CORFU Old Town

The Byzantines, Venetians, French and British all ruled over Corfu, giving this stellar island in the Ionian Sea a unique history that can be felt everywhere in the Old Town which has, in its entirety, been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About Corfu

The Old Town of Corfu, on the Island of Corfu off the western coasts of Albania and Greece, is located in a strategic position at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea, and has its roots in the 8th century BC. The three forts of the town, designed by renowned Venetian engineers, were used for four centuries to defend the maritime trading interests of the Republic of Venice against the Ottoman Empire. In the course of time, the forts were repaired and partly rebuilt several times, more recently under British rule in the 19th century. The mainly neoclassical housing stock of the Old Town is partly from the Venetian period, partly of later construction, notably the 19th century. As a fortified Mediterranean port, Corfu’s urban and port ensemble is notable for its high level of integrity and authenticity.
Corfu, “Kerkyra” in Greek, has a history that goes far back into Ancient Greece. Legend has it that the island got its name Kerkyra from the nymph Korkyra. The god of the sea Poseidon fell in love with her and took her to the island that was named after her. From the union came children that later, legend has it, became the Phoenician people. Corfu is mentioned in the Odyssey, as it is one of the islands where Odysseus ends up, shipwrecked and needing assistance. The name ‘Corfu’ appears during those times, from the Byzantine name “Koryfo” which means ‘island of the peaks’ after its two peaks of the Old Fortress. In 1797 Corfu became a French prefecture under Napoleon Bonaparte.
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.

Most photogenic spots

Peristyle of Maitland

It is a fantastic circular building surrounded by twenty Ionic columns and is located on the south side of the square. It was built by the English military engineer, Whitemore, whose work is also the Palace in Spianada, in honour of the English commissioner, Sir Thomas Maitland, in 1816.

Liston

Liston is part of the Spianada, the Old Town’s main square. With its 19th-century colonnade modelled on Paris’ Rue de Rivoli, Liston is catwalk territory, perfect for a photo session. Take a moment to strike a pose at the amazing grass-filled Spianada square where concerts and even cricket matches are played.

St. Michael & George Palace

Maybe the best backdrop of all, originally was the seat of the Order of Knights of Saint George & Saint Michael, this was once a British governor’s mansion and a summer residence for the Greek Royal Family. Today, it houses the Museum of Asian Art.

Real Couples

Liston
St. Michael & George Palace
Old Fortress
St. Michael & George Palace
St. Michael & George Palace
People's Garden
Spianada Square
Liston
St. Michael & George Palace
St. Michael & George Palace

Landmarks

Pontikonisi

They say that anyone who hasn’t seen the Monastery of Vlacherna and Pontikonisi hasn’t found Corfu. Vlacherna Monastery is an iconic point of the island and one of the most famous and photographed places on Corfu. Also the most beautiful church for wedding.

St. George Church

This unique building has six Doric style columns and was built in 1840 to meet the religious needs of the English soldiers who served in Corfu during the period of English Protection. The Georgian style church can accommodate a congregation of 4.000 people.

Old Fortress

Built on a hill marking the eastern end of the city, the Old Fortress was started by the Byzantines and finished by the Venetians. Walk over the canal, through the gates & on towards the Church of St. George. Climb to the cross at the top of the fortress and enjoy the panoramic views.