Agios Gerasimos Monastery

Gerasimos came to Kefalonia in the sixteenth century after years on Mount Athos and in the Holy Land, settled in the Omala valley and founded the convent that still bears his name; he was canonised soon after his death in 1579 and became the island's patron. His relics lie in a silver case in the church and are carried in procession on 16 August and 20 October, when the valley fills with pilgrims. Beneath the old church is the small cave he dug and lived in, entered by a narrow ladder through a hole in the floor, an unusually physical piece of the story. Alongside stands a large modern basilica built to hold the crowds. The monastery sits among the Robola vineyards with Mount Ainos behind.

What you actually see

• The saint's cave - a small underground cell entered by ladder.
• The relics - the silver case in the old church.
• The modern basilica - a large church built beside the original convent.
• The valley setting - vineyards and Mount Ainos around the site.

When to go

Spring and autumn for a quiet visit; the feast days of 16 August and 20 October bring very large crowds and processions. The monastery closes for a midday break.

Honest expectations

Dress rules are enforced for both men and women. The cave entrance is a tight vertical ladder, unsuitable for anyone with mobility limits or claustrophobia. The modern basilica is functional rather than beautiful.

Nearby

The Robola cooperative winery is minutes away; Ainos National Park and Argostoli lie either side.