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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Davgata To Argostoli or St.Konstantinos beach, Walking Trail
This is an approx 1h walk from Davgata village to Argostoli over the beautiful bridge of the capital. Davgata village is located at approx 300m height on the slopes of a mountain. The route is approx 5km through the old road (so it is very easy to walk) and offers magnificent views of the Argostoli […]
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 […]
St. George’s icon procession at Skala
Every year on Saint George’s Day the icon of St. George is taken from Skala church in a procession which goes down to the beach and follows the coastal road to Saint George’s little church at the area of Gradou. Locals and visitors follow the procession that is been led by proud men riding majestic […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]