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ΠροσκύνημαPilgrimage at στουςthe Temples Ναούς andκαι τιςMonasteries Μονές της of Λευκάδας Lefkada PREFECTURE OF LEFKADA email: [email protected] www.lefkada.gr 1 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. The most admirable of Lefkada’s From the Temple of 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 Igoumenitsa earthquake of 11 November 1704. for Ancona (ground floor built with stone and upper for floors built with wood and painted steel sheet) – typical examples of Lefkadian Volos architecture. Lefkada Aktion - Airport

Ithaca

Kefalonia Antirion HOLY TEMPLE OF In the interior, you will find the impres- sive neoclassical iconostasis, the wooden Patras Rion EVANGELISTRIA (Metropolis) curved Despotic throne, the high pulpit, 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 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 It is the Metropolitan Temple of the city, Thessaloniki: 2310 595439 Archive of Lefkada is housed in an adja- seat of the Metropolite of Lefkada and By airplane: From Athens, Thessaloniki and Siteia, , to Aktion (18km Aktion - Lefkada) • cent building. A small “sokaki” (narrow . Built for the first time in 1689, Tel.: Olympic Air 210 3550500, Athens Airways 210 6696600, 801 801 4000 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 . Small tourist boats to nearby beaches and islets, as well.

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HOLY TEMPLE OF EISO- It is characterized by the high baroque HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT Having remained loyal to traditional DIA OF THEOTOKOS iconostasis, the renaissance paintings ANARGIRI decoration, it is a typical Lefkadian tem- on the urania and the walls, and the ple: simple basilica, high wooden curved 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 , 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 Erected for the first time in 1720, it in the square of “Markas”, not far from the the earthquake of 2003. It celebrates on forms a typical example of Lefkadian Market of the city and very close to the 21/11. This should form a must-stop dur- ecclesiastical art. temple of “Panagia ton Xenon (Virgin Mary of 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 TON XENON with icons painted by Dem. Kampisos – (VIRGIN MARY OF THE FOREIGNERS) Mpellos and Sp. Gazis, while its last resto- ration was recently completed. Its feast is HOLY TEMPLE OF It was erected for the first time in 1700 celebrated on 8/9, as well as on 15/8. In 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 (, Sterea as the library of the exceptional neohel- This historic church is situated almost Ellada, Peloponnese) and registered there as members len Byzantinologist, Nikos Svoronos. Mother Greece (1864). 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, , who hymned SAINT MARINA century. It is located in a rich plain close traditional cobble-stone pavement in in his popular poems the Struggles of to the beach of Saint Ioannis, ideal for a 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 HOLY TEMPLE OF ST. MAURA The large temple of the Saint that existed Sp. Ventouras, it is one of the most im- 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 bell-tower is situated, offering a view to DEMETRIOS Despotic icons of the iconostasis etc. which for six centuries was named “Agia were painted in about 1721 by the ex- Maura”. Lefkada. 1 ceptional representative of the “Hep- tanesian School” of icon painting, Pana- giotis Doxaras. The temple was erected HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT It is the most ancient Christian monu- for the first time in 1688 and the present JOHN “ANTZOUSIS” ment of the island. According to the iconostasis, marvellous as well, is a work 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. Former glebe of the Red Church Mon- ing of Saint John Prodromos on 29/8 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 A cave in the rocks of the coast of HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT It is decorated with a magnificent area. 2 Ai-Giannis was transformed into such PARASKEVI wooden curved iconostasis with almost 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- GIA VLAHERNON parish of Panagia ton Xenon, situated cle of Saint Barbara against a pestilential in the plain of Lefkada celebrating on 2 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 “Geni” in the cove of “Vlyhos”, opposite a great concourse of pilgrims. If you from the cosmopolitan . 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’ , 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.

HOLY TEMPLE OF PANA- It is one of the few churches with a dome on the whole island. The route you have HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT The route leading there is delightful and GIA EVANGELISTRIA it is a must-stop for relaxation, pilgrimage to follow to get there is impressive and MARINA in Komelio 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 Katohori, decorated with old frescoes DEMETRIOS in Katohori 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- Situated in the interior of the village, it ebrates on 26/10. 6 HOLY TEMPLE OF THE DORMI- 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 while offering easy access to Kefalonia in Nydri during the tourist period it is open all 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- century, It celebrates in the memory rates the temple. Its plain classical SAINT SPYRIDON in Lazarata SAINT SPYRIDON in Karya 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 SAINT DONATOS in Eglouvi tations of the traditional cottage etc. Ru- 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 The country chapel of the Saint of the in Drymonas HOLY TEMPLE OF PROPHET 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 (VIRGIN MARY REVEALED) a point of reference for all Lefkadians, is Saint Silouan the Athonite, as well as the 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 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 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 , 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 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- RETREAT OF THE HOLY Three Holy Fathers who followed Holy dreas Mpetzos (1799), is still preserved 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, 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 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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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 olive grove of the city and Apolpaena. beaches and the “fjords” of the northern coast for swimming, and to the humble 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 HOLY TEMPLE OF It is the parish temple of the village, Byzantine Museum of Athens. However, beautiful and well maintained and al- in Vathi parts of a fresco of special art, combining SAINT VISSARION 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 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 ST. GEORGE decorated with plenty of murals, few of 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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HOLY TEMPLE OF SAINT Ascending the main street of the village ECCLESIASTICAL MUSEUM , you should definitely visit the TRINITY in Kalamos HOLY MONASTERY OF FANEROMENI, LEFKADA parish Holy Temple of Saint Trinity. Gran- 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 , 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 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 1) Holy Temple Of Saint Maura 21) Holy Temple Of Saint George Useful telephone numbers and Information 2) Holy Temple Of St. John “Antzousis” 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 Lefkada: 26450 22364 14 22 Athens: 210 5150108 Thessaloniki: 2310 595439 21 16 Holy Metropolis of Lefkas and Ithaca: 26450 26207 23 Holy Monastery of Faneromeni, Lefkada: 26450 21305 15 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 24