A magnificent landscape frames the interesting story of the church of Agios Stylianos.
Carved into a cave in northern Corfu, near the picturesque village of Afionas which is mostly known for its double beaches called Porto Timoni.
Choosing one of the paths that leads to Porto Timoni you will come across a small, relatively hidden church strangely placed in a cave. The church is dedicated to Agios Stylianos. There is an interesting story that connects the path to Porto Timoni beach with the church .
It looks like a tiny "shelter" for the icon of Agios Stylianos, located close to the rocks of the cave near Porto Timoni beach.
It is said that Agios Stylianos himself indicated the place where his icon would be placed, as is found in the stories of many churches. Thus, a shepherd while looking for one of his sheep in the area where the church is today, found the icon of Agios Stylianos among some branches and near a small cave.
He then took the icon and placed it in the church of village, but the next day the icon was no longer there. The disappearance of the image was then attributed to theft, but the shepherd wandering near the cave found it again and since then they decided with the residents to it should be placed where it was found.
So, they built this small church in the cave, dedicated it to Agios Stylianos and took care of it to this day so that it can be visited by locals and visitors who are impressed by its peculiarity.
Today, near the church, are the ruins of the stone house that a priest used to live. Its location has been beneficial to the protection of the church from weather conditions and possible encroachment, maintaining its tranquility that it generously offers to those who wish to visit its tiny church of St. Stylianos.
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