LEFKADA GREECE

RELIGIOUS
DESTINATIONS

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Μ έςriτeηsςoΛf εL
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Να leύsς
pο aκnαd
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κύaνgηeμaαt σth
Πilρgοriσm
P
PREFECTURE OF LEFKADA
email: [email protected]
www.lefkada.gr
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 LEFKADA II RELIGIOUS DESTINATIONS II

HOLY TEMPLE OF ST. MINAS It stands out for the magnificent ba-
roque wooden carved iconostasis, deco-
rated with leaves of gold and beautiful
icons οf post-Byzantine art, painted by
Konstantinos Kontarinis. The marvellous
icons of the “urania” (ceiling), painted
by the great Heptanesian icon painters
Nikolaos Doxaras and Nikolaos Kout-
EUROPE - GREECE GREECE - LEFKADA ouzis, were destroyed by a fire in 1977
and replaced by reproductions, painted
by the contemporary artist Themistocles
Karfakis. It stands out for its iron bell-tow-
Thessaloniki
er. It celebrates on 11/11.
ITALY The most admirable of Lefkada’s
From the Temple of Saint Minas begins
temples, situated in the most central
the Central Market of the city, the “Ba-
location of the city. It was built in 1707,
zaar”, a pedestrian precinct leading to
after the miracle of Saint Minas, Saint
Ioannina the beach, embellished with temples
Victor and Saint Vincent during the
for Brindisi and houses of antiseismic construction
Corfu Igoumenitsa earthquake of 11 November 1704.
for Ancona (ground floor built with stone and upper
for Venice floors built with wood and painted steel
Paxi sheet) – typical examples of Lefkadian
Volos architecture.
Lefkada Aktion - Airport

Ithaca

Kefalonia
Antirion HOLY TEMPLE OF In the interior, you will find the impres-
EVANGELISTRIA sive neoclassical iconostasis, the wooden
Patras Rion
Athens (Metropolis) curved Despotic throne, the high pulpit,
Zakynthos
as well as the huge columns, dividing
the temple into three naves. The icons of
Renaissance art decorating the iconos-
tasis and the urania were painted by the
Lefkada Ferry Boat National Rion - Antirion bridge Lefkadian icon painters Spyr. Stampoglis
Highway and Spyr. Gazis (end of 19th – beginning
of 20th century). Formal ceremonies and
How to get to Lefkada doxologies are performed in the Temple
By car: Through the tunnel connecting Preveza and Aktion • Through the port of Igoumenitsa and the Metropolite officiates here on
(100km) • Through the port of Patras (170km) great feasts (Christmas, Epiphany, Great
By bus: From Athens (378km), 5-hour routes • From Thessaloniki (420km), 5-hour routes as Thursday – Easter). The feast of the Tem-
well. KTEL (Greek Bus Operators) Tel.: of Lefkada 26450 22364, of Athens: 210 5150108, of ple is celebrated on 25/5. The Historical
Thessaloniki: 2310 595439 It is the Metropolitan Temple of the city,
Archive of Lefkada is housed in an adja-
By airplane: From Athens, Thessaloniki and Siteia, Crete, to Aktion (18km Aktion - Lefkada) • seat of the Metropolite of Lefkada and
cent building. A small “sokaki” (narrow
Tel.: Olympic Air 210 3550500, Athens Airways 210 6696600, 801 801 4000 Ithaca. Built for the first time in 1689,
road) leads to the “Bazaar”, to the Holy
it took its present shape in 1886, after
Temple of the Entry of the Most Holy
consecutive disasters and earthquakes.
Theotokos into the Temple.
Itineraries to the surrounding islands
Daily ferry boat services from Nidri and Vassiliki to Kefalonia, Ithaca and Meganisi. Small tourist
boats to nearby beaches and islets, as well.

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 LEFKADA II RELIGIOUS DESTINATIONS II LEFKADA II RELIGIOUS DESTINATIONS II

HOLY TEMPLE OF EISO- It is characterized by the high baroque HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT Having remained loyal to traditional
iconostasis, the renaissance paintings decoration, it is a typical Lefkadian tem-
DIA OF THEOTOKOS ANARGIRI ple: simple basilica, high wooden curved
on the urania and the walls, and the
post-Byzantine icons on the iconosta- iconostasis, remarkable post-Byzantine
sis, all painted by Lefkadian icon paint- icons painted by Stylianos Devaris and
ers (Ioannis Roussos, Styl. Devaris, Dem. Renaissance paintings by Spyr. Gazis. A
Kampisos – Mpelos, Spyr. Stampoglis, Heptanesian choir chants on Sundays
Spyr. and Ourania Gazis). The representa- and feasts. It celebrates on 1/7 and on
tion of the Second Advent on top of the 1/11 to the memory of St. Anargiri, Ko-
iconostasis is imposing. The “deposito”, smas and Damianos. Saint Dionysios,
a special priedieu for the icon of the archbishop of Aegina, is also honoured
Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into there through litany of his “larnax” (oil-
the Temple next to the Holy Podium, painting - reproduction of his relic) on 17
is also impressive. The traditional Hep- December.
Previously a fraternal temple, it is today
tanesian bell-tower is unique in the city
a chapel of the parish of Evangelistria. The parish temple of Saint Anargiri is situated
of Lefkada. It was recently restored, after in the square of “Markas”, not far from the
Erected for the first time in 1720, it
the earthquake of 2003. It celebrates on Market of the city and very close to the
forms a typical example of Lefkadian
21/11. This should form a must-stop dur- temple of “Panagia ton Xenon (Virgin Mary of
ecclesiastical art.
ing your evening- or morning walk to the the Foreigners)”. It was erected in 1725.
Market of the city.
HOLY TEMPLE OF PANAGIA It was erected in 1718 and decorated
with icons painted by Dem. Kampisos –
TON XENON
(VIRGIN MARY OF THE FOREIGNERS) Mpellos and Sp. Gazis, while its last resto-
ration was recently completed. Its feast is
celebrated on 8/9, as well as on 15/8. In
HOLY TEMPLE OF It was erected for the first time in 1700
as a thanksgiving of the Orthodox Lefka- the evening of 15 August a litany of the
PANTOKRATOR dians to the Pantocrator Christ for the icon of the Assumption of the Theotokos
liberation from the Turks (6/8/1684). Af- begins from the Temple and passes
ter the devastating earthquake in 1869 through the main streets of the city.
it was re-erected and decorated with At the square of Markas, the Public Li-
works of Spyros Ventouras and Dionysios brary of Lefkada with the Collection of
Kalivokas, as well as with the first neo- Icons of Post Byzantine Art, the “Chara-
classical iconostasis of Lefkada. moglios Special Library of Lefkada”
As a private temple, it belongs to the Sta- (having figured in the Guinness Book of
vros and Valaoritis families and therefore World Records as the largest special sub-
Not far from the Sacred Temple of Saint Anargiri is ject library with more than 40.000 books
opens only on the day of its celebration the parish temple of “Panagia ton Xenon”. Dedicated
(6/8, Metamorphosis) and for the Doxol- to the Nativity of Theotokos, it owes its epithet “ton concerning exclusively Lefkada, engrav-
ogy of the 21st May, the anniversary of Xenon” (of the Foreigners) to the residents of Lefkada ings, maps etc.) are also located, as well
the Unification of the Heptanese with who came from the opposite mainland (Epirus, Sterea as the library of the exceptional neohel-
This historic church is situated almost Mother Greece (1864).
Ellada, Peloponnese) and registered there as members
len Byzantinologist, Nikos Svoronos.
of the parish.
in the centre of the Market. It stands In the garden, behind the Holy Podium,
out for its baroque façade with many lies the grave of the Lefkadian national HOLY TEMPLE OF A picturesque chapel built in the 19th
gothic elements, as well as for the poet, Aristotelis Valaoritis, who hymned century. It is located in a rich plain close
traditional cobble-stone pavement in SAINT MARINA to the beach of Saint Ioannis, ideal for a
in his popular poems the Struggles of
front of the temple. the Nation for Liberty, and significantly quite pleasurable walk.
contributed to the Struggles of the Hep- It presents the architecture of the island
tanesians for Unification. temples and it celebrates on 17/7.

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HOLY TEMPLE OF
It is a parish temple, situated a few me- The countryside close to the city (Kampos, Gyra, Ai-Giannis, Fryni, Apolpaina,
SAINT NICHOLAS ters far from the pedestrian precinct of Kalligoni) offers the visitor the opportunity to enjoy the beauties of Lefkadian
the Market. With impressive iconostasis, nature by taking a recreational walk.
baroque entrances and windows and
the greatest icons of Ioan. Rousos and
Sp. Ventouras, it is one of the most im-
HOLY TEMPLE OF ST. MAURA The large temple of the Saint that existed
at that time was destroyed by the English
portant churches of the city. It is worth (1810) and the southeast bastion of the
making a small deviation during your Fortress was transformed into a church,
morning or evening walk to the Bazaar. It which exists up to now. It celebrates on
celebrates on 6 December with litany of 3/5. The castle is a well-maintained fort
the icon of the Saint. Open both morn- with a moat, semicircular bastions and
It was erected for the first time in 1687 ings and evenings. secret passages, and to which almost
with the permission of the Venetians, all conquerors left their contribution. It
and re-erected several times due to is worth taking a walk to the machicola-
earthquake destructions. It is situated in the Frankish castle of tions, and especially to the bastion with
Saint Maura. Frank Andigavians spread the beacon and the flat roof on top
HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT It is a small church of great value: the the virtue of Saint Maura to the island, of the temple of the Saint, where the
Despotic icons of the iconostasis etc. which for six centuries was named “Agia bell-tower is situated, offering a view to
DEMETRIOS Lefkada. 1
were painted in about 1721 by the ex- Maura”.
ceptional representative of the “Hep-
tanesian School” of icon painting, Pana-
giotis Doxaras. The temple was erected
for the first time in 1688 and the present
HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT It is the most ancient Christian monu-
ment of the island. According to the
iconostasis, marvellous as well, is a work JOHN “ANTZOUSIS” tradition, apostles Paul and Aquila spoke
of Panos Prosalentis. The recently reno- here about Christ. The temple was cre-
vated temple opens in agreement with ated by Frank Andigavians (Anjou) in the
the parish priest of the Holy Temple of 14th century, to whom it owes its name.
Saint Nicholas. It celebrates on 26 Oc- It celebrates on the day of the behead-
tober. ing of Saint John Prodromos on 29/8
Former glebe of the Red Church Mon-
astery, it is today a chapel of the nearby and to the memory of St. Aquila on 14/7.
Sacred Temple of Saint Nikolaos, at the Pilgrimage can perfectly be combined
square of Panos Giannoulis in the city. with swimming to the adjacent beach
and eating in the small taverns of the
HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT It is decorated with a magnificent A cave in the rocks of the coast of area. 2
wooden curved iconostasis with almost Ai-Giannis was transformed into such
PARASKEVI untouched by time post Byzantine a picturesque church.
icons, masterpieces of the exceptional
icon painter, Tomazos Tzen. Its feast is
celebrated on 26/7 to the memory of HOLY TEMPLE OF PANA- A picturesque country chapel of the
Saint Paraskevi, as well as the local mira- parish of Panagia ton Xenon, situated
GIA VLAHERNON in the plain of Lefkada celebrating on 2
cle of Saint Barbara against a pestilential
disease (the “pox”) on the 3rd Sunday of July. The “filiki” (members of the “Society
May, with litany of the icon of the Saint. of Friends”) from West. Sterea, Epirus and
Lefkada, on Carnival Sunday of 1821,
A chapel of the Holy Temple of Panagia swore on the Holy Gospel of this church
ton Xenon, situated in Dimarhou Ver- in order to initiate here as well the Strug-
rioti street, close to the Central Square gle of the Nation for Liberty. There is also
of the city. a commemorative column. 3

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HOLY TEMPLE OF
SAINT KYRIAKI “The chapel of the rock”, dedicated to HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT Every year, on the feast of the Saint (26
Saint Kyriaki is situated in the peninsula July), as well as on May Day, there is
PARASKEVI in Agios Elias a great concourse of pilgrims. If you
“Geni” in the cove of “Vlyhos”, opposite
from the cosmopolitan Nydri. It has an choose to ascend the plateau of Eglouvi
accessible land route passing through a from Southern Lefkada through the
green path. You can also visit it by renting villages of Syvros and Agios Elias, you
a small boat from Nydri and combine the should definitely stop by this pictur-
visit with a cruise to the “Princes’ Islands esque location to enjoy the cool sensa-
of Lefkada”: Onasis’ Skorpios, Valaoritis’ tion under the large plane-tree and ad-
Madouris or even Meganisi. It celebrates mire from this natural balcony the view
on 7/7. 4 to southern Lefkada, Ithaca and neigh-
bouring Kefalonia. 8
This small country chapel is situated
outside the village of Agios Elias.

It is one of the few churches with a dome

HOLY TEMPLE OF PANA- HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT The route leading there is delightful and
on the whole island. The route you have
GIA EVANGELISTRIA to follow to get there is impressive and MARINA in Komelio it is a must-stop for relaxation, pilgrimage
in Neohori
really beautiful. It is worth taking a walk and picture taking. A great concourse
to the streets and the verdant country- of pilgrims visits the feast of the Saint
side of the village, as well as to the near- on 17/7. In a short distance, there is the
junction to Komelio - Dragano - Athani,
by country chapels of Saint George, Saint
which leads up to the cape of Lefkata,
Demetrios and “Misosporitissa” (Entry
the monastery of Saint Nicholas in Ira
into the Temple). It celebrates on 25/3. 5
and the renowned beaches of Porto Kat-
siki and Gialos. 9

HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT It is situated in the centre of the village A picturesque country chapel of Agia
DEMETRIOS in Katohori Katohori, decorated with old frescoes Marina, situated in a shady and cool
on the Sacred Podium and remarkable location, next to the rural road connecting
icons. As all the other smaller churches Lefkada – Ag. Petros, which is under the
of the village, equally historical, with parish of Komelio.
icon painted stone iconostasis and old
frescoes, it is awaiting the pilgrims. It cel-
ebrates on 26/10. 6 HOLY TEMPLE OF THE DORMI- Situated in the interior of the village, it
was erected in the mid 20th century to
TION OF THEOTOKOS in Vasiliki replace an older temple. Vasiliki, with the
beautiful nearby beaches and its small
HOLY TEMPLE OF THE DOR- It is situated in the entrance of the tour- port, is an ideal place for enjoying sea
ist and cosmopolitan village of Nydri; activities, swimming, eating and staying,
MITION OF THEOTOKOS during the tourist period it is open all while offering easy access to Kefalonia
in Nydri
day long and welcomes the visitors of and Ithaca by ferry-boats sailing from
the area before or after their cruise to here. It celebrates on 15/8. 10
the nearby islands. Nydri is another ideal
place to eat and buy souvenirs. It cel-
ebrates on 15/8. 7
The central temple of Vasliki, the seat of
the Municipality of Apollonia, is dedi-
cated to the Dormition of Theotokos.

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HOLY TEMPLE OF Erected for the first time in the mid 18th HOLY TEMPLE OF A beautiful high bell tower clock deco-
SAINT SPYRIDON in Lazarata century, It celebrates in the memory SAINT SPYRIDON in Karya rates the temple. Its plain classical
of Saint Spyridon (12/12), as well as in iconostasis is a work of Ioannis Vrettos
the memory of the miraculous res- (1925). It celebrates on 12/12, but there
cue of Corfu from the Turkish siege in is a special feast on 11/8 to celebrate
11/8/1716. The church is decorated with the miracle of Saint Spyridon against
a magnificent baroque iconostasis, with the Turkish conquerors of Corfu, with a
fine Corinthian columns in white and great concourse of people gathering in
golden colours. The icons are works of the morning for the litany at the square
Vas. Sideris. The bell-tower was built with of the village, under the centenarian
soft stone and has three floors. Following plane-trees, characteristic of Karya. Un-
a path course, as well as the public roads, der their shadow, the visitor can enjoy
the visitor can get acquainted with the The central and one of the most a cup of coffee or a meal in the square,
beauty of the Lefkadian countryside in remarkable churches of Karya, the or even the 3-day representation of the
Sfakiotes. 11 main village of mountainous Lefkada, traditional rustic wedding in the heart of
is dedicated to Saint Spyridon. It was the summer. In the village you can also
erected in the end of the 19th century buy the marvellous Lefkadian embroi-
in the centre of the village. deries, worked with passion using the
“karsanika” stitch technique. 14
HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT Its well preserved baroque iconostasis,
one of the most beautiful on the island,
NICHOLAS in Kavallo is a work of P. Prosalentis. It celebrates on
6/12. In a short distance from the temple
lies the Kontomiheio Folklore Museum
of the Municipality of Sfakiotes, which HOLY TEMPLE OF It is the renowned country chapel of
displays tools of past artisans, represen- Saint Donatos, bishop of Euroia, on the
tations of the traditional cottage etc. Ru-
SAINT DONATOS in Eglouvi plateau of Eglouvi, where the famous
ral streets lead to countryside locations “lentils of Eglouvi” are cultivated, next to
with windmills and picturesque coun- the age-old “volti” (stone huts). The small
try churches, as well as to the Gorge of chapel is situated at an altitude of 900m
Melissa, with reconstructed watermills, and It celebrates on 7/8. In the afternoon
small bridges, rich vegetation and run- of the eve of the celebration, on the 6th
It was erected for the first time in the ning waters. 12 day of the month, the Vespers service
17th century. It took its present form takes place with litany of the icon and lo-
in the 19th century, after having been cal products, such as lentils, sardines and
painted by Sp. Gazis. wine are offered to the visitors. 15

HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT It celebrates on 13/11. Its magnificent

iconostasis is decorated with old icons of
JOHN CHRYSOSTOMOS fine post-Byzantine art. Walking among HOLY TEMPLE OF PROPHET The country chapel of the Saint of the
in Drymonas
the stone houses of the village help the mountains, Prophet Elias, and one of the
ELIAS in Eglouvi
visitors calm and relax. The musical tradi- few temples with dome on the island,
tion of the village is revived through the is situated on one of the highest peaks
Folk Music Festival that takes place dur- of the island. The unique view to all di-
ing the celebrations of 15 August. In a rections compensates for the effort to
short distance lie the villages of Kalamitsi ascend –on foot or by car. It celebrates
and Ag. Niketas, as well as the renowned on 20/7. 16
beach of Kathisma. 13

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HOLY MONASTERY OF PANAGIA FANEROMENI The monastery of Panagia Faneromeni, auxiliary rooms, a chapel dedicated to
a point of reference for all Lefkadians, is Saint Silouan the Athonite, as well as the
(VIRGIN MARY REVEALED) situated on a hill, above the city of Lefka- contemporary Ecclesiastical Museum,
da, within a distance of 3km from the rich in relics of the Holy Monastery and
city. Panagia is the patron of the island. other temples of the island. 17
Its feast is grandly celebrated on Monday
of the Holy Spirit with a great concourse
of pilgrims arriving from the surrounding
areas. The densely vegetated hill, where
the monastery of Kyra (The Lady) of the
island is situated, offers a magnificent
view to the city, the beaches of Ai-Gi-
annis, Miloi and Gyra, the Castle and the
opposite shores.
The centuries-long history of the Mon-
astery begins from the ancient years. At
that time a place of worship of the Lefka-
dian Artemis, it accepted the sermon of
the followers of Apostle Paul, Herodian
and Sosion. The wooden statue of the
goddess was miraculously smashed and
a small “house of worship” was gradually
erected. After the A’ Ecumenical Synod
(325 a.D.), two of the godbearing Fathers
followed the bishop of Lefkada, Saint Ag-
atharchos, and settled in the Monastery.
They built the first two cells, extended
the temple and organized monasticism
in Lefkada.
It was named “Faneromeni” (Revealed),
because the first icon of Panagia that
was ordered from Constantinople was
revealed after prayer to the hieromonch
and icon painter Kallistos “before it hav-
ing been made by hand”.
The monastery took its present form
during Venetian occupation. After a de-
structive fire, the temple was re-erected
in 1887 and obtained the new icon of
Theotokos, a reproduction of the old
one, painted in Mount Athos by the ier-
omonch Veniamin Kontrakis. The icon-
ostasis, a work of Eustathios Prosalentis,
as well as its icons, works of the broth-
ers Christodoulos and Thomas Zografos
from Chionades, Epirus were created at
the same time.
The monastery was recently renovated
with the construction of a new cell wing,
an abbey, a consistory room, a library,

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HOLY MONASTERY OF HOLY MONASTERY OF

SAINT JOHN PRODROMOS SAINT JOHN THEOLOGOS
in Livadi Karyas in Rodaki Vournika

The monastery of Saint John Prodro- One of the most interesting monaster-
mos is erected on an idyllic slope in ies of the island is preserved south of
the edge of the plateau of Karya, called the village Vournikas, in the location
“Livadi”. It was established in 1605 and Rodaki. It was most possibly erected
played an important role in the spiritu- in 1654, on the foundation of an an-
al, social and economic life of the island cient rural Doric sanctuary, probably
for a period of three centuries. In the dedicated to Demeter, the goddess
beginning of the 19th century it was of agriculture and fertility. The super-
the richest and the most densely popu- stition connecting the pilgrimage at
lated monastery of Lefkada. By the 18th the Monastery with the procreation of
century the Monastery of Odigitria children –and in fact male- by childless
and many other temples throughout couples is probably the repercussion
the island were already turned into its of some ancient belief. Only traces of
glebes, while over the 19th century the ancient temple, such as a Doric
it was maintaining a Lyceum in the capitals and part of the tile floor, are
city of Lefkada, run by the Scholar of still preserved. Towards the ending of
the Nation Athanasios Psallidas. In the the 18th century the Monastery passed
centre of the cathedral lies the grave under the authority of the Monastery
of the renowned “armatolos” (armed of Asomatos in Vaukeri. The temple
rebel) Simos Bouas alias Grivas (+1622). was recently renovated; it holds regu-
The present temple, single-spaced lar services and it is now maintained
with a wooden roof and a gynaikonitis in a fairly good condition. Parts of the
(women’s quarter), is decorated with frescoes, examples of an exceptionally
magnificent murals of the 18th century fine artistic brushwork, are preserved
in three layers: The lower layer depicts on the eastern wall of the main temple
whole-body icons of Saints, the middle in a good condition. It celebrates on
layer depicts Saints in medallions and 8 May. A small number of Masses are
the upper layer depicts the 24 stanzas hold there during the Holy Week and
of the Akathist Hymn. The ruins of the the festivities of 15 August. It is under
cell wings of the Monastery, reveal- the responsibility of the parish priest of
ing its old glory, as well as the ruins of Vournikas. Paths and rural streets guar-
the chapel of Saint Nicholas are still antee an exhilarating escape to the
preserved. The monastery fell apart in countryside of Vournikas and the plains
1925 and its property was distributed of Marantochori and Vassiliki. 19
to peasants. The Catholic has already
been reconstructed and It celebrates
on 24 June. The Holy Monastery is
under the responsibility of the parish
priest of Karya. 18

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HOLY MONASTERY OF HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT The monastery of Saint George is situ-
ated outside the quarter of Kolivata in
SAINT NICHOLAS in Ira GEORGE in Skari Alexandrou a verdant flat area with unlimited view.
The old monastery of Saint Nicholas is Despite the fact that it is now ruined, it is
situated in the SW end of Lefkada, near the most remarkable architectural com-
the cape of Lefkata - connected to the plex of Lefkada with a long history. The
ancient female poet Sappho and the Catholic is not accessible after the last
famous lighthouse- and a few km away earthquake, but its eastern wall remains
from the renowned beach of Porto untouched, decorated with remarkable
Katsiki. frescoes. Its iconostasis, created in 1724,
The monastery was erected in the 17th is especially interesting, since it is a rep-
century by families from the neigh- lica of the iconostasis of the temple of
bouring Athani. For many years the It was established in 1611 and served as Saint Minas in the city. The feast of the
Monastery was operating under “ad- coenobium Monastery, having hosted Holy Monastery is celebrated on 23/4. It
vowson law”, i.e. the “patrons” would important personalities of the local is under the authority of the parish priest
elect the prior and the parish priests. It Church. of Alexandros. 21
served as a place of “exile” for clerics. The
monastery is still operating.
The magnificent iconostasis of the
Catholic of the Monastery, work of An-
dreas Mpetzos (1799), is still preserved RETREAT OF THE HOLY Three Holy Fathers who followed Holy
Agatharchos, archbishop of Lefkada, to
almost untouched by time. The unique FATHERS his return to the island after the A’ Ecu-
icon of St. Nicholas (1699) also belongs menical Synod in Nicaea, Bithynia in 325
there. The Monastery of Saint Nicholas a.D., retreated here. Their graves lie in the
celebrates every year on 10 May, a spe- cave, which is today transformed into a
cial day for the whole southern Lefkada. temple. Holy water springs out of one
On this day the island celebrates the the graves, while its level remains always
transfer of the relic of St. Nicholas from constant. The Holy Fathers are celebrated
Myra in Lycia to Bari, Italy after action of on the seventh Sunday after Easter and
the Crusaders (13 century). The Monas- a great concourse of pilgrims visiting the
tery is under the authority of the parish retreat. It is under the authority of the
priest of Athani. One of the oldest Christian monuments parish priests of Nikiana and Karya. 22
Outside the monastery there is an old of the island, situated in a cave 5km above
threshing floor and stone hives for the Nikiana, towards Alexandros in Skari.
swarms of bees attracted by the thyme
growing in the surrounding area. 20
HOLY MONASTERY OF The first small temple was established by
monks in 1478 and was built with stones
EVANGELISTRIA OR RED and red clay of the region, to which it
CHURCH in Platystoma owes the name Red Church. The mon-
astery was formed during the 16th cen-
tury, while in the years of the Revolution
it served as a base for the fighters. It cel-
ebrates on 25 March. It is under the au-
thority of the parish priest of Platystoma.
23

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 LEFKADA II RELIGIOUS DESTINATIONS II LEFKADA II RELIGIOUS DESTINATIONS II

HOLY MONASTERY OF THE- The rural street leading to Sfakiotes pass- Visiting Meganissi offers a unique opportunity to make the most of the simple joys
es by the Monastery, while it is worth of life in the countryside. The small area of the island allows walking access to the
OTOKOS ODIGITRIA villages for coffee, food and acquaintance with the hospitable residents, to the
(GUIDING VIRGIN) in Apolpaena to take a walk to Odigitria through the
beaches and the “fjords” of the northern coast for swimming, and to the humble
olive grove of the city and Apolpaena.
country chapels for respectful pilgrimage.
The Catholic of the Monastery is a one
nave basilica with wooden roof. The
temple is not accessible by the pilgrims,
while most of the frescoes are kept in the
Byzantine Museum of Athens. However, HOLY TEMPLE OF It is the parish temple of the village,
beautiful and well maintained and al-
parts of a fresco of special art, combining SAINT VISSARION in Vathi ways open for the pilgrims during the
Paleologian and western style, are pre- summer months. It was erected in the
served on the eastern and southern wall. beginning of the 20th century, when
24
Saint Vissarion, Metropolitan Bishop of
It is the most ancient preserved Monas- Larisa, saved Meganissi from a widely dis-
tery of the island. It was established in persed pestilential disease. Since then,
the 11th century. the Saint is honoured as a patron saint
of the city and the day of his celebration
-15th September- is an official holiday for
HOLY MONASTERY OF ASO- The original temple was a small single the island. 27
spaced hall with saddleback roof, com-
MATOS MICHAEL in Vaukeri plemented by small low cells. In the
Catholic of the temple there are impor- HOLY TEMPLE OF It is the parish temple of the village
tant frescoes dated between the 16th Katomeri. Erected in the 19th century
SAINT APOSTLES in Katomeri
– 17th century which, at that time, used in the middle of the village, it awaits the
to cover the whole temple. The feast of pilgrims in a well maintained condition
the monastery is celebrated on 6/9. It is and always open to the public. It stands
under the authority of the parish priest out for its castellated bell-tower, while its
of Vaukeri. The village Vaukeri, with the “Ecclesiastical Hestia”, i.e. the residence of
temples of Saint John Chrysostomos and the parish priest, as well as the reception
Saint Marina along with the plane-trees room of the parishioners and the visitors
It was established in the 16th century and the running waters, are an absolute are situated next to the temple. It is hon-
and is situated outside Vaukeri on a must-stop. 25 oured in the name of the Saint Apostles
verdant hill. Peter and Paul and celebrates on 29/6. 28
HOLY MONASTERY OF The small Catholic of the monastery was
decorated with plenty of murals, few of
ST. GEORGE
in Marantochori (region of Mpisa) which are still preserved. A part of the HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT It is situated on the beach on the west of
remarkable wooden carved iconostasis the island, next to the sea strait separat-
dating from mid 18th century, as well as JOHN PRODROMOS ing Meganissi from Lefkada. According
in Spartochori
magnificent despotic icons dating from to tradition, the monastery was founded
the 17th century, are still preserved. At before 1477 and was destroyed by pi-
present it operates regularly as a country rates who threw the icon of the Saint
chapel and memorial church of the par- to the sea, which was later caught in a
ish. It celebrates on 23/4. The village Eu- fisherman’s nets and drawn out. In the
giros, the coastal tourist village of Syvota, mid 19th century Saint Joaquin the Itha-
the beach of Ammouso and the lake of can sent a devout woman to rebuild the
Marantochori are situated in a short dis- temple. The temple was radically reno-
It was established during the ending
tance from here. 26 vated a couple of years ago. Its feast is
of the 16th and the beginning of the
celebrated on 24/6. 29
17th century.

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 LEFKADA II RELIGIOUS DESTINATIONS II LEFKADA II RELIGIOUS DESTINATIONS II

HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT Ascending the main street of the village ECCLESIASTICAL MUSEUM
Kalamos, you should definitely visit the
TRINITY in Kalamos parish Holy Temple of Saint Trinity. Gran-
HOLY MONASTERY OF FANEROMENI, LEFKADA
diose and imposing from far away, it is It operates since 2006 in a separate building within the Holy Monastery of Fan-
famous for its magnificent and rich dec- eromeni, Lefkada and displays relics of the Holy Monastery, from other -ruined at
oration: the wooden carved iconostasis, present- Holy Monasteries of the island and from several Holy Temples. The exhibits
the despotic throne and the ornate pul- in the first two floors of the Museum offer the visitor a vivid image of the evolution of
pit, the artistic icons painted by Sp. Gazis, ecclesiastical life and culture in Lefkada. Ecclesiastical manuscripts and incunabulas,
devoted servant of Renaissance art. Lib- rare and old publications of Greek and foreign typographers, dating from the era of
erty fighters, klephtes and armatoli were the Turkish occupation (1497-1684) until the Unification (1864), are of great interest.
hosted in the island while being chased The largest part of the exhibits is comprised by works of Heptanesian and Lefkadian
by the Turks offered their oblations. Ex- icon painters, mainly post-Byzantine portable icons and parts of iconostasis. Various
patriate islanders sent their donations. silversmith works, mainly benediction crosses, communion cups, vigil oil candles,
A cruise to the island of Kalamos, either Sailors from Kalamos offered the fruits trays and coats of icons and gospel books, are also remarkable. Lastly, another large
by private yacht or by ship connecting of their labour to gloriously decorate the part is comprised by the various canonicals and pieces of pontificals, as well as a
Mytikas – Kalamos, is an opportunity to main church of the island, dedicated to remarkable range of dossals. Entry to the Museum is free. It is open on a daily basis.
take a walk to its forested countryside, the Trinitarian God, the Saint Trinity, cel-
swim in its virgin beaches and make ebrated every year on the Tuesday after
a pilgrimage at the well maintained the feast of the Holy Spirit. 30
chapels located in the countryside
and its villages (Episkopi, Kefali, Kastro,
Kalamos).

HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT You can get there either by private yacht
or by ship from the opposite town of COLLECTION OF POST-BYZANTINE ICONS OF THE
JOHN PRODROMOS Mytikas, Aetoloakarnania and enjoy
in Kastos
swimming, fishing and walking to the PUBLIC LIBRARY OF LEFKADA
countryside of the islet of Kastos with the The Collection of Post-Byzantine Icons and Religious Relics of the 16th century and
picturesque windmills and the beautiful afterwards is displayed in the 1st floor of the building of the Public Library of Lefkada.
small port. Sailors form Kastos and ex- The Library was established in 1953 thanks to the effort of eminent Lefkadians. The
patriates also decorated the church of aim of the Collection was to save the relics of the ruined Monasteries and the devas-
their patron, St. John, in an ornamental tated by the earthquakes Holy Temples of the island, and exhibit them to the public.
way, provoking the admiration of the The personnel of the Public Library of Lefkada guide the visitors to the Collection.
visitors of the area: oil-paintings of Gazis,
baroque wooden-carved iconostasis,
throne, pulpit, all of them carefully main-
tained. The temple, always open, awaits
Previously a castle monastery, the par- the pilgrims -especially on 24 June, when
ish Holy Temple of Saint John Prodro- the inhabitants of Kastos, along with Ith-
mos dominates at present in the tiny acans, Lefkadians and neighbours from
village of Kastos, the smallest inhabited Sterea, celebrate the Nativity of Prodro-
island of our Prefecture. mos with festive Mass and litany. 31

21
 PREFECTURE OF LEFKADA
Useful telephone numbers and Information 1) Holy Temple Of Saint Maura
2) Holy Temple Of St. John “Antzousis”
21) Holy Temple Of Saint George
22) Retreat Of The Holy Fathers LEFKADA
3) Holy Temple Of Panagia Vlahernon 23) Holy Monastery Of Evangelistria or Holy Temple Of Saint Minas
4) Holy Temple Of Saint Kyriaki Red Church Holy Temple Of Evangelistria
International Dialing Code for Greece: 0030 5) Holy Temple Of Panagia Evangelistria 24) Holy Monastery Of Theotokos Odigitria Holy Temple Of Eisodia Of
6) Holy Temple Of Saint Demetrios 25) Holy Monastery Of Asomatos Michael Theotokos
Prefecture of Lefkada: 26453 60700 7) Holy Temple Of The Dormition Of Theotokos 26) Holy Monastery Of Saint George Holy Temple Of Pantokrator
Department of Tourism, Culture and 26453 62129 - 26450 21613 8) Holy Temple Of Saint Paraskevi 27) Holy Temple Of Saint Vissarion Holy Temple Of Saint Anargiri
9) Holy Temple Of Saint Marina 28) Holy Temple Of Saint Apostles Holy Temple Of Panagia Ton Xenon
Commerce of Lefkada: 26453 62124 10) Holy Temple Of The Dormition Of 29) Holy Temple Of Saint John Prodromos Holy Temple Of Saint Marina
Fax: 26450 21715 Theotokos 30) Holy Temple Of Saint Trinity Holy Temple Of Saint Nicholas
11) Holy Temple Of Saint Spyridon 31) Holy Temple Of Saint John Prodromos Holy Temple Of Saint Demetrios
12) Holy Temple Of Saint Nicholas Holy Temple Of Saint Paraskevi
Municipality of Lefkada: 26453 60500 13) Holy Temple Of Saint John Chrysostomos
Municipality of Apollonia: 26453 61000 14) Holy Temple Of Saint Spyridon
15) Holy Temple Of Saint Donatos
Municipality of Ellomenos: 26453 61100 16) Holy Temple Of Prophet Elias 1
Municipality of Sfakiotes: 26453 61400 17) Holy Monastery Of Panagia Faneromeni
Municipality of Karya: 26453 61200 18) Holy Monastery Of Saint John Prodromos 2
19) Holy Monastery Of Saint John Theologos 3
Municipality of Meganissi: 26453 61310 20) Holy Monastery Of Saint Nicholas
Community of Kalamos: 26460 91281 17

Community of Kastos: 26460 91484

24

Lefkada Police Department: 26450 29375

Lefkada Port Authority: 26450 22176
Taxi Station: 26450 21200, 26450 24600 (Nydri: 26450 92000) 12
Olympic Air 210 3550500 - 8018010101 11
Athens Airways 210 6696600 - 8018014000
13
Bus Station (KTEL) 18
14 22
Lefkada: 26450 22364
Athens: 210 5150108
21
Thessaloniki: 2310 595439
16
23
Holy Metropolis of Lefkas and Ithaca: 26450 26207
15
Holy Monastery of Faneromeni, Lefkada: 26450 21305
Public Library of Lefkada: 26450 22502 25
Archaeological Museum of Lefkada: 26450 21635 7
9
5 4
Lefkada Union of Hotel Owners: 26450 24539
Business Federation of Rented Rooms 26450 21266-7 8
and Apartments: 26450 21608
Hellenic Post (ELTA): 26450 24225
Hospital: 26450 25371, 26450 25376
Fire Brigade: 26450 22555
6 27
Hellenic Organization of Telecommunications: 26450 21299
28
Vassiliki Health Centre: 26450 31065 19
29
26
Websites e-mails 10
www.lefkada.gr [email protected]
www.lefkashotels.gr [email protected]
www.holidaysinlefkada.eu [email protected]
www.lefkas-familyhotels.gr
www.medmarinas.com [email protected]
26

Translation: “AD VERBUM” Translation & Interpreting Centre

30
Design: MMS Advertising S.A.
Text: Deacon Ioannikios Zampelis / Holy Metropolis of Lefkas & Ithaca
Photography: Nikos Zampelis / Studio Flash, Photographic archive of Perfecture of Lefkada
Map Editing: Road Editions 31
 www.lefkada.gr
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