The Church of Panagia Keriotissa, also known as the Church of Our Lady of Keriotissa (or Saint Virgin Keriotissa) stands on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Keri, which lends its name to the nearby seaside resort of Limni Keri.The church once belonged to Venice, but neither the date of its construction nor its original form are known. In the 17th century, the Venetians handed the church over to the local inhabitants and in 1745 the building underwent a major renovation to give it its present appearance. The year 1745 is also engraved above the entrance to the church. The church underwent further renovation after the earthquake of 1953, but the repairs were carried out with the aim of preserving the original architectural style.

The relatively large church of Panagia Keriotissa is decorated in pleasant colours, mostly yellow. It is decorated with embossed windows and an unusual entrance decorated with columns reminiscent of ancient pillars. The church also has a beautiful bell tower with a red dome. And although the church is built unconventionally on the edge of the village, it is definitely a landmark, as its bells can be heard far and wide. The courtyard around the church and the bell tower is very nicely landscaped and we can see colourful patterns and details in the paving.

Inside the church is an ancient painting of the Virgin Mary, to which a legend is attached. It is said that once upon a time a shepherd used to come here to feed his sheep and one day his attention was caught by something sparkling in the bushes behind. But it was hidden deep in the thick and prickly undergrowth and the shepherd couldn't get to it. But when it kept appearing on other days, the shepherd's curiosity did not give way and he set the bushes on fire to get to the mysterious object. He found an image of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus Christ with her right hand. The painting was a little charred from the fire, but very beautiful, and the shepherd took it to the village church. But what was his surprise when the next day he found the painting again in the clearing, in the same place as the first time. The locals agreed that the painting was miraculous and that it was right that a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary should be built on this very spot to protect the painting.

In addition to the icon of the Virgin Mary, there are other important works of art in the church; if you have the opportunity, be sure to take a peek inside.

More touristic destinations of Zakynthos

Most favourite sights of Zakynthos: Monastery of Anafonitria, Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa, Church of Saint Dionysius, Church of Saint Nicholas (Zante), Skinari Windmill, Ruins of Bochali Castle

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Zakynthos.