Corfu Metropolitan Cathedral (Panagia Spiliotissa)

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Corfu, also known as Panagia Spiliotissa, stands on Mitropoleos Square in the Campiello district of Corfu Old Town in Kerkyra, Greece. It is the seat of the Orthodox Metropolitan of Corfu and one of the main churches of the island. The building dates in its present form from the 16th century, though it was later altered and restored, and it sits near the waterfront on the western side of the Old Town, close to the Old Port. Inside, visitors find a richly decorated interior in the Ionian tradition, with a carved and gilded iconostasis, icons painted in the Heptanese style, hanging lamps and painted ceiling details. The most important treasure is the relic of Saint Theodora Augusta, a 9th-century Byzantine empress who restored the veneration of icons, whose remains are kept in a silver casket and attract pilgrims. The cathedral also contains a number of fine icons that reflect the mix of Byzantine and Italian influences found across Corfu. The square outside is quiet and gives a pleasant view of the surrounding pastel houses, and it is a good starting point for exploring the Campiello quarter's narrow lanes. A visit usually takes about 20 minutes, a little longer if a service is not under way and there is time to study the icons. The cathedral is open daily during the daytime, but hours vary with services, so visitors should expect it to be closed to tourists at times. Entry is free and donations are welcome. Visitors should dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees and behave quietly, since it is an active place of worship. Crowds are usually light compared with the nearby Church of Saint Spyridon, with the busiest times falling on major feast days and during Holy Week. It is a three-minute walk from the Liston.