The church of Saint Spyridon was initially built in the Sarocco square at Corfu Town. However, in 1590 it was erected in its present location, which is in the heart of the old town of Corfu. The architecture of the church is a typical paradigm of the Venetian architecture that dominates all over the Old Town of Corfu. Its bell tower is the highest spot of the town and it is the first thing noticed as the ferry approaches the island.
The Corfiots honor and worship Saint Spyridon and consider him the Keeper of the City. This explains why every family in Corfu has a member named after the Saint.
The island managed to overcome many difficulties due to his ultimate protection. In 1553, Saint Spyridon saved the island from the famine, in 1630 he saved the island from the plague before saving it once more in 1673. In 1716 he also prevented the siege of the Ottoman Empire.
Inside the church located just behind Liston, the remains of the saint are resting. According to local customs, his remains are carried around the town of Corfu in a very peaceful litany four times a year to celebrate his miracles (Palm Sunday, Good Friday, August 11th, first Sunday of November).
The litanies are accompanied by the local bands and they remain an everlasting tradition of Corfu.
