In the area of the Ksamili Peninsula, just opposite the island of Corfu, is the monastery of St. Georgios Dematos. Located just south of the town of Agioi Saranda and in the extension of the settlement of Tsouka towards the Ionian Sea, it was once the only building in the area. However, with the passage of time and urban development over the last three decades, the area has changed significantly in form and character.
\nThe monastic complex is located on the top of a hill. Archaeological findings at this particular geographical point testify to the existence of an ancient wall, probably part of the defense system of the ancient city of Vouthroto, which is located at a relatively short distance and it is not beyond consideration that there was a tower and a small harbor as an extension of the wall to the sea, hence the place name Dema.
\nReferences to the church of St. Georgios can be found in historical sources as early as the 17th century. Some of them refer to the generous donations of the church for the implementation of public works, such as the construction of schools. Additionally, from written impressions of travelers, we find information about the state and activity of the church during the period of the Ottoman Empire, as well as the way of communication with the hinterland. A special place among them is occupied by the description of the English archaeologist Nicholas Hammond, who visited the church in 1936 as part of his studies on the antiquities of the region.
\nThe monastic complex is enclosed by a high stone wall, on the perimeter of which there are many openings that served as defensive watchtowers. Within the courtyard, apart from the church, there are other buildings, such as the building of the presbytery in the southeast corner. It is a two-store building, the two levels of which are connected by an external stone staircase on the west side. Directly opposite, on the southwestern side of the enclosure is an elongated two-store building, which forms a corner. A building that served the needs of the monastic community and housed the refectory and the monks’ cells, as well as some rooms for the accommodation of pilgrims. In the north-west corner of the katholikon there is an underground water reservoir, into which an original system for collecting rainwater from the roofs of the church ended. There are also visible remains of the foundations of other buildings, both inside and outside the enclosure of the monastery, most interestingly on the south side.<\/p>\n