Agios Iasonas Kai Sosipatros (Church of the Holy Apostles Jason and Sosipater), Corfu

Nestled in the historic district of Anemomylos in Corfu lies the venerable Church of the Holy Apostles Jason and Sosipater, a cherished monument from the Middle Byzantine era and among the island’s most significant architectural treasures. Dedicated to Saints Iasonas and Sosipater-faithful disciples of Apostle Paul who brought Christianity to Corfu in the first century AD-this church bridges Corfu’s ancient origins with its medieval spiritual heritage.

Dating back to around the year 1000, the current structure was expertly built by artisans from Attica and Boeotia, replacing an earlier monastic catholicon originally dedicated to Saint Andrew. Architecturally, it is a prime example of the cross‑in‑square Byzantine design: a domed structure supported by sturdy walls and two columns, making it one of the oldest and best‑preserved of its kind on the island. Its lower masonry features large limestone blocks-likely repurposed from the ruins of ancient Palaiopolis-while the upper portion showcases the distinctive cloisonné technique, embellished with decorative ceramic patterns.

Inside, visitors once encountered a rich array of frescoes, though many were lost when the walls were whitewashed in 1820. Today, fragments endure-from a depiction of Saint Arsenios, the archbishop of Corfu, in the narthex, to later scenes of hierarchs and a baptismal tableau featuring two surviving angels. The church’s artistic highlights also include a stunning Baroque marble iconostasis and poignant “despotic” icons by Emmanuel Tzanes, a leading figure of the Cretan School who contributed these magnificent works in 1650, his most notable work in Corfu.

Adding to its spiritual resonance, the church houses the tombs of Saints Iasonas and Sosipater, whose feast is celebrated annually on April 29. For travelers seeking both historical depth and spiritual ambiance, the Church of the Holy Apostles Jason and Sosipater offers a profound window into Corfu’s Byzantine past and enduring cultural legacy.