Church of Panagia Spiliotissa

Μετάφραση Greek Version

Church of Panagia Spiliotissa

In the southern part of Ithaca over the bay Antri, in a rough area is the church of Panagia Spiliotissa. In fact it is not a church like the others, but a cave that has been closed, giving the impression of the facade of a church. For this reason the Virgin Mary is called Spilotissa.

Years ago, people lived closer to nature, enjoying their goods. So, once the families of Zavaros and Alevra from Perachori worked in the area cutting wood and making coal. One day a small light coming through the cave pulled their attention. They approached immediately and found themselves in front of the icon of Virgin Mary. By faith and reverence, they took the icon and transferred it to Perachori. Next day, the icon had  disappeared from the village and found again in the cave. (This happened three times). Then they realized they had to turn that cave into a small church.

Τhe miraculous icon is kept in the church of the Assumption, in Perachori. On the feast day, July 2, the believers carry the icon in their hands from the village to the small church, through a path and at the end of the festive service they return the icon  to the village in the same way.
 
From Panagia Spilaiotissa you will admire the endless view of the Ionian Sea.