Paleokastritsa Monastery: not your average Monastery

The Paleokastritsa Monastery of Theotokos is one of the oldest in Corfu, dating back to 1225. With the execption of the Vlacherna Monastery in Kanoni, it is the most visited in Corfu.

Paleokastritsa means “old castle” in Greek, which probably means that the original building before 1225 was for this.  Over the centuries it has been destroyed a couple of times once in 1400s by the Genoese and a second time by the Turks in 1537.  The Greeks did not let the constant attacks keep them from rebuilding it.

The original reason for building the Monastery was for the finding of the Holy Theotokos icon.  This has been kept in the Corfiot’s heart and for that reason kept on rebuilding it.

There is a museum and shop inside with Byzantine icons, holy books, and more.

There is a courtyard full of flowers and plants with a beautiful view of the Ionian.  Around the courtyard, there are rooms where the Monk’s cells are.  Also, there is the church which is open whenever the monastery is open.

Over the past years the dress code has got less strict, but it is preferred women not to show their legs and shoulders.

On the way up to the monastery, there are people selling some very beautiful paintings.  As you go further up and reach the monastery, instead of going into the monastery you can take a right where there is a restaurant/bar.

There are many small paths to unforgettable views. One in particular starts on a small path to the left, right after the old canon.  On this path you will most likely see some donkeys in a fenced area then eventually leading to a gorgeous view with a big cross and bench.

If you go the other way and continue on straight past the restaurant, different farm animals will be there waiting to greet you.  There is also a cemetery and other nice views of Paleokastritsa.