Early Christian Basilica of Saint Kerkyra, Corfu
Saint Kerkyra, the first woman martyred in Corfu, wears a crown and holds a scepter in a painting in the monastery of Mount Pantocrator. Daughter of Cercillinus, the Roman governor, she was killed by her father in 70 AD. Celebrated as a martyr-saint, she guards hidden treasures in the catacombs of the early Christian Basilica in Corfu.
The early Christian basilica dedicated to Saint Kerkyra is near the estate of Mon Repos ("My Rest"), the old summer retreat of King George I of the Hellenes. The Byzantine basilica was built sometime before 450 AD on a site chosen by Jovian, Bishop of Corfu. It had been the location of a Roman odeum, used for performances of music and poetry.
The basilica, now in ruins, had two aisles and a central nave. It was a hall-type structure covered with a wooden roof. It suffered destruction several times by Vandals and Goths in the 6th century, Saracens and Normans in the 11th century, and the Turks in 1537.
Rebuilt in the 11th century and again in 1680, it had three aisles and a narthex. The basilica was destroyed again in the bombing raids of World War II. In 1968, the early architectural parts were stored in the Old Palace Museum. The mosaic floor was restored in 1960 and 1968. Only bits of the apse and walls remain on site today.
The early Christian basilica dedicated to Saint Kerkyra is near the estate of Mon Repos ("My Rest"), the old summer retreat of King George I of the Hellenes. The Byzantine basilica was built sometime before 450 AD on a site chosen by Jovian, Bishop of Corfu. It had been the location of a Roman odeum, used for performances of music and poetry.
The basilica, now in ruins, had two aisles and a central nave. It was a hall-type structure covered with a wooden roof. It suffered destruction several times by Vandals and Goths in the 6th century, Saracens and Normans in the 11th century, and the Turks in 1537.
Rebuilt in the 11th century and again in 1680, it had three aisles and a narthex. The basilica was destroyed again in the bombing raids of World War II. In 1968, the early architectural parts were stored in the Old Palace Museum. The mosaic floor was restored in 1960 and 1968. Only bits of the apse and walls remain on site today.
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Early Christian Basilica of Saint Kerkyra on Map
Sight Name: Early Christian Basilica of Saint Kerkyra
Sight Location: Corfu, Greece (See walking tours in Corfu)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Corfu, Greece (See walking tours in Corfu)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Corfu, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Corfu
Creating your own self-guided walk in Corfu is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Paleopoli Ancient Ruins Walking Tour
The Archeological sites trace the history of ancient Corfu from the 8th century BC to the 6th century AD. The Temple of Artemis Gorgon, located near the monastery of Agoi Theodori Stratias, dates from circa 590 BC. The pediment is thought to be the oldest stone pediment found.
Artemis, in the form of Gorgon, is running as she faces the observer. Her children, Chryssaor and Pegasus, are by her... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Artemis, in the form of Gorgon, is running as she faces the observer. Her children, Chryssaor and Pegasus, are by her... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Corfu Old Town Walking Tour
Poseidon, the god of the sea, was obsessed with the beautiful nymph Korkyra, the daughter of the river god Asopus. Poseidon abducted Korkyra and carried her off to an unnamed island. He called the island Korkyra, after his lady love. This island later became Corfu.
The medieval castles on the island tell of struggles in the Middle Ages against invaders like Roman-era Germanic tribes, Arabs, and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
The medieval castles on the island tell of struggles in the Middle Ages against invaders like Roman-era Germanic tribes, Arabs, and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
10 Things To Do In Corfu, Greece
Greek Islands, such as Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, and many others, are a popular destination for people trying to escape the chaotic lifestyle back home. Corfu is one island that has it all: great weather, tasty food, relaxed atmosphere and an abundance of places to explore. The island...