The Antivouniotissa Thank you for visiting the official web site
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The church, dedicated to the Holy Virgin “Our Lady of Antivouniotissa” (Kyra Antivouniotissa) and already functioning in the 15th century, is one of the most characteristic ecclesiastical monuments in Corfu city. It is the oldest, most complete, and best preserved example of the “Heptanesian Basilica” style. After restoration works on the monument in 1984, 1994, 1999-2000, and the completion of its museological program, Antivouniotissa now has on permanent display a large and important collection of movable icons and heirlooms. The collection includes significant works by both well known and anonymous artists, dating from the 15th to the 20th century, which fully represent six centuries of artistic religious expression and creation in Corfu and the Ionian Islands. More...
Antivouniotissa was a private church. In 1979, the Corfiot owner families of Mylonopoulos, Rizikaris and Skarpa donated the Avtivouniotissa complex with its rich movable fittings (icons, heirlooms and others) on the condition that it also function as a museum. The church-museum was first inaugurated in 1984 by the late Melina Mercouri, who at the time was the Greek Minister of Culture. Antivouniotissa never lost its character as a place of worship, and today holds services twice a year on religious holidays connected with the Virgin Mary: December 26, and August 23. It is the only such church-museum in Greece, combining in a most harmonious way these two functions within the same monument.
Antivouniotissa was one of the museums honored by the Greek branch of ICOM (International Council of Museums) on International Museum Day (May 18, 2010), the theme of which was “Museums for Social Harmony”.
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday-Monday: 08:30-16:00
The museum remains closed on 25/12, 01/01, 25/03, 01/05 and Easter Sunday.
In the Museum's shop, various archaeological guides and exhibitions catalogues, objects inspired by decorative themes seen on the Museum's exhibits, cds of byzantine music and videos of archeological interest are available.
Translation of the Guide and the website: for the italian edition: Patrizia Villani, for the english edition: Deborah Brown-Kazazis.
Entrance fee
Admission fee: 4 euros
Reduced fee: 2 euros for E.U. senior citizens (over 65 years old), students from countries outside the E.U.
Free entrance: visitors under 18 years old, students from E.U. countries, admission card holders (ICOM, ICOMOS).
Entrance is free to all visitors on the following days:
-6 March (Memory of Melina Mercouri)
-18 April (International Monument Day)
-18 May (International Museum Day)
-5 June (World Environment Day)
-the last weekend of September (European Days of Cultural Heritage)
-26 December & 23 August celebration of the Holy Mess.
Entrance is free on the days celebrating Open Days and the European Spring of the Museums according to the dates set each year.
Photo- and video- shooting copyright
Photo shooting without flash and video shooting of the building and exhibitions for non-professional purposes are permitted for free.
Professional photography and recording for commercial or other purposes requires a special permit. For further information please contact the Ephorate of Antiquities of Corfu.
