Churches in Kefalonia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.