It is consider as one of the most picturesque point of Corfu especially known through Greek films, photographs and songs. The church is built on a small islet which is connected to land through a narrow stone trail as footbridge for the visitors. It is a small white church with tile roof and a characteristic belfry with triple storey spire which functions as the main entry to churches’ courtyard. It was a nunnery until 1980. The monastery celebrates on July 2. It dates back to the 17th c. and the name “Vlaherena” or “Vlaherna” derived from a famous district of Constantinople where the homonymous byzantine monastery - one of the most important Orthodox pilgrimages- is built.
Few meters away from the islet, the famous Pontikonisi (literally the mouse island) is obvious. According to tradition, the shape of the island from high above resembles with a small mouse. It is a verdant island, with tall cypresses and other rare plants. It is considered as a natural monument and it is not allowed for visitors to disembark. In the center of the island there is a church devoted to “Metamorfosis of Sotiros” – “Transfiguration of the Savior”. Pontikonisi is related with a lot of myths. According to the predominant, it was the ship of Odysseus which was transformed into a rock by the god Poseidon in order to prevent his returning to Ithaca.
