Island Breeze by Sarah O. #8 – Claire’s visit to the Saint Gerasimos celebrations
A wonderful experience of local culture! During her week’s visit to Kefalonia we took my mother-in-law Claire to the celebrations of Saint Gerasimos on 20th October. It was a beautifully sunny and hot day and as we approached the Omala Valley we could see how busy the area around the monastery was because the sun… Read more
Virgin Mary Drapaniotissa Celebrations
Theotokos Myrtidiotissa is honoured in Kefalonia at St. Dionysios church (or Church of Virgin Mary in Drapano) where the Sacred Icon is kept. Theotokos Drapaniotissa is the Patron of Argostoli and is also known as “Panagia of Drapano” or simply “Drapaniotissa” . Celebrated on the 24th September where ceremonies in her honour take place and… Read more
Saint Gerasimos Cave, Lassi
In the popular resort of Lassi, 3km from Argostoli, you can visit Saint Gerasimos’ Cave; Saint Gerasimos is the patron saint of Kefalonia. The cave, signposted from the main road (look out for the green sign), is located up a steep hill, at the side of the small chapel. To get into the cave you must… Read more
St. John Chrysostom little church at Vari, Erissos
On your way to Fiskardo, there are several places worth stopping at. One of them is the little church of St John Chrysostom (one of the Three Hierarchs) at the small village of Vari. Followers of John Chrysostom countered that the “Golden Mouthed” (Greek: Χρυσόστομος) Archbishop of Constantinople was unmatched in both eloquence and in… Read more
Road trip of temples, snakes and lilies – 15th August
One of the most important dates in the Eastern Orthodox calendar is 15th August – the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It’s a national holiday which sees events taking place all over the country to celebrate Mary ascending into heaven. Of course Kefalonia celebrates too, so Anna and I decided to visit some of the… Read more
Assumption of Virgin Mary, Arginia
At the church in the tiny settlement of Arginia, high up on the mountainside above the south coast, there is an icon of the Virgin Mary depicting her with snakes. Each August, around the feast of the Assumption on the 15th, snakes appear at the church and rest on the icon. Parishioners and visitors are… Read more
Panagia Lagouvarda or Fidoussa, Markopoulo
The church of Panagia Lagouvarda or Fidoussa (of the snakes) is located in the mountainside village of Markopoulo around 30km from Argostoli. The church is renowned throughout the Orthodox world for the icon which depicts the Virgin Mary with small snakes. “Panagia Fidoussa” is the name given to the image – Virgin of the Snakes… Read more
Virgin Mary Gravaliotissa or of the Krina (lillies), Pastra
The church of Gravaliotissa is located in the small mountain village of Pastra and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. On August 15th the feast of the Assumption is celebrated on Kefalonia and this particular church plays an important role in the celebrations drawing many visitors and tourists from all over the world to witness… Read more
The Festival of Grape Harvest and Moustalevria
The Festival of Grape Harvest and Moustalevria is held annually at Agia Paraskevi, Troianata, in the heart of the Robola wine area. The festival is one of the most important events of the year in the wine region and illustrates the cultural heritage of the area, specifically the harvest of the famous grapes which make… Read more
Sissia Monastery, Simotata
It is said that the Old Sissia Monastery was constructed in the 13th century by order of Saint Francis of Assisi (the Catholic saint protector of animals & nature) in the name of the Virgin Mary. It is therefore likely that the name ‘Sissia’ is an alteration of the name Assisi. The monastery is located… Read more
Zoodohos Pigi Monastery and trail
The “life-giving” trail! It was exactly 3 months ago when I had a call from Stefanos, the owner of Euphoria Agricultural Tourism, he said he was getting ready to go back to the spring of the Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi (dated from 1400AD) to carry water to make his well known Tsipouro (strong distilled spirit containing… Read more
Monastery of Mother of God-“Themata”
Monastery of Mother of God-“Themata” was built in the 11th century on the slope of Agia Dinati near Makriotika, just 6 km from Agia Efimia.
Agioi Fanentes Monastery, Sami
The ruins of Agioi (Saint) Fanentes Monastery are located a few km from Sami on the way to Antisamos beach. Here you can admire superb frescoes from the post-Byzantine era.
Agrilia Monastery of Mother of God, Sami
Located a few km from Sami village towards Antisamos beach,and about half way in between, you will find a signpost. The monastery was built in 18th century on the spot where the miraculous icon of Theotokos was found by two shepherds and their maid in 1722.
Atros Monastery
Panagia of Atros is the oldest monastery of Kefalonia, sits at an altitude of 760 meters above the bay of Poros, 37 km from Argostoli. Built around the 8th century, it is a rare element of monastic architecture. Until this day the medieval tower is still preserved in good condition. It was destroyed many times by earthquakes and fire. But… Read more
Ancient Sami, trail
Walk through history and enjoy magnificent views Located about 9km from Agia Efimia and 2km from Sami, on the top of the hill, stands the ancient Acropolis of Sami. If you enjoy walking, try the following route: On your way to or back from Antisamos beach, you follow the sign to “Ancient Acropolis of Sami” with the car.
Kipouria Monastery
Breathtaking Sunset! During your day trip to the Paliki area, 15km from Lixouri and very close to Platia Ammos, you can find Kipouria Monastery (Moni Kipouraion) built in 1759 by Archimandrite Chrysanthos Petropoulos from Paxos. Its name “Kipouria” comes from the greek word “kipos” (land, vegetable garden) as the monks supported themselves by cultivating all the land… Read more
Venetian Lighthouse & Byzantine Basilica, Fiskardo
Church’s ruins The Byzantine Basilica of Fiskardo dates back to the 6th century AD. An impressive Venetian Lighthouse “Faros” is still standing there with a later British built replacement at the back. The remains of a Byzantine Basilica stand nearby. In 2018 an extensive renovation programme took place to preserve the lighthouse, which unfortunately is… Read more
Saint (Agios) Gerasimos, Omala
The religious centre of Kefalonia is undoubtedly the Monastery of Agios (Saint) Gerasimos at Omala. The monastery is located 15km from Argostoli where twice a year, thousands of believers gather to worship Agios Gerasimos. A few people vow to go to the monastery on foot from their houses just before the celebrations of August 16th, to honour the Saint for supporting… Read more