Monastery of Agios Gerasimos
Monastery of Agios Gerasimos is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Kefalonia audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~45 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Kefalonia Kefalonia guide
About Monastery of Agios Gerasimos
The convent and shrine of the patron saint of Kefalonia in the Omala valley, where his relics are kept and thousands of pilgrims gather for his feasts in August and October.
The Monastery of Agios Gerasimos stands in the Omala valley near Valsamata, at the foot of Mount Ainos, about 15 kilometres from Argostoli. Saint Gerasimos, the patron saint of the island, was a monk who came to Kefalonia in the mid-16th century, lived first in a cave and then founded a convent here that cared for the poor. He died on 15 August 1579 and was canonised in 1622.
His relics lie in a silver casket in the church. Under the church, reached by a narrow opening and an iron ladder, is the small underground hermitage where he is said to have prayed. The large modern church was inaugurated in 1992. The island's two great feasts of the saint are on 16 August and 20 October, with processions. It is a working convent of nuns.
Did you know? The two great feasts of Saint Gerasimos are on 16 August, for his death in 1579, and on 20 October, for the transfer of his relics, when the islanders carry his casket in procession.
How long should you spend at Monastery of Agios Gerasimos?
Plan about ~45 min at Monastery of Agios Gerasimos. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Monastery of Agios Gerasimos worth visiting?
Monastery of Agios Gerasimos is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Kefalonia, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Kefalonia
Day 2 of the Kefalonia in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of Monastery of Agios Gerasimos
Preview the Kefalonia tour free in the Gingerguide app.