These are the two most famous landmarks of Corfu. They are considered symbols of the island, and their photographs have traveled all around the world. They are located in the cosmopolitan area of Kanoni, the famous suburb of Corfu Town.
The Church of Panagia Vlacherna is a Byzantine church dating back to the 17th century. In fact, it stands on a small islet located about 300 meters from the shore, connected to the beach of Kanoni by a narrow elevated causeway.
It is a small whitewashed building with a tiled roof and a tall bell tower. Inside, visitors can admire an impressive carved wooden iconostasis, as well as remarkable icons and frescoes.
From Panagia Vlacherna, small boats depart for the legendary Mouse Island (Pontikonisi). This tiny, lush green island owes its name to its miniature size.
According to mythology, this island is the rock onto which the storm cast Odysseus' ship, causing him to be shipwrecked on the island of the Phaeacians. Another version of the myth says that Pontikonisi is actually the ship of the Homeric hero, transformed into a rocky islet by Poseidon.
A distinctive feature of the island is its dense vegetation. On the island stands the sacred Church of Pantokrator, built in Byzantine style and dating back to the late 13th century.