Corfu Old Town
The Old Town of Corfu stands as one of Greece’s most significant monuments of culture, history, and mythology. Its unique and distinctive beauty has made it one of the most famous and important urban centers over the centuries, from ancient Greece to the periods of Venetian, French, and British rule.
Every alleyway in Corfu, known as a “kantouni,” holds its own distinct history, shaping the island’s image over time. The characteristic tall buildings with their terracotta-tiled roofs and deep Venetian green shutters, combined with the narrow, winding streets and the colorful flowers adorning balconies and courtyards, create a scene that appears to have emerged from a painter’s canvas. The city’s architecture, influenced by the numerous conquerors who passed through the island, forms a rich mosaic of cultures. Venetian arcades, French colonnades, and British mansions coexist harmoniously, reflecting Corfu’s turbulent yet fascinating history.
The picturesque labyrinth of the Old Town invites every visitor to explore and uncover its countless small and grand secrets. At its heart lies the Liston, the island’s most famous and beautiful pedestrian street, serving as a meeting point for both locals and visitors. Built during the French occupation, the Liston resembles the grand boulevards of Paris, adding a touch of cosmopolitan elegance to the Corfiot landscape. Here, under the arches, known locally as “volta”, cafés serve aromatic Greek coffee accompanied by traditional Corfiot sweets, while passersby enjoy views of the Spianada, the largest square in the Balkans. The Spianada Square, a lush green space adorned with fountains and statues, is the city’s beating heart. Children play freely, elderly residents gather on benches to chat, and tourists capture photographs of the grand buildings surrounding it. On one side of the square, the Old Fortress rises proudly, a reminder of the times when Corfu was a stronghold against Ottoman invasions. The bridge connecting the fortress to the town serves as a gateway to the past, leading visitors through corridors, ancient churches, and bastions that offer panoramic views of the Ionian Sea.
The Old Fortress of Corfu is a living testament to the island’s turbulent history. Its origins date back to the 6th century AD when the inhabitants of ancient Corfu, following devastating invasions, relocated to a naturally fortified peninsula with two peaks, known as “Koryfo,” from which the name “Corfu” is derived.
During the Byzantine era, the peninsula was fortified with walls and towers, providing a safe haven for the island’s residents. The Byzantines, and later the Angevin rulers (1267-1386), reinforced the defenses, constructing towers on the two peaks. However, the fortress took its present form primarily under Venetian rule, as the Venetians controlled Corfu from 1386 to 1797. Recognizing the island’s strategic importance, they embarked on extensive fortification projects, including the creation of an artificial moat known as the “Contra Fossa,” which transformed the peninsula into an island, further strengthening its defenses.
The Old Fortress played a decisive role in Corfu’s defense, successfully repelling three major Ottoman attacks in 1537, 1571, and 1716. Its resilience in these battles solidified its reputation as an impregnable bastion of the West against Ottoman expansion. During British rule (1814-1864), the fortress underwent further modifications. The British constructed new buildings, including barracks and warehouses, adapting the fortress to their military needs. After Corfu’s unification with Greece in 1864, the fortress continued to serve military purposes, and during World War II, it suffered damages from bombings. Today, the magnificent Old Fortress has been transformed into a cultural venue, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and various artistic events. Its architecture, blending Venetian, Byzantine, and British influences, stands as a testament to the island’s multifaceted history, offering visitors a unique journey through time.
Fortress City
On the other side of town stands the New Fortress, built by the Venetians in the 16th century as a protector of the Old Town. Its massive stone walls, adorned with intricate reliefs and Venetian emblems, reveal Corfu’s strategic significance throughout the ages. The view from its ramparts, overlooking the harbor and the Old Town, is breathtaking, especially at sunset when the sky is painted in shades of crimson and gold. The New Fortress is an exceptional example of late Renaissance military architecture. Construction began in 1576 and was completed in 1645 during Venetian rule, on the hill of Saint Mark. The decision to build it came after the first major Ottoman siege of Corfu in 1537 when the Venetians realized that the Old Fortress alone was no longer sufficient for the city’s defense. To construct the fortress, approximately 2,000 houses, mainly in the San Rocco suburb, were demolished to provide building materials. The fortress expanded the defensive perimeter of the old citadel and significantly enhanced the city’s security. Over the centuries, it played a crucial role in protecting the island, and today, it serves as a cultural venue, hosting exhibitions and artistic events, while also offering visitors stunning panoramic views of Corfu.
Beyond its historic buildings and fortresses, the true soul of Corfu’s Old Town lies in its people. Corfiots, with their warm and hospitable nature, keep the island’s traditions and customs alive. During Easter, the city transforms into a vibrant celebration, with philharmonic bands filling the streets with music, and locals participating in processions and traditional rituals. The sounds of drums and wind instruments, the aroma of local delicacies, and the joyous atmosphere create an experience that captivates every visitor. The Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place filled with countless secrets waiting to be discovered. Don’t miss the chance to explore its unique architectural landmarks, such as the renowned San Giacomo Theatre, the Church of Saint Spyridon, and many more sites that have made Corfu a true cultural destination. Whether strolling through its narrow alleys, sipping coffee under the Liston arches, or gazing at the sea from the fortress walls, every corner of Corfu’s Old Town tells a story, a story of resilience, beauty, and timeless charm.
