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Monasteries and Churches

Moní Hozoviótissa, Amorgós

An architectural triumph built into the Prophítis Ilías mountainside, this 11th-century monastery was built for the Virgin Mary, protector of Amorgós island. It contains sacred treasures, including a 15th-century icon of the Virgin Mary. Resident monks host a festival here every 21 November.

• Near Amorgós Town

Moní Zoödóchou Pigís, Póros

Moní Zoödóchou Pigís

This 18th-century monastery is called Zoödóchos Pigi (meaning life-giving) because it is built around a curative spring. This white structure, surrounded by pine forest, is an appealing sight. The fine collection of icons and the intricately carved gilded iconostasis separating the nave from the sanctuary are noteworthy.

• Póros Town

Néa Moní, Híos

Detail, Néa Moní

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this austere monastery was built in the 11th century by Byzantine emperor Constantine IX Monomacho on the site where a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary was discovered. It is noted for its superb mosaics, considered among the finest Macedonian Renaissance art in Greece (For further details see Néa Moní, Híos).

Moní Platytéra, Corfu

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and to saint Chrysanthos, this 18th–19th-century monastery has post-Byzantine icons by famous local painters Klontzás and Ventoúras. It houses the mausoleum of the first Governor of Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias, a Corfiot who took office in 1827.

• Corfu Town

Moní of the Panagía Odigítria, Lefkáda

Built in the 1400s and noted for its traditional single-aisle architecture, austere exterior and intricate timber roof, this monastery is the island’s oldest. It is dedicated to Odigítria, an ancient name for the Virgin Mary depicted in religious icons.

• Lefkáda Town

Moní Panagía of Vlachérna, Corfu

A landmark of Corfu, this white monastery stands on an islet in the Chalikópoulos Lagoon off Kanóni. It is reached by a small causeway. This 17th-century monastery, which has also been a convent, has interesting architectural features and ecclesiastical icons.

• Kanóni

Moní Katharón, Itháki

Believed to originate from before the 17th century and built at an altitude of 600 m (1,970 ft), this monastery is one of the oldest and highest in the islands. Remote and beautiful, it was renovated after the earthquake of 1953 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

• Anogí

Moní of St John of Lagadá, Zákynthos

Frescos and gilded iconostasis, which date back centuries, make the journey to this remote and atmospheric monastery worthwhile. Built in the 16th century and remodelled in the 17th, it had many houses and chapels at one time. Today it is home to just one monk.

• Katastári

Moní Transfiguration of the Saviour, Zákynthos

This Byzantine monastery, dedicated to Ágios Dionýsios, the patron saint of Zákynthos, is an isolated structure on the island of Stamfáni in the Strofádes, a mini archipelago that belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church.

Moní Agíou Gerásimou, Kefalloniá

A white-walled, red-roofed structure on the Mount Enos foothills, this monastery is dedicated to Gerásimos, Kefalloniá’s patron saint. According to legend, Gerásimos lived in nearby caves. His mausoleum is in the monastery.

• Frangáta

Top 10 Religious Festivals

Good Friday

Easter, the most important festival of the year, starts with Epitáfios, a procession depicting the funeral of Christ.

Easter Sunday

After midnight on Saturday, worshippers light candles in a church to depict the bringing of holy light and good fortune.

Annunciation

Marked by a feast, this festival, held on 25 March, is a celebration of when the angel Gabriel announced that Mary would be the Holy Mother.

Epiphany

On 6 January, Epiphany events take place throughout the islands and are marked by the blessing of water.

Lenten Monday

Religious services, feasts and carnivals are held in the three weeks prior to Lenten Monday (Katharí Deftéra).

Lent

A period of penance to commemorate Jesus fasting before Easter, Lent culminates in Pentecost in June.

Pentecost

Sometimes known as the Feast of Weeks, Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Ghost on the Apostles.

Dormition of the Virgin

The most important religious celebration after Easter takes place every 15 August throughout the islands.

Traditional Festivals

Taking place throughout the year, these festivals (panegíria) celebrate each island’s patron saint.

Christmas

Christ’s birth is celebrated with services, prayers and the giving of gifts.