High on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator in northern Corfu, far removed from the bustling, modern tourist hotspots of this cosmopolitan Greek island, lies a village frozen in time. Old Perithia, just 8km from Kassiopi, is a captivating blend of natural beauty and a rich architectural heritage stretching back centuries.
A Hidden Gem Praised by The Independent
The British newspaper, The Independent, recently lauded Old Perithia and its surroundings as the ultimate destination for an authentic Greek holiday. And it’s easy to see why. The village, with its impressive views of the Ionian Islands and neighboring Albania, was once a thriving community, now largely abandoned.
Echoes of a Bygone Era
Approximately 130 houses remain, including striking mansions, predominantly stone-built with distinct Venetian architectural influences. The village churches, strategically placed on the outskirts of the settlement, hint at the deep faith of its former inhabitants. The village school, bearing the coat of arms of the local Lord Skordilis above its entrance, has stood deserted since 1940.
According to the local website Corfu Land, the village’s elevated location was a deliberate choice, born out of fear of raids and the pervasive threat of malaria that plagued the coastal areas. However, before World War II, residents began to desert the village due to an epidemic, eventually rendering it a ‘ghost’ settlement.
A British Couple’s Love Affair with Old Perithia
Today, amidst the mansions bravely resisting the relentless march of time, only two permanent residents remain. Mark Hendriksen, a British owner of The Merchant’s House, and his Dutch wife, Saskia, shared their story with The Independent. Their journey to Old Perithia began with a serendipitous discovery. “We read about this abandoned ghost village in the mountains in the villa we were staying in, came here and fell in love with this place once and for all,” they recounted.
Together with the Archaeological Society, the couple has painstakingly restored the old merchant’s house to its former Venetian splendor. They even commissioned custom-made furniture from Crete to imbue it with an authentic 17th-century look. Beyond their own home, Mark and Saskia are actively involved in helping others rebuild their properties, striving to awaken the village from its 60-year slumber.
Bringing a Ghost Village Back to Life
Their efforts are a testament to the enduring charm and historical significance of Old Perithia. Each restored stone, each carefully chosen piece of furniture, breathes new life into a place that once seemed destined to fade into oblivion. The village, once a silent sentinel to a forgotten past, is slowly but surely re-emerging as a living, breathing testament to its rich heritage.
As the sun sets over the Ionian Sea, casting long shadows across the ancient stone, Old Perithia stands not just as a ghost village, but as a symbol of resilience, a place where history is being meticulously preserved, one mansion at a time.
Source: https://gr.rua.gr/2025/11/29/egkataleleimmena-archontika-se-chorio-fantasma-stin-kerkyra/
