| | |
| 1560 | Agios Gerasimos moved into the cave. |
| 16-AUG-1579 | Agios Gerasimos died. |
| 20-OCT-1581 | Agios Gerasimos was canonized. |
The small church at the steep ridge of the Argostóli peninsula is built
into the overhanging cliff.
The church is proud of its history as the home of a hermit, Agios
Gerasimos, the island's patron saint, who was living in
this cave.
The saint is said to be born at Trikala and was a member of the famous Notaras
family.
He became a monk and spent 12 years in the Holy Land and five years on
Zakynthos.
In 1560, he came to Argostoli, took possession of the cave and stayed here
until he founded his monastery at the village Peratata.
The small church lies between the narrow and steep road and the overhanging
cliff.
Built under the cliff the front is parallel to the cliff, and the back wall
and part of the roof is formed by the rock.
The cave is not visible in the church, and the cave wall is hidden behind the
altar and covered with plaster.
The church is not the place where the hermit lived.
Standing in front of the altar a few steps lead up to a small door at the
right side.
Behind the door is a small cave, closed by a front wall with some small windows.
This is obviously the the place where the hermit lived.
The hermits' cave is almost empty.
Only the typical rack for the candles of the believers allows to light a candle
in the cave.
