Orthodox church of the island's patron saint, built in 1589 and recognisable by its red-domed campanile, the tallest in the Ionian Islands. It holds the silver casket with the relics of Saint Spyridon, carried through the town in four annual processions.
The Church of Saint Spyridon stands on Agiou Spyridonos Street in the heart of Corfu Old Town, in the Ionian Islands of Greece. It was completed in 1589 to hold the relics of Saint Spyridon, a 4th-century bishop of Trimythous in Cyprus, whose body had been brought to Corfu after the fall of Constantinople and was kept by a local family before being placed in the church. The building was constructed during Venetian rule, when Orthodox worship was tolerated alongside the Catholic establishment, and it became the focus of devotion for Corfiots. The saint's intercession is credited in local tradition with ending plague outbreaks and with relief from Ottoman sieges, in particular the siege of 1716.
Externally the church is recognisable by its tall red-domed bell tower, the highest in the Ionian Islands, which rises above the narrow lanes of the Old Town. The building follows a single-aisle basilica plan typical of the Ionian Orthodox tradition, with a rich interior influenced by Venetian and Italian art. The nave has a painted ceiling, hanging silver lamps, and an iconostasis with icons from the Heptanese school. The silver casket (larnaka) holding the saint's relics stands near the sanctuary and is opened for veneration; the mummified body is not seen from outside, but visitors may see the casket and the votive offerings that surround it.
The church is an active place of worship, not a museum, and services shape the visiting hours. The relics are carried in procession through the streets four times a year: on Palm Sunday, Holy Saturday, in August and on the first Sunday of November. These events draw large crowds, and the Holy Saturday procession in particular is a defining moment of the local Easter. The church has been restored several times, including after wartime damage, and remains in good condition.
| Admission | Free (donations welcome) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open daily during daytime hours; opening hours vary with services and the church calendar |
| Address | Agiou Spyridonos Street, Corfu Old Town, 491 00 Kerkyra, Greece |
Why it matters
The church houses the relics of Saint Spyridon, the patron saint credited by islanders with saving Corfu from plague and Ottoman attack. The processions held in his honour are among the island's oldest living religious traditions.
Location
Agiou Spyridonos Street, Corfu Old Town, 491 00 Kerkyra, Greece
39.6205, 19.9214 View on map
Highlights
- Look up at the red-domed bell tower, the tallest in the Ionian Islands
- See the silver casket holding the relics of Saint Spyridon
- Note the painted ceiling and silver votive lamps in the nave
- Check the calendar for the four annual processions of the relics
Tips for visiting
- Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, as in any Orthodox church.
- Avoid visiting during services unless attending, and keep quiet.
- Photography rules vary, so ask at the entrance before using flash.
- Visit early in the day to avoid cruise-ship crowds.
- Plan for the processions on Palm Sunday, Holy Saturday, in August and in November.
When to visit
Early morning is calm. Holy Saturday, Palm Sunday and 11 August bring the major processions and large crowds.
Accessibility
The entrance is close to street level and the nave is largely flat, though the lanes around it are narrow and paved with uneven stone. Access for wheelchairs is generally possible, but crowds can make movement difficult.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry is free, though donations are welcomed and many visitors light a candle.
How long does a visit take?
Most visits take 15 to 30 minutes, longer if a service is in progress.
Who was Saint Spyridon?
He was a 4th-century bishop of Trimythous in Cyprus, and Corfu's patron saint since his relics arrived on the island.