WHAT TO DO IN CORFU

CORFU - A WEALTH OF HISTORY

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Corfu (Kerkyra), is unlike the rest of Greece as it did not fall under the Ottoman oppression. Due to the successive dominations of the Venetians, the French and the British over the centuries the island has primarily become part of the Western rather the Levantine world.

Their culture wielded strong influence in the city: it was here that the first Greek University (the Ionian Academy), the first Philharmonic Orchestra and the First School of Fine Arts were founded.

Panoramic view of Kerkyra, capital of Corfu island, Greece

In the beautifully preserved Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO world heritage site, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical “repertoire” came to be successfully applied to local artistic traditions. Palaces, fortresses, austere public buildings of the Venetian rule uniquely blend with lines of drying washing in tiny alleyways and small secluded squares. Strolling through a complex of narrow cobbled streets with stairways and vaulted passages, the so-called “kantounia”, will make you feel as if you’ve travelled to Genoa or Naples.

spianada square in corfu aerialview

Discover the most beautiful spots in the city of Corfu walking through Spianada, the largest square in the Balkans, is the centre of the city, adorned with 19th-century remarkable works of French architecture.

Here you can watch cricket games, or attend in musical concerts organised throughout the year. Visit Liston, the city’s trademark, where the aristocrats used to enjoy their evening promenades. The characteristic arcades form the most romantic background setting for a welcome cup of coffee at one of the town’s cosy cafés.

Explore the smart suburbs Mandouki, Garitsa and Saroko.

Some fo the most important places to visit:

  • The 15th century Old Fortress, as well as the New Fortress
  • The Saint Michael and George Palace at the northern part of Spianada, built during the British occupation
  • Church of St. Spyridon, the island’s patron Saint, whose relics are kept here
  • The Museum of Asian Art: Being the only one of its kind, it was founded in 1927 after the donation of 10.500 items by Gregorios Manos
  • Saint Michael and George Palace
  • The Byzantine Museum: It is housed in the Church of the Virgin Mary Antivouniotissa
  • The Banknote Museum showcases a collection of Greek coinage from 1822 to the present day
  • The Museum of Dionysios Solomos: The national Poet of Greece left Zakynthos and moved to Corfu

 

Other locations around the city of Corfu which used to be the aristocracy’s favourites:

  • Mon Repos Palace was built by the British Commissioner Adams as a gift to his Corfiot wife. It is a small but beautiful palace with colonial elements, which today operates as a museum. In this luxurious dwelling, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Elisabeth the Second, was born in 1921. The park around the palace is ideal for long romantic walks.
  • Kanoni (meaning canon) offers from its circular terrace an amazing view across the island of Pontikonissi (meaning Mouse Island), one of the most photographed spots of Corfu! According to the legend, this rocky islet was a Phaeacian ship that was turned into stone.
  • Paleopolis (at Mono Repos estate) stands where the Agora of the ancient city of Corfu was located. Admire the remains of several public buildings erected there along with sanctuaries, workshops and residencies.
  • Achilleion is a fairy palace built among cypresses and myrtles by the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who wished to escape from the Austrian court. Elisabeth truly fell in love with the island, and she dedicated this palace to Achilles as she cherished the belief that he represented the very soul and fairness of Greece.

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