corfu (must see)
Saint Spyridon Church in Corfu isn鈥檛 just a building you pass by鈥攊t鈥檚 a 16th-century heavyweight in both history and faith. Raised in 1589, it honours Corfu鈥檚 patron saint, Spyridon, a 4th-century figure celebrated for his miracles and steadfast belief. After his death, his relics were safeguarded in Constantinople until the city fell, then ferried to Corfu, where they eventually found a permanent home in this church within the old city walls.
Its Venetian stamp is hard to miss. The red-domed bell tower鈥攖all enough to make its presence known across the Ionian Islands鈥攄ominates Corfu Town鈥檚 skyline. Inside, it鈥檚 all about detail and devotion: golden flourishes, a painted ceiling narrating episodes from the saint鈥檚 life, and at the heart, the silver casket holding his relics. These remains are central to Corfu鈥檚 identity, carried through the streets in processions that mark the island鈥檚 brushes with sieges, plagues, and survival against the odds.
The crypt adds its own intrigue, with a double sarcophagus encasing the saint鈥檚 body, surrounded by 53 incense burners鈥�18 fashioned in gold, the rest in silver. Even the Romanov coat of arms above the west door tells a story of connections that looks hard to believe at first glance.
Step inside today, and you鈥檒l find a place where Orthodox devotion meets Venetian elegance, where pilgrims kneel in reverence and curious visitors look upward in awe. The church and island are in good hands, as Saint Spyridon had centuries to master his craft. Even though not always in physical form.
Its Venetian stamp is hard to miss. The red-domed bell tower鈥攖all enough to make its presence known across the Ionian Islands鈥攄ominates Corfu Town鈥檚 skyline. Inside, it鈥檚 all about detail and devotion: golden flourishes, a painted ceiling narrating episodes from the saint鈥檚 life, and at the heart, the silver casket holding his relics. These remains are central to Corfu鈥檚 identity, carried through the streets in processions that mark the island鈥檚 brushes with sieges, plagues, and survival against the odds.
The crypt adds its own intrigue, with a double sarcophagus encasing the saint鈥檚 body, surrounded by 53 incense burners鈥�18 fashioned in gold, the rest in silver. Even the Romanov coat of arms above the west door tells a story of connections that looks hard to believe at first glance.
Step inside today, and you鈥檒l find a place where Orthodox devotion meets Venetian elegance, where pilgrims kneel in reverence and curious visitors look upward in awe. The church and island are in good hands, as Saint Spyridon had centuries to master his craft. Even though not always in physical form.
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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Saint Spyridon Church on Map
Sight Name: Saint Spyridon Church
Sight Location: Corfu, Greece (See walking tours in Corfu)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Corfu, Greece (See walking tours in Corfu)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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
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
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...