The Red Cathedral of Corfu: An Architectural Icon in the Old Town

If you’re wondering what to do in Corfu Old Town (Kerkyra), then definitely check out the unique facade of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady Spelaiotissa and St Vlasios. Read on for how to find it in the maze of Corfu’s old town streets.

The Most Beautiful Church in Corfu Town? A Guide to Spelaiotissa Cathedral

Corfu Old Town (Kerkyra) is unique due to its architectural blend of Renaissance and Ionian styles. You’re in Greece, but it kinda also feels like being in Venice! The entire town is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And the cherry on top for me was the beautiful Metropolitan Church of Our Lady Spelaiotissa and St Vlasios. Bit of a mouthful that, but definitely worth adding to your Corfu itinerary!

Looking for things to do in Corfu? Check out my Perfect 7 Days in Corfu: Ultimate Must-See Itinerary!
Leaving Corfu? Have a look at my Corfu to Saranda Ferry Guide: The Perfect Albania Day Trip.

How to Find the Cathedral in Corfu Old Town?

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady Spelaiotissa and St Vlasios is located right in the centre of Corfu Old Town (here’s the Google Maps location). It’s just a short walk from the Liston (Corfu Town’s iconic, elegant pedestrianised promenade), making it a super easy addition to your day. This area is also walking distance to the New Fortress and the port.

Taxi Tip: Note that access for cars and other larger vehicles is restricted in Corfu Old Town, so if you take a taxi they’ll drop you a few of streets away and you can walk over.

History of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady Spelaiotissa and St Vlasios

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady Spelaiotissa and St Vlasios is a Greek Orthodox cathedral. It was originally built in 1577 on the site of an older church dedicated to Saint Vlasios, and then rebuilt again in the 18th century. The inside has three aisles and is typical of the Ionian style. The exterior incorporates Renaissance elements, with a pair of arched windows and an ornate skylight.

When to Visit? And Can I go Inside?

Yes, you can go inside the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady Spelaiotissa and St Vlasios. Note that it’s an active place of worship so there will sometimes be church services happening.

The church is open for visitors every day, but opening hours vary.

Time needed: 20–30 minutes.

Entry is free of charge but donations are welcome.

For photos of the outside, I recommend arriving early in the morning around 7am. At this time in the morning the square will be quiet and the green doors will be closed. When the church is open they prop the green doors open.

What Should I Wear?

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady Spelaiotissa and St Vlasios is an active place of worship, so you need to dress modestly. Both men and women need to make sure that shoulders and knees are covered if entering inside the cathedral.

What to See Inside?

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady Spelaiotissa and St Vlasios is perfect if you’re interested in religion, history of art or architecture. Key highlights include:

The Iconostasis: An elaborately decorated screen of centuries-old Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons separating the nave from the altar, a stunning centrepiece of the church’s interior.
Relics of Saint Theodora Augusta: Sacred relics of the empress who played a pivotal role in ending Byzantine iconoclasm and restoring icon worship back in the 9th century.
The Icon of Panagia: A revered icon of the Virgin Mary, one of the most sacred objects in the church and a focal point for Orthodox Christian devotion.
Frescos and Religious Artwork: Intricate wall paintings and religious artwork adorning the interior of the church, depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints.

Add to Your 7-Day Corfu Itinerary:

This architectural gem is just one stop on my ultimate 7-day Corfu itinerary. Discover more hidden spots in Corfu, including the best place to go swimming in Corfu Old Town!

Find Activities in Corfu Town

Where to Stay in Corfu Town

Corfu Town is large enough that it’s worth getting accommodation in the centre near the pedestrianised area so that you can explore on foot. If you stay further out, you can get the Blue Line buses into the centre of Corfu Town.

Accommodation on Corfu is generally expensive, so this will be a big chunk of your travel budget. Definitely book accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment. Corfu gets particularly busy over the European summer (July/August) so the best spots get snapped up early.

Below is a map of accommodation options in Corfu Town:

Read my Practical Guide to Corfu, Greece for more Corfu tips and tricks, from how to use public transport on Corfu, car hire, the best eSims, where to stay in Corfu, and more…

Plan Your Trip to Corfu: Useful Travel Resources

Discover my favourite travel resources below that I use to make sure all my trips go smoothly, from the best currency exchange apps to travel insurance, my preferred eSIMs and the walking tours I use to explore new cities and meet other travellers and everything in between…

Hover over/press each icon to discover more.