Let’s test your memory. How many times have I mentioned Saint Spyridon during our tour so far? If you guessed three, well done! But even if you didn’t, you’re about to understand why this saint is so deeply connected to Corfu and why this church is one of the most important religious sites on the island. First, let’s talk about Saint Spyridon himself. He was a fourth century bishop from Cyprus, known for his deep faith and extraordinary miracles. Some of his most famous acts include turning a snake into gold, healing the sick, reviving the dead, and ending a drought by bringing rain. Over time, his reputation spread far beyond Cyprus, and after his death, his remains were moved several times, eventually reaching Constantinople. After the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans, a monk named Georgios Kalochairetis took the saint’s relics and brought them here. Later, Georgios’ daughter, Asimia, received the relics as part of her dowry when she married into the Voulgaris family. The relics were kept in their private church until it was demolished. That’s when this church was built to house them, and since then, Saint Spyridon has been the patron saint of Corfu. The people of Corfu believe he has saved the island multiple times. The most famous instance was during the Ottoman siege which I mentioned before, when legend says that Saint Spyridon raised a storm that destroyed the Ottoman fleet. In gratitude, the Venetian Senate presented the church with a silver lamp, which you can still see hanging in the west corner of the nave. If you step inside, look for the inscription that reads: "For the Salvation of Corfu, to the Patron Saint Spyridon." Now, let’s take a look at the church itself. Its design closely resembles the Church of San Giorgio dei Greci in Venice, reflecting Corfu’s strong Venetian influence. Inside, you’ll see the beautiful ceiling panels, which depict scenes from Saint Spyridon’s life and miracles. One of the most sacred parts of the church is the crypt, where Saint Spyridon’s remains are kept. His body rests in two stone coffins, one inside the other, a traditional way of preserving relics. The crypt is also home to an impressive collection of incense burners. There are fifty three in total, with eighteen made of gold and the rest of silver. The church is free to enter, so take a moment to step inside, admire the artwork, and visit the crypt if you wish. Once you’ve taken it all in, let’s make our way to the next stop!