Churches in Kefalonia

The countless Orthodox churches and monasteries of Kefalonia mark the religious faith of the locals and bear witness to nearly two centuries of history which is strongly connected to the Venetian architecture.
In the Omala Valley, between the village of Fragata and Valsamata lies the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos dedicated to the patron saint of Kefalonia. Today, it is the most important female monastery, built by the saint Gerasimos himself in the 16th century. Inside the premises lies a tiny church and a cave where the saint lived.
Close to Peratata village lies the Byzantine monastery of Agios Andreas. It was built by three nuns in 1579 and includes within its premises the Ecclesiastical Museum where valuable treasures on display.
Amid a unique landscape, on 700 meters altitude in Peratata village stands the most ancient Byzantine monastery of Kefalonia, the monastery of Panagia Atrou. At least half of the distance can be covered by car and then you have to continue on foot. In any case, the route is ideal for hiking and visitors are impressed by the peaceful atmosphere and the natural beauty.
Near Sami is the 18th-century monastery of Agrilion. The monastery was built after the discovery of the miraculous icon of the Virgin, in 1722. If you find yourselves in Lourda village, you should definitely make a stop at the 13th-century monastery of Sissia, which used to be the richest monastery of Kefalonia.
At the most beautiful settings of Kefalonia, close to Paliki village stands the historical monastery of Kipoureon. It was built in the 17th century and today only one monk lives there. In the village of Makropoulos is located the church of the Virgin Mary Lagouvarda over the site of an old monastery. Other Kefalonia churches are The monastery of Agia Paraskevi and the church of Estavromenos.

Monastery of Kipoureon
The Monastery of Kipoureon has been built on the edge of a steep slope and offers a gorgeous view of the sea and the sunset. It hosts many rare post-Byzantine icons.

Monastery of Lagouvarda
The monastery of Panagia Lagouvarda is located in Markopoulo village, above the area of Katelios. Every August, on the celebration day of the monastery, harmless snakes appear in the area. The snakes are small, have a black cross on their head and people believe they have miraculous skills.

Agios Gerasimos Monastery
The Monastery of Agios Gerasimos is located on a mountainside close to Valsamata village, in the center of the island. This is where the patron saint of the island lived as a monk and where his relics are kept. People believe that the saint has miraculous skills.

Monastery of Sissia
This is a lovely monastery close to Platies village. Legend has it that is was founded by Saint Francis of Assisi and its name actually originates from the word Assisi. Since the 16th century, the monastery is reported as an Orthodox convent.

Monastery of Agios Andreas
Partly destroyed by the strong earthquake of 1953, the Byzantine convent of Agios Andreas has been restored and turned into a fine museum housing a unique collection of wonderful Byzantine icons and ecclesiastical items.

Monastery of Argilion
The Monastery of Agrilion stands on the top of the hill of Sami and is dedicated to Virgin Mary Theotokos. It was built during the 18th century on the site where the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary was found, in 1722, by two shepherds who decided after the discovering to dedicate themselves to the monastic life.

Monastery of Panagia Atros
The Monastery of Panagia Atros is the oldest monastery on the island. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it hosts a religious celebration every year on September 8th.

Monastery of Themata
In a distance of 9 km south of Agia Efimia lies the Monastery of Themata. It is located on a plateau of Mount Dinati and it is surrounded by lovely greenery.
Cave of Agios Gerasimos
This natural cave is where Saint Gerasimos, patron of the island, stayed until he went to Omalos Valley, where he reorganized the present monastery. A small church has been built into the cave in honor of the saint and attracts many pilgrims. From this spot, one can enjoy a fantastic view of the sea.
Panagia Sissiotissa Church
Panagia Sissiotissa Church is a church building next to the De Bosset Bridge in Argostoli, featuring gorgeous designs and boasting a rich historical background.
Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas
The impressive Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas in Argostoli features a beautifully-arched entrance and intriguing icons, almost always gathering a large following every week.
Church of Agios Spiridon
Agios Spiridon is a beautiful church in the heart of the Lithostroto, with a magnificent wooden iconostasis and a charming bell tower.