St. Spyridon Church (Agios Spyridon)
The 16th-century St. Spyridon Church (Agios Spyridon is among the most impressive sights in Corfu town and houses the remains of its patron saint, Spyridon, said to have repeatedly saved the island from Ottoman attacks. In addition to the saint’s ornate silver casket, the church is known for its lavish frescoes and soaring bell tower.
The basics
With the highest bell tower in the Ionian Islands, St. Spyridon Church is easy to spot from approaching ferries or any point in Corfu town, and is included in most walking and driving tours along with nearby highlights like Achillion Palace and Paleokastritsa Monastery. A classic example of Venetian architecture, the church interior boasts an early-18th-century painted ceiling divided into sections by gilded frames and a grand silver lamp donated to the church by the Republic of Venice in the 18th century.
Things to know before you go
- Be sure to wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees to enter this or any of the other 38 churches in Corfu’s old town.
- Photos without flash are allowed inside the church, so bring your camera to capture the extravagant interiors.
- Kids can try to spot the reliefs of the lion of St. Mark on the silver lamp donated by Venice, the symbol of the Italian city.
- There is a short flight of steps to enter the church, making it inaccessible to wheelchair users.
How to get there
St. Spyridon Church is located behind the Liston in the heart of Corfu’s old town and has two entrances, one facing the Spianada and the other toward Agios Spyridon Street. Keep the church’s red-roofed bell tower in sight as you explore the town to avoid getting lost.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The coffin of St. Spyridon is the focus of four annual processions that set off from the church: August 11 (the date the Turks abandoned their siege of Corfu in 1716); Palm Sunday; Easter Sunday; and the first Sunday in November. Try to visit during one of these processions to experience the island’s ongoing devotion to its patron saint.
The Life and Lore of St. Spyridon
Known as the “Keeper of the City”, St. Spyridon is said to have saved Corfu four times from Ottoman invasions and island residents continue to be deeply devoted to their patron saint. This 4th-century shepherd from Cyprus is also called “The Walking Saint”, as many believe he walks the world performing miracles. Priests frequently replace his silk slippers, said to wear out from the saint’s travels.