Pontikonisi Islet & Vlaherna Monastery, Corfu Island | 22 Mar 2016
39°35’10”N 19°55’4”E
The island named ‘’Pontikonisi’’ (Greek meaning: Mouse island) is situated 8,5km south from Corfu town, near Corfu Airport and Church Panagia Vlaherna. This tiny green island and the small chapel are the most famous landscapes as only a few places in Greece have been photographed as much as these small pieces of land. According to Greek mythology the islet was actually the boat of Odysseus that was transformed into a rock by God Poseidon. Odysseus, also known by the Latin name Ulysses, was a legendary Greek king of Ithaca and the hero of Homer's epic poem the Odyssey. Pontikonisi houses the church of Pantokrator, which was built around 11th century and it is open to its visitors only for one day on August 6th, where a religious celebration (Metamorfosis) takes place. Panagia Vlacherna is located near Pontikonisi just below Kanoni area. It is a picturesque church constructed in the 17th century with impressive wooden decoration inside and a tall bell tower outside.