This is a
Cruise Ship Passengers
Other options of the same trip:
This tour includes:
- Transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicle with a driver
- Port pick up and drop off
- Professional English (or your chosen language) speaking licenced guide
- Visit the major churches of Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic religions located in Corfu Town
- Free time for shopping and/or dining in Corfu Town
This private tour has been specially designed for everyone interested in the Christian religion, and the culture and history of Christianity of Corfu. The tour comprises visits to the most important churches in Corfu Town. At the end of the tour you will have enough free time to continue sight seeing, shop or dine in one of the traditional tavernas.
The Church of St. Spyridon
The Church of St. Spyridon is by far the most venerated place of worship on the island. Built in 1589, it is recognised by the tall bell tower, topped with a red dome. It is a single nave basilica, similar in design to the Greek church St. Giorgio's del Greci in Venice. Inside two white marble railings separate the main nave from the front of the sanctuary. The inscription on the railings state they were made in Venice in 1852.
St. Spyridon is one of the Great Saints of Greek Orthodoxy and therefore a constant stream of pilgrims from all over Greece visit all year round. The remains of the Saint are preserved and kept in a silver casket.
Many icons and original paintings decorate the inside of the church whilst pious offerings of imposing silver and gilt lamps and ornate chandeliers hang from the ceiling.
The Orthodox Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Spiliotissa
This small, icon rich church is dedicated to Corfu's second saint, Theodora. Her body lies in silver coffin next to the altar. She was brought to Corfu from Constanople with St Spyridon in 1453. The church was built in 1577 and is located in the Old Town in the square opposite the Old Port. It was first built as a single nave basilica. When the church became the Cathedral of Corfu in 1841 the two present side aisles were created by incorporating the pre-existing narthexes into the church. The Greek Orthodox Church proclaimed Theodora a Saint for her leading role in the reinstatement of holy images. The iconostasis, a wall separating the nave from the rest of the church, displays a wealth of icons of artistic merit.
The Church of Saint Antony
The Church of St. Antony is probably the most ancient ecclesiastical establishment in Corfu Town. Dating from the 14th century, it is named after St. Antony and St. Andrew. It is located at the end of Nikiphorou Theotoki Street and it is one of the oldest and most interesting churches in Corfu.
Cathedral of Saint Christopher and Saint James
This Catholic Cathedral is dedicated to St. James the Apostle and St Christopher the Martyr. It was sanctified on 31st December 1553 by Father James Cocco. Today it operates as a Catholic Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Corfu, Kefalonia and Zante.
Built in the classic 16th century Venetian style it has been through many renovations. It was destroyed in 1943 by German bombs and it was rebuilt in 1970.
The Nave consists of six little chapels that were added by Archbishop Lavia. On the left, there is The Chapel of Christ the King of the Universe, the Byzantine icon with Virgin Mary and St. Theresa of Lizzie. On the right there are three chapels dedicated to Saint Spyridon and Saint Arsenius, The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary and Panachrantos Sacrament of the Eucharist. The central altar is dominated by Christ Crucified. In the church there are many remarkable works of ecclesiastical art and funerary monuments.
Our tour continues as we head back into Corfu Town. You can visit the Old Town, where the narrow, cobbled streets are known as Kantounia, the Espianada and the cricket ground. You will have some free time to stroll along the Liston Arcades, visit the palace of St. Michael and St. George, have lunch or do some shopping.