Old Peritheia is one of the most well-known villages on the island of Corfu, but not for the usual reasons. Old Peritheia no longer exists as a living settlement; in its place stand ruins and remains that nonetheless preserve the memories and stories of this historically significant village.
Located approximately 45 kilometers from the city of Corfu, Old Peritheia is built on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator. The name of the village derives from its very location. Since it is constructed in the center of a small valley and is visible from the surrounding peaks, it received the name Peritheia, a compound of the Greek words “peri” (around) and “thea” (view), meaning “surrounded by view.” Another, yet mistaken, theory suggests that the village was named Peritheia because it was encircled by many churches—stemming from the phrase “perix ta theia” (around the divine). The settlement is famous for its many grand manor houses, whose facades captivate visitors, as well as for the numerous churches scattered throughout the village.
The history of Old Peritheia stretches back to ancient times. It was built at an altitude of 450 meters and is said to have been one of the oldest villages on Corfu. The village flourished particularly in the 14th century when most of the coastal areas were frequent targets of pirate raids. The inhabitants focused on agricultural exploitation of the surrounding land and, by the mid-20th century, the population had reached over 1,500 residents. Gradually, with agricultural and tourism development, the villagers began abandoning the village, first for a few months of the year, and eventually permanently. Since then, Old Peritheia has remained frozen in time, preserving the memories and stories of a different era.
A uniquely significant architectural and historical landmark is the church one encounters upon entering the village. The Church of Saint James the Persian likely dates back to before the 15th century and boasts important frescoes from the late medieval period. Another notable church is that of Saint Panteleimon, located just outside the village, which was rebuilt around the mid-15th century.
To the south of Old Peritheia, on the island’s highest peak, which measures 917 meters above sea level, stands the Holy Monastery of Ypsilou Pantokratoros. Constructed in 1347 with the support of 23 villages from the mountain, some of the monastery’s frescoes date back to the 14th century and have been well preserved to this day.
For those who love hiking and exploration, Old Peritheia offers the opportunity to discover some of the best-kept secrets of Mount Pantokrator. A little south of the so-called antennas and the Holy Monastery of Ypsilou Pantokratoros, you can explore yet another abandoned village. The Old Sinies was a settlement dating back to Byzantine times, which experienced significant growth before eventually sharing the same fate as Old Peritheia, complete abandonment and desolation.
In Old Peritheia, as well as in the other villages of the Pantokrator region, you will have the chance to discover some of the most traditional flavors of Corfiot cuisine. Rooted deeply in the books of tradition and the culture of Corfiot people, the local specialties will invite you to better understand the unique temperament of the locals through their food. The cheerful and hospitable shopkeepers will give you the chance to virtually travel back in time through the sense of taste, to an era when Old Peritheia thrived and none of the things we know today were the same.
This enchanting ghost village stands as one of the best examples of the value of history and memory. It is a settlement that once knew moments of glory, but over time, with the rise of tourism and modern life, it was deserted and now forms part of history. You should not miss the chance to visit Old Peritheia and wander through the ruins, stepping back in time to the real history of rural Corfu.
The ruins of Old Peritheia offer a profound sense of nostalgia and reflection on the passage of time. Wandering among the abandoned homes and streets, visitors get a glimpse of a vibrant community that once bustled with life, agriculture, and tradition. The contrast between its past prominence and present desolation speaks to larger themes of change and resilience on the island. Each crumbling wall and faded fresco tells a story of a people connected deeply to the land and their heritage.
Moreover, the surrounding natural environment enhances the village’s appeal. The verdant slopes of Mount Pantokrator frame the village ruins, while the crisp mountain air and panoramic views remind visitors of the region’s stunning beauty. Hiking trails wind through the area, linking Old Peritheia to other mountain settlements and offering the chance to experience Corfu’s rural heart up close.