MONASTERIES
1. Moní Hozoviótissa, Amorgós
Near Amorgós Town
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. Resident monks host a festival here every 21 November.
Dramatically sited Moní Hozoviótissa
2. Moní Zoödóchou Pigís, Póros
Póros Town
This 18th-century monastery is called Zoödóchos Pigís (meaning life-giving) because it is built around a curative spring. The white structure is surrounded by pine forest and is a lovely sight. A fine collection of icons and the intricately carved gilded iconostasis separating the nave from the sanctuary are noteworthy.
3. Moní Katharón, Itháki
Anogí
Believed to originate from before the 17th century and built at an altitude of 600 m (1,970 ft), this remote and beautiful monastery is one of the oldest in the islands. It was renovated after the earthquake of 1953 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
4. Moní Platytéra, Corfu
Corfu Town
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and to Saint Chrysanthos, this 18th-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.
5. Moní of the Panagía Odigítria, Lefkáda
Lefkáda Town
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.
6. Moní Panagía of Vlachérna, Corfu
Kanóni
A landmark of Corfu, this white monastery stands on an islet in the Chalikópoulos Lagoon off Kanóni reached by a causeway. The 17th-century building, which once housed a convent, has striking architectural features and ecclesiastical icons.
Moní Panagía of Vlachérna
7. Moní of St John of Lagadá, Zákynthos
Katastári
Built in the 16th century and later remodelled in the 17th century, this remote monastery has frescoes and gilded iconostasis dating back centuries. It is now home to one monk.
8. Néa Moní, Híos
This austere monastery (see Néa Moní, Híos) was built in the 11th century by Byzantine emperor Constantine IX Monomacho and his wife.
Néa Moní, known for its fine mosaics
9. Moní Transfiguration of the Saviour, Zákynthos
This Byzantine monastery, dedicated to Ágios Dionýsios, the patron saint of Zákynthos, is an isolated structure lying on the island of Stamfáni in the Strofádes, an archipelago that belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church.
10. Moní Agíou Gerásimou, Kefalloniá
Frangáta
A white-walled, red-roofed structure in the Mount Enos foothills, this monastery is dedicated to Gerásimos, Kefalloniá’s patron saint. His mausoleum is in the monastery.
TOP 10 RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
1. Epiphany
On 6 January, Epiphany events take place throughout the islands and are marked by the blessing of water.
2. Lenten Monday
Religious services, feasts and carnivals are held in the three weeks prior to Lenten Monday (Katharí Deftéra).
3. 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.
4. Lent
A period of penance to commemorate Jesus fasting before Easter, Lent culminates on Easter Sunday in April.
5. Good Friday
Easter, the most important festival of the year, starts with a procession representing the funeral of Christ.
Good Friday festivities
6. Easter Sunday
After midnight every Saturday, worshippers light candles in their local churches to depict the bringing of holy light and good fortune.
7. Pentecost
Sometimes known as the Feast of Weeks, Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Ghost on the Apostles.
8. Dormition of the Virgin
The most important religious celebration after Easter takes place on 15 August throughout the islands.
9. Traditional Festivals
Taking place throughout the year, these festivals (panegíria) celebrate each island’s patron saint.
10. Christmas
Christ’s birth is celebrated with services, prayers and the giving of gifts.
