Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Corfu

One of the main attractions of Corfu is the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, which is located in Paleokastritsa. This is the same attraction that a bus with tourists will never pass by. Of course, in Corfu, all travelers are most often looking for, first of all, beaches and beautiful lagoons, but exploring the island for interesting historical places is also an important part of their vacation program.

The sight that we want to tell you about is called here the monastery of the Virgin Zoodochos Pigi (Life-Giving Spring). This monastery is male, and it got its name thanks to the icon, which is kept in the church located here.

The monastery of the Virgin Mary in Paleokastritsa began to be built in the 17th century, although its history begins in the 13th century. Various legends and traditions are associated with the monastery. For example, one of the legends is connected with a well, which is located in the courtyard - they say that it is able to fulfill wishes. To do this, you need to stand with your back to him and throw a coin - of course, in order for everything to work, the thrown coin must fall into the well! And if you manage to implement this, in principle, not very difficult trick, then your desire will definitely become a reality!

On the territory of the monastery there is a museum of icons, which you can visit. In addition, there is also a small, but one of the oldest olive oil factory in Corfu.

In the monastery you can study one very interesting historical object - this is a tool that was removed from the ship of Admiral Ushakov. As you know, it was he who liberated the island of Corfu in the XVIII century.

You can visit the monastery of the Virgin Mary in Corfu as part of an excursion, or you can do it yourself. It is important to know that usually tourists are brought here and have excursions with them in the first half of the day, so at this time it is quite crowded. Therefore, if you decide to visit the monastery on your own, then plan it better in the evening hours.

On the way to the monastery, which leads to the top of the hill, you will see gorgeous thickets of flowering oleanders, and you can also enjoy the picturesque view of the sea coast from here. At the entrance to the monastery there is also an observation deck where you can have a great time under the shade of trees, admiring the views of the Ionian Sea. You will definitely see the rocks, which, according to local legends, were formed here thanks to the abbot, who prayed and the Saracen ships turned into these stone blocks in the middle of the water surface.

The monastery has another observation deck, on which a cross is installed. If you want to go to it, then you will need to go through the gate and get on the path, which is located next to the entrance to the monastery (there you will also see a lying cannon).

The Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Corfu is active, it is currently home to several monks.

From Paleokastritsa you can get to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary by bus.

You can book a tour to Corfu, within which you can visit the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, on our website.