Famous Sights of Corfu Town
The city of Corfu is one of the most picturesque and historic destinations in Greece. With its rich architecture, cosmopolitan aura, and strong influence from the Venetians, French, and British, the city captivates every visitor from the very first moment. Among the numerous attractions of the city, four stand out for their historical, cultural, and architectural significance: the Liston, the Palace of Saints George and Michael, the Church of Saint Spyridon, and the Town Hall Square.
The Liston is perhaps the most iconic spot in the city of Corfu. It is located along the Spianada Square, the largest square in the Balkans, and is a favorite meeting point for locals and visitors. It was built during the period of French occupation (early 19th century), inspired by the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, and is characterized by its impressive arcaded walkways, known in Corfu as volta.
The Liston was created to house the aristocracy of the time. In fact, the name “Liston” is said to derive from the list (lista) of aristocrats who had the right to stroll in this area. Today, the Liston is full of elegant cafés, restaurants, and pastry shops, where one can enjoy a coffee overlooking the green Spianada, or walk beneath the arcades, admiring the unique architecture and the atmosphere that evokes something of Paris or Venice. The elegance and historicity of the Liston make it a landmark not only for Corfu but for all of Greece. It is one of the most photographed spots on the island and an integral part of any tour of the city.
The Palace of Saints George and Michael, also known as the Old Palace, is one of the most important neoclassical buildings in Greece. It is located at the northern end of Spianada Square and was built during the period of British Protection (1819–1824) by the English architect George Whitmore. The palace hosted the British High Commissioner and later the Order of Saints George and Michael.
The architecture of the palace is imposing and austere, with Doric columns on the façade and an impressive marble entrance. The interior is distinguished by its high-aesthetic decorative elements, ceremonial halls, wooden floors, and period decorative paintings. Today, the palace houses the Museum of Asian Art, unique of its kind in Greece, with an excellent collection of artworks from China, Japan, India, and Tibet.
Walking through the palace gardens, overlooking the Ionian Sea and the old port, the visitor has the opportunity to feel the aristocratic grandeur of another era, and also to understand the significance of Corfu as a crossroads of civilizations.
Saint Spyridon is the patron saint of Corfu, and his church, built in the 16th century, is one of the most important religious monuments of the city. It is located in the heart of the Old Town, among the narrow kantounia (alleys), and stands out for its towering bell tower, which is the tallest in the Ionian Islands and visible from many parts of the city. The church houses the relic of Saint Spyridon in a silver sarcophagus, which is carried in processions four times a year, in commemoration of his miraculous interventions for the salvation of the island from plagues, famine, and sieges. These processions are deeply rooted in local tradition and are significant religious and cultural events for the people of Corfu. The Church of Saint Spyridon is a place of contemplation and reverence. Its interior is decorated with icons, paintings, and gilded wooden carvings, while the prevailing atmosphere offers a unique spiritual experience. For many visitors, the church is not only a sight to see, but also a place of pilgrimage.
Town Hall Square
The Town Hall Square is one of the most historic and charming places in the Old Town. It is located among narrow alleys and is surrounded by mansions, small cafés, and traditional restaurants. At its center stands the impressive building of the old Town Hall, formerly known as the Loggia of the Nobles and later as the San Giacomo Theater.
The Town Hall building was constructed in the 17th century and initially served as a gathering place for the local aristocracy. It was later converted into the first theater of Corfu and subsequently became the city’s Town Hall. Its architecture, with elements of Renaissance and Venetian aesthetics, makes it one of the most interesting historical buildings in Corfu. The square is ideal for enjoying the daily life of the city: children playing, street performers singing, and a vibrancy that blends the old with the modern. Here, the visitor can pause and feel the heart of Corfiot life beating through the architecture, the tradition, and the people.
The city of Corfu is an open museum of history, culture, and aesthetics. The Liston, the Palace of Saints George and Michael, the Church of Saint Spyridon, and the Town Hall Square are not simply tourist attractions, they are living pieces of the island’s identity. By visiting these places, the traveler does not merely see buildings and monuments, but touches the soul of Corfu.
