Paleokastritsa history guide

Because of its geographical position, in the area of the central Meditarranean Sea , it has always been of a great strategic importance.  A   succession of foreign rulers from ancient times to 1864 followed , when all the Ionian islands were united with Greece. Romans, Venetians, French and British became rulers of Corfu during the centuries. The marks of all the different  cultures can still be found today on the island and that is exactly the reason why  taking a trip to   Corfu is very much  like taking a trip back to the history and culture of Europe.

The 18th century marks the end of the orthodox tradition of religious painting in the Ionian islands and the rise of Venetian influence. Other 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. Be aware that  the name Paleokastritsa was given to the monastery, according to the legend, because the icon of the hypothesis of Virgin Mary was found on the uninhabited hill and in that particular place they built the church.

According to the legend the monastery was built in 1228 and there are many legends  supporting this, but also written documents describe the common life of the monks. The hill provided a natural fortress, a barrier, a rampart for the protection of 'Paleochora', the name given to the original site of the village located on the eastern hill around Alipa Bay. The church of Paleokastritsa celebrates every Good Friday of Eastern week, the day of Zoodochou Pigis and on that day the area becomes a magnetic pole for the inhabitants of the island and for the tourists as an opportunity of pilgrimage, local atmosphere and fun. Concluding  ,   of Corfu painters carried on the tradition from the 19th century to our own times , proving that the island has a rich cultural tradition with a particular love in fine arts .