PANAGIA PALEOKASTRITSA
The Monastery of Virgin Mary of Paleokastritsa is located in the Greek island of Corfu, 25 kilometers outside of the City of Corfu. This majestic monastery is home to 8 Greek Orthodox Monks who receive guidance from Bishop Efthimios Thouis. They conduct traditional masses, provide generous hospitality, and offer regular tours of the grounds and museum located within. Regardless of faith, a visiting tourist will find magical qualities throughout the grounds and breathtaking scenery revealed at every turn. All who share in the experience of the monastery seem to depart in hesitance and with hope for timely return.
WHERE THE NAME COMES FROM
The name of the Monastery Paleokastritsa is derived from a local phrase "Paleokastritissa". This phrase was applied to the temple of Virgin Mary in the 15th century when a historic document, written on the 7th of August 1497, was recovered that referenced the temple as a "Paleokastro". The word translates into "old castle" indicating the existence of a previous fortress constructed on the grounds pre-dating the present structures. The ruins of the castle no longer exist. In their place stands what is now the present structures that comprise the Monastery of Virgin Mary of Paleokastritsa.
