Kanakades: Churches, History and Views of Livadi Ropa

Kanakades is a place for travellers who want to explore not only Corfu’s landscapes but also its church architecture and Venetian history. At its heart is the ornately designed church of Lampovítissa, dedicated to the Mother of God. From Kanakades, you can enjoy views of present-day Livadi Ropa. Churches, traces of history and scenic views offer different ways to connect with the place—from the building in the village centre to the wider landscape.

Churches and Venetian History

The ruins of the old Agioi Theodoroi church are the remains of a building dating from the early 14th century, which was destroyed during the Second World War. A new church dedicated to Saints Theodoroi was built beside the ruins. This means historical remains and a new church building stand side by side at neighbouring sites. The contrast between ruin and new construction makes the churches distinct points of interest in the village’s history.

Lampovítissa adds a character of its own: it is in the centre of Kanakades, is ornately designed and is dedicated to the Mother of God. Together with the Agioi Theodoroi buildings, it offers several tangible ways to explore the village’s sacred architecture. If you are interested in dedications and building history, you can use the different church connections as a guiding thread for exploring Kanakades.

The Venetian past is also part of the village’s history. Kanakades was the permanent seat of the Barony of Viara under Angelo Marcello, a grandson of the Venetian feudal lord Marco Marcello. The derelict old manor house in Kanakades served as the seat of the Marcello barony during Venetian rule. The links between the history of the ruling family, family history and the manor house add another theme to the village alongside its churches.

Choosing a Location and a Wider Travel Horizon

Views of present-day Livadi Ropa add a sense of the landscape to the historical points of interest. When choosing a holiday rental in Corfu, you can therefore start by weighing up your interests: Kanakades offers churches and local Venetian history, while the wider destination of Corfu has additional cultural attractions. This lets you choose your location according to the themes you want to shape your trip.

Corfu: Old Town and Museums

Across the wider destination of Corfu, Corfu Old Town has preserved almost all of its historic urban fabric. Its buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Old Town and its two fortresses are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This urban heritage offers a distinct focus alongside the churches and Venetian history of Kanakades.

The museums also offer a range of different highlights. The Museum of Asian Art in Corfu Old Town houses more than 11,000 objects from China, Japan, India, the Himalayas and Central Asia. It can be reached from the Port of Corfu on bus route 2, which runs between Mantouki and Kanoni. Check the timetable before travelling if you would like to include this museum visit in your plans.

The Archaeological Museum of Corfu displays the Gorgon-Medusa pediment from the great Temple of Artemis. The pediment was created in 585 BC and excavated in 1911 near the Agioi Theodoroi Monastery. Alongside its historic urban fabric and Asian collection, Corfu therefore also offers an archaeological focus centred on a specific named temple artwork.

Discover more destinations: Episkepsi, Gazatika, Aronatika, Pentati, Afion, Marathias, Nisaki, Lefkimmi.

Back to the main travel guide: Corfu.