The church of Saint Spyridon is located in Corfu old town. Situated very close to many other places of interest it can easily be included in your visit to Corfu Old town.
It was built in 1580s in a typical Venetian architecture of the time. Its bell tower is the highest in the Ionian Islands and can be seen from miles away. It is similar in design to its contemporary Greek Orthodox church of San Giorgio dei Greci located in Venice.
The church takes its name from the patron saint of Corfu Saint Spyridon whose relics are housed in it. According to legends, he has saved the island four times in total, from the Ottoman invasion, famine and twice from the plague.
The locals have deep faith in Saint Spyridon, who consider him the Protector of Corfu. For that reason, many are named after him Spyros, Spyridoula. Most Families have at least one namesake in it.
When visiting the Church, as a place of worship you must practise modesty. You must wear appropriate clothes that cover the shoulders and knees or have something with you to cover up. Visitors are not allowed in with exposed knees and shoulders.
Outside the West entrance, there is a candle station where you can buy and light a candle. You will also notice many bringing their own to light some as tall as a person. These are promises purchased from shops surrounding the church and should be at least as tall as the person offering them.
From time to time a member of staff will come and take away a bunch of candles from the station. This is done to make room for more as well as for health and safety reasons. If this was not done, then people could burn themselves reaching in to place a candle in a gap or even set alight an item of clothing. So please don’t get offended if you see your candle taken away only moments after it was lit.
Once inside you are away from the hustle and bustle. The interior is dark, and peaceful with the aroma of incense in the air. Here you can find a moment to pray, reflect or meditate surrounded by the great iconography on the ceiling, iconostasis, and walls. The ceiling is divided into segments depicting scenes from St. Spyridon’s life and his miracles.
To the right of the iconostasis, there is a crypt where the remains of Saint Spiridon are kept in a double Casket. The larger is silver and contains the smaller wooden with silver leaf trim. The smaller Casket is surfaced in red velvet and has a removable bottom to facilitate changing the slippers of the saint.
The Casket is open at certain times allowing worshipers to view the body of St Spyridon. There is a timetable displaying when the casket is open so keep an eye out if you are interested in doing so.
The remains of the saint can be seen outside the church on four occasions throughout the year. Following the local customs, they are carried in a procession around the town of Corfu on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, August 11th and the first Sunday of November (Protokiriako).
How to get to the Church of Saint Spyridon
The easiest and least complicated way to get to the Saint Spyridon church is via Spianada Square. So no matter where you are Corfu Town if you aim to get to Liston you are only a few minutes walk away. Its Bell tower with its Clock will guide as it stands tall around the other buildings in the area but it’s more visible if further away as the closer you are your viewable eye line is obscured by other buildings even if they are not as tall. Bust once in the vicinity it can’t be missed.
The church has two entrances West and East and each is accessible through a different street. To get to the west entrance get to the end of the Liston Building towards the Asian Art Museum. once there walk along its side and continue in the narrow street that is full of souvenir shops. The bell tower can be seen from the entrance of the street. Just walk halfway through and you will find it to your left. This entrance is wheelchair friendly as it doesn’t have many steps like the East side.
For the East entrance aim to get to the middle of the Liston building/s where there is a gap. Walk down its side onto the pedestrianised street with shops on either side. This street is quite wide. Walk until you reach a small square to your right next to a church. walk onto the square and walk towards its other side. Once you get to its end you will be faced with the East entrance just above some steps.