Kefalonia, Greece Travel Community

What is the superstition behind the snakes at the Virgin Mary Church in Kefalonia?

1 - 5 of 5 Posts
auroracoor1

auroracoor1

Active member
Hey everyone, I heard a really spooky story about how snakes gather at the foot of the Virgin Mary Church in Kefalonia every year on August 15th (the day of the Virgin Mary). Does anyone know anything about this? I'd love to hear the story and superstition behind it.
 
Small grey snakes (with tounges in the shape of a cross) appear every year around the time of August 15th at the church, especially around the icon of the Panagia. People wait for the appearance of the snakes because they mean it's good luck. I'd love to visit and see them one year, so cool!
 
  • Like
Reactions: acamp7
There have only been two times that the snakes haven't appeared at the church: right before World War II and before a major earthquake in Kefalonia....soooo spooky.
 
That is crazy spooky! I also heard a similar story about Tinos for August 15? Anyone else know about the Tinos story?
 
The story is that pirates arrived to the island and went to the village of Markopoulo where there is a nunnery in 1705. The nuns prayed to the Virgin Mary for protection and the virgin turned them into snakes. These snakes have a small cross on their forehead and their tongue is in the shape of a cross. The snakes appear only on the Feast of the Virgin Mary Aug 15 th and then they disappear the rest of the year.
 
  • Like
Reactions: voula_slat
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Which side of Kefalonia is best to stay on?

Which side of Kefalonia is best to stay on?

I might be going to Kefalonia next year, and I’m starting to look into the different areas of the island. I know places like Argostoli, Lixouri, Sami, Assos, and Fiskardo all have very different feels, so I’m wondering which part makes the best base.

I’d like somewhere that is scenic and relaxing, but still convenient for exploring beaches, villages, and restaurants. I don’t necessarily need nightlife, but I also don’t want to feel too isolated.

For anyone who has stayed in Kefalonia, which side of the island did you prefer? Did you find the east, west, north, or area around Argostoli easiest for getting around?

I’d especially love to hear from people who have stayed in more than one part of the island and can compare the experience.

Info About Petani Beach on Kefalonia?

I’m planning a trip to Kefalonia this summer and have been looking into Petani Beach. From photos, it looks incredible, the cliffs, the water color, and the whole setting seem really dramatic, almost like a quieter version of Myrtos.

I’m curious what it’s actually like in peak summer though. Does it get very crowded, or is it still possible to enjoy it without feeling packed in? I’ve also heard the drive down is pretty steep and winding, was it manageable or a bit stressful?

Another thing I’m wondering about is the water. I’ve read that it can get deep quickly and sometimes has waves, did that impact swimming at all?

Can you let me know some tips for a first-timer to Kefalonia?

I might go to Kefalonia next year, and I'd love to hear some advice from people who have visited the island before. I've been looking into the different areas, but I'm having trouble deciding where to stay and what to prioritize.

I've heard wonderful things about places like Assos, Fiskardo, Argostoli, and Myrtos Beach. I'm also interested in exploring some of the smaller villages, trying traditional Kefalonian food, and finding beautiful places that might not be on every tourist's itinerary.

Would you recommend staying in one location for the entire trip, or splitting the time between different parts of the island? Is renting a car necessary to really explore?

I'd also love to know how many days you think are ideal for a first visit. What are the things you absolutely wouldn't miss, and what advice would you give a first-timer?

Is Skala worth visiting?

I’m in the early stages of planning a trip to Kefalonia and starting to map out where to spend my time. One place that keeps coming up is Skala, but I’m not sure if it’s somewhere I should prioritize or just pass through.

From what I can tell, it seems to have a long sandy beach and a good range of restaurants, which sounds nice. At the same time, I’ve seen people say it’s a bit more built-up and touristy compared to other parts of the island.

I tend to enjoy places that feel relaxed and scenic, but I also appreciate having some options for food and an easy beach day. For those who have been, do you think Skala is worth visiting, or would you recommend focusing on other areas instead?

Unique Historical Sites of Kefalonia to Visit?

I’m starting to plan a trip to Kefalonia and would love some input, especially from a history perspective. I’ve been to Greece quite a few times and have visited a lot of the more well-known historical sites on other islands and the mainland, but somehow I’ve never made it to Kefalonia.

I know it’s not always talked about in the same way as places like Crete or Rhodes when it comes to history, but I’m assuming there are still some really interesting spots to explore. I’ve come across mentions of the Monastery of Saint Gerasimos and a few Venetian-era sites, but I’m sure there’s more I’m missing.

Are there any lesser-known ruins, monasteries, or historic villages that are especially worth seeing? I’m particularly interested in places that have a strong sense of story or local significance.
Share and discuss your Kefalonia photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top