The island of Kyra Dikia is located off the west coast of Kerkyra (Corfu), approximately in the middle of the island, north of the beach of Agios Gordis and very close to the coast.
Kyra Dikia has an area of approximately 500 sq.m. and is a steep rock, on the almost flat top of which, however, green trees, wild olive trees, cypresses and sycamores grow, making it extremely beautiful.
A small pier has been built there, so that the boats and caiques of the people of Kerkyra who visit Kyra Dikia can tie up on June 29 (Holy Apostles Peter and Paul) and September 8 (Nativity of the Theotokos), when the church at its top celebrates its feasts. On these days, many visitors from Sinarades and several from nearby villages arrive on the island by boats from Gialiskari or Kontogyalo, to attend the Divine Liturgy. After the service they will buy baked goods and lay out food under the shade of an olive tree, drinking the famous red wine of Sinarades. After they sleep under the olive trees and take a refreshing dip in the clear blue waters they return home.
Kyra Dikia has an area of approximately 500 sq.m. and is a steep rock, on the almost flat top of which, however, green trees, wild olive trees, cypresses and sycamores grow, making it extremely beautiful.
A small pier has been built there, so that the boats and caiques of the people of Kerkyra who visit Kyra Dikia can tie up on June 29 (Holy Apostles Peter and Paul) and September 8 (Nativity of the Theotokos), when the church at its top celebrates its feasts. On these days, many visitors from Sinarades and several from nearby villages arrive on the island by boats from Gialiskari or Kontogyalo, to attend the Divine Liturgy. After the service they will buy baked goods and lay out food under the shade of an olive tree, drinking the famous red wine of Sinarades. After they sleep under the olive trees and take a refreshing dip in the clear blue waters they return home.
Its coasts are extremely steep except for the eastern side where, with the help of the 100 or more steps, one can climb the island and reach the top.
Almost in the center of the island there is the church, dedicated to Panagia Kyra-Dikaia (Kyradikia). The building covers an area of approximately 25 square meters and has stood there for who knows how long (probably since the 15th century), a sleepless guardian of the area. A little further on are the cells and storehouses of the Monastery, which have been restored in recent years.
Almost in the center of the island there is the church, dedicated to Panagia Kyra-Dikaia (Kyradikia). The building covers an area of approximately 25 square meters and has stood there for who knows how long (probably since the 15th century), a sleepless guardian of the area. A little further on are the cells and storehouses of the Monastery, which have been restored in recent years.
The Monastery of the Theotokos Dikia gives its name to the island and comes to life again twice a year on the feasts mentioned above, when it is filled with believers. On the walls of the church, frescoes of the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child and the three-figured Virgin Mary – Christ – Saint John the Baptist survive.
The Monastery of Kyra Dikia flourished during the 18th century, but was later abandoned.
According to documents from the time (1771), the island was once prosperous: it had many monks and was served by a boat, while it had large real estate.
The Monastery of Kyra Dikia flourished during the 18th century, but was later abandoned.
According to documents from the time (1771), the island was once prosperous: it had many monks and was served by a boat, while it had large real estate.
In addition to olive trees in various villages, it had vineyards and fields. Its Metochion was Ai-Yiannis Prodromos, a church located in the village of Sinarades on the opposite mainland. Today, from the large estate of Kyra Dikaia and Ai-Yannis, not a single olive tree or any other property remains in their possession.
The monks, says the old document (1771, G.A.K.), did their work by boat, with villagers appointed for this purpose to serve on the boat of this monastery. In the past it is said that there was a rope from the islet, which reached the opposite land, at the location of Simantiri. The monks used to sound a semantron in the past, in case of need or the appearance of a pirate ship at sea.
The monks, says the old document (1771, G.A.K.), did their work by boat, with villagers appointed for this purpose to serve on the boat of this monastery. In the past it is said that there was a rope from the islet, which reached the opposite land, at the location of Simantiri. The monks used to sound a semantron in the past, in case of need or the appearance of a pirate ship at sea.
