Agios Mattheos
AGIOS MATTHEOS
Meet Agios Mattheos… It might be your next holiday destination
AGIOS MATTHEOS
South West Corfu, Greece
Agios Mattheos is an old beautiful traditional village located in the South West of Corfu close to Lake Korission and very close are also some of the best beaches on the island. The village consists of both modern and old buildings, monasteries and beautiful churches. Also, there you can find cafeterias, traditional Greek Kafenia, supermarket, playground etc. But it remains an authentic old village with Venetian architecture.
Location
Agios Mattheos (also Agios Matthaios) is an old beautiful mountainous village located 25 km South West of Corfu Town, close to Paramonas beach (3 km). The village is built amidst lush forests on the slopes of Mount Gamilios surrounded by many charming stone houses.
Demographics
Agios Mattheos is a good place for families and it is ideal for those who seeking tranquility. Also, is an ideal option for those who want to discover the old Corfiot architecture and for those who want to come into contact with the Corfiot countryside as they can tour the narrow scenic streets in and around the village and admire the old houses and churches.
Transport
It is fairly easy to reach Agios Mattheos from Corfu town. There are 3 ways to get to the village: by bus, taxi or car. If you go by bus, the route is about 45 minutes and the distance is 20,3 km. This is the cheapest way to get there. By taxi or car the route lasts about 22 minutes.
Things to do
In Agios Matheos you will see many old mansions made of stone, especially if you wander in its picturesque alleyways. Newer, colored houses, picturesque squares and paved alleys create the picture of this settlement. One of these alleys leads to the top of the mountain where, you can find the Monastery of Pantokratoras of the 16th century which is now closed. It offers an enchanting view of the sea towards the side of the Adriatic Sea.
From Agios Matheos you can visit the Byzantine Gardiki Castle, built at the beginning of the 13th century, with an octagonal shape and three gates. You can also head towards the beaches of Chalikounas, Paramonas and Prasoudi. Do not forget to visit Lake Korission, the greatest wetland of the island.
Sightseeing
Corfu Gardiki Castle: Although partially demolished, the Castle of Gardiki has a distinct Byzantine feature that pervades the entire edifice. One can view the castle right from the entrance of Gardiki village. Renowned scholars of Corfu equate this marvelous Castle with the magnificent Angelokastro Fort. This is primarily because of the fact that the castle was built during the same period and what is more, by the same Archbishop.
The castle is conspicuous by its octagonal shape and an ellipsoidal attachment. The bordering parapets were adorned with traditional Byzantine artworks. The vestiges that one can see on the right-hand side of the main entrance are believed to belong to the in-house chapel.
The castle’s idyllic location in the picturesque village of Gardiki due south of the island, in close proximity to the village of Agios Mattheos, attracts hordes of tourists every year. The castle is renowned for its impregnable fortifications that defended the residents of Corfu on numerous occasions from the marauding and all-conquering enemies. In the present times, one must admit that its ramparts are impeccably preserved and it is a sheer delight just to visit the castle, though the castle is partially destroyed.