Pontikonisi, located at the entrance of the ancient merchant port, where the current Halikiopoulo Lagoon is located, the planes fly over it, within spitting distance, to the adjacent Corfu airport.
The origin of the name Pontikonisi
This tiny isle with its special shape is said to have taken its name from the fact that, from above, it seems to have the shape of a mouse, in Greek “Pontikos” is how the mouse is calles. Another version of the origin of the name Pontikonisi is related to the monks of Pontic origin whose presence is recorded during the 10th century AD.
Pontikonisi and its myth
Whatmany visitors of Corfu may not know, is that apart from the uniqueness of its shape, its name and its chapel, is that the island is inextricably linked to mythology. According to the myth, Pontikonisi was the ship of Odysseus, which transported the legendary king of Ithaca and hero of Homer’s epic poem, to the island of Phaeacus. Then, according to legend, in a terrible storm the boat washed up on the shores of the
island and the god Poseidon turned it into this green rock, giving it its name.
Pontikonisi as a source of inspiration
Like many parts of the island, the famous Pontikonisi is believed to have been a source of inspiration for a well-known painting. The painting by the Swiss painter, Arnold Böcklin, one of his greatest works, which exists in several versions, seems to be modeled on this image which is the central theme of the painting.
The chapel of Pantocrator
The island Pontikonisi is best known for the unique Byzantine chapel of the Pantocrator, which dates to the 11th century and is open to visitors only every year on August 6 Of course, there are many visitors to Corfu who do not spend the necessary time to learn more about the beautiful Pontikonisi, and often confuse it with the Monastery of Vlacherna.
Nevertheless, Pontikonisi, this tiny, rocky island is definitely worth a visit.
Rent a boat from Vlacherna Monastery’s pier, on the Kanoni side, and live your own legend through your short trip to Pontikonisi.
There is an air of peace and tranquility about this gem just waiting for you to discover.
Colleagues
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