Corfu Town

Περιγραφή

Corfu Town is one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. It is a place of rich culture, centuries-old history, everyday life intertwined with fine arts, and exciting traditions that attract thousands of visitors each year.

Due to its strategic location at the mouth of the Adriatic Sea, Corfu had always been an essential asset for anyone who wanted to control the trading and military routes between the east and the west. All the major forces were well aware of that, so the Venetians, the French, and the British successively conquered the island. All of them left their influences in Corfu Town, which is much in evidence today in the city’s unique architecture and multifaceted historical and cultural heritage. This led to Old Town being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

A stroll around the Old Town, nestled between the two Venetian fortresses, is a charming trip back in time. Starting from the Old Fortress, admire the impressive Spianada Square and Liston, and get lost in the streets of Campiello. Campiello is the town’s oldest district, featuring tall Venetian-style buildings, British mansions, narrow paved alleyways (the so-called “Kantounia”), and small hidden squares with fountains.

Besides history, Corfu Town is also a place with a vibrant present. The city has a remarkable culinary scene with many award-winning restaurants, and various luxury international retail chains have a presence here with boutiques. Also, the students of the Ionian University, which is headquartered here, add to the cosmopolitan character of this city, making it a real international hotspot.

The top things to do and see in Corfu Town

The Old Fortress

Though initially built by the Byzantines in the 6^th century AD, the fortress came to prominence during Venetian rule. It is built on a rocky peninsula at the eastern end of Old Town and Spianada. Two towers were constructed on the two hilltops dominating the peninsula: the Tower of the Land and the Tower of the Sea.

Access to the Old Fortress is made via an iron bridge. Underneath, there is an artificial moat (the “Contrafossa”), which was created for extra security. Today, fishing boats and other small vessels moor at the canal, creating quaint scenery.

Past the arched entrance, a gallery leads to the center of the fortress. On the south side, there is the Doric church of Agios Georgios, which was built by the British in 1840.

You will see Mandraki, a small quaint port with a fine restaurant serving delicious cuisine on the north side.

The Venetial prison, the British barracks, and the military chapel still stand. In Versiada, the outdoor area of the fortress, cultural events and concerts are organized.

Spianada and Liston

Spianada is one of the most famous sights of Corfu. Strategically located between the Old Fortress and Old Town, it is the biggest square in Greece and the Balkans. It covers an area of 42,000sq.m. and is a favorite meeting point for both locals and visitors.

The small General Viktoros Dousmani Avenue divides Spianada into the Upper (Ano) Square and the Lower (Kato) Square. If you take a walk in Spianada, you will admire some of the town’s most important monuments, such as the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, the Statue of Schulenburg, the Maitland Rotunda, and, of course, Liston. In Spianada, there is also a cricket court. Cricket was imported into Corfu by the British, and the locals adopted it.

Liston is an elegant, arcaded promenade on the western end of Spianada, resembling the Parisian Rue de Rivoli. It was developed during the French occupation. The arches of Liston host some of the best cafés and restaurants in town. On Easter, the lanterns of Liston are lit and accompany the processions of Holy Friday, creating an impressive spectacle.

The Church of Agios Spyridonas

It is an impressive church and one of the most important Byzantine landmarks of Corfu. It is set in the alleyways of Old Town and houses the relics of Agios Spyridonas, the island’s patron saint.

Agios Spyridonas is a single-aisle basilica with a stunning marble entrance. Construction was completed in 1589 by the Voulgaris family. The church’s bell tower stands out in the sky of the alleyways.

Garitsa Bay

Garitsa is a quaint area located on the south side of Corfu Town, between the city center and the peninsula of Kanoni. It is one of the oldest quarters of the town, with findings that date back to ancient times.

The bay of Garitsa is enchanting for anyone lucky enough to visit it. The moon-shaped bay starts at the Old Fortress and ends at the multi-photographed picturesque point of the Windmill. It is a place of great beauty, with a seaside promenade that the locals use all year long for their walks. During the summer months, the bay becomes a meeting point for boats and yachts from all over the world. The waters offer good anchorage, as they are safe and protected from the winds. They are also deep enough to support even mega yachts. Views onboard any ship anchored in the bay are breathtaking, with the Old Fortress and town in the distance.

Garitsa used to be an industrial area until the 1950s. Many factories were based in the neighborhood, and people who worked there chose to settle close to their workplaces. Today, it is a vibrant place of recreation, sports, outdoor activities, and entertainment. The area boasts many restaurants, bars, and cafés for joyful relaxation moments overlooking the bay, while Garitsa Grove is great for peaceful walks under the shade of eucalyptus trees.