History
The history of Panagia Paleokastritsa is rich and filled with repeated conquests. A succession of foreign invaders from ancient times to the mid-1800's (when all the Ionian islands were finally united with Greece) brought influences from Romans, Venetians, French and British rulers to Corfu over the centuries.
According to legend the monastery was built in 1228. The hill provided a natural barrier, or rampart, that aided in the protection of 'Paleochora' (the name given to the original site of the village located on the eastern hill around Alipa Bay). However, it eventually succumbed to the invasion and destruction of the city of Corfu from the Turks in the 16th century. Then, for a short while, the Island was in peace. Next, the war of the Venetotourkikou wreaked havoc on the City of Corfu in August of 1716. These two events reveal the dominant presence the Turks had on the island that is evidenced by the massive destruction of the ancient edifices that once stood on hillsides overlooking the Ionian waters.
There is some written history and further rumors of a Byzantine settlement that was located between the bays of Alipa & Saint Spyridon. The date of their establishment is not known but it is clear that this settlement was quite big and its community was prosperous. At that time the area was called Paleopoli. It was not dissimilar to the current settlements present on the island today but featured four smaller churches located throughout the landscape; two of which remain as ruins that can be seen to this day.
The name of Paleokastritsa(old castle) indicates the existence of an ancient fortress which is generally thought to have been erected on the hillside where the Monastery of Theotokos now stands. The accepted conclusion is that the name was firstly given to the Monastery and its surrounding grounds in reference to this fabled site. Later, the name was extended to represent the municipality of Paleokastritsa in its entirety.
Though the monastery was originally founded in the early 13th century, there is little to been seen today of its first construction. It would appear the erosion of time over the past 200 years, the intermittent conquests of the Turks, and the establishment of Byzantine settlements took their collective toll on the ancient foundations of the site.
Despite this loss, the present buildings, dating from the 18th century, are quite interesting and stand as an excellent example of Greek monastic architecture. There is an arched inner courtyard, breathtaking tilework, a myriad of classic art pieces, and a small museum that houses Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons. It should be noted that the 18th century marks the end of the orthodox tradition of religious painting in the Ionian islands and the rise of Venetian influence. Examples of painters who lived and worked in Corfu during this period are: Alexander Trivolis-Pieris, Panayiotis Paramythiotis, George Chrysoloras ( who produced a considerable number of works both traditional and Italianate), Spyridon Sperantzas, Spyridon Ventouras, Father Nikolaos Coutouzis and Father Nikolaos Cantounis.
Furthermore, it is certain that Corfu has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age as archaeological finds in various parts of the island have established. The monastery itself features a well preserved mammoth skeleton that gives a shocking contrast to the 18th century art and Byzantine artifacts.
Because of its geographical position in the central Meditarranean, the Isle of Corfu has always been of great strategic importance. The marks of the varied conquering cultures can still be found on the island and offer a great reason to explore its rich history. Panagia Paleokastritsa and The Island of Corfu offer a unique opportunity for archaeological tourism that is very much like taking a trip back in time and viewing snapshots of various European cultures.
It is also worth noting that the history present at Panagia Paleokastritsa is still very much an influence on the activities of its modern monastic exercises. In keeping with its roots in the Greek Orthodox Church, the Monastery of Paleokastritsa celebrates, on Good Friday of Easter week, the day of Zoodochou Pigis. On this day the area becomes a bustling center in which the inhabitants of the island and the many tourists seize an opportunity to participate in a local pilgrimage, a festive atmosphere, classical Greek Orthodox service, and a culturally rich experience.
