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Corfu Old Town
Corfu Old Town is one of the most distinctive historic centres in Greece, shaped by more than four centuries of Venetian rule and later influenced by the French, British and Greek periods. Unlike most of Greece, Corfu was never conquered by the Ottoman Empire, helping to give the town an architectural and cultural character that is distinctly different from many other Greek destinations.
The historic centre, known as Kerkyra, is a compact area of narrow streets, Venetian buildings, arcades, churches and small squares stretching between the Old Fortress and New Fortress. Its oldest quarter, Campiello, is particularly enjoyable to explore on foot, with winding lanes known as kantounia, tall buildings, balconies and quiet corners.
Corfu Old Town was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007 as an outstanding example of a fortified Mediterranean port city. Its present character reflects successive Venetian, French and British influences, while its roots extend back to antiquity.
Spianada and the Liston
At the heart of the town lies the Spianada, a vast open square separating the historic centre from the Old Fortress. The French transformed the area during their rule, while the British later added further features. Today it is one of the main meeting places in Corfu Town and a popular spot for walking and watching the city's daily life.
Along its western side stands the Liston, an elegant arcaded building dating from the French period and inspired by the architecture of Paris's Rue de Rivoli. Its cafés and restaurants overlook the Spianada, making it one of the most recognisable settings in Corfu.
The square is also closely associated with Corfu's philharmonic bands, whose performances and processions are an important part of the island's musical tradition.
Old Fortress
At the eastern end of the Spianada stands the Old Fortress, one of Corfu's most important landmarks. Although the site has Byzantine origins, much of the fortress seen today reflects the extensive Venetian fortifications that developed over several centuries.
A bridge leads across the Contrafossa to the entrance, after which visitors can explore the fortifications and enjoy wide views over Corfu Town and the Ionian Sea. The fortress also contains the Church of St George, built during the British period, while the area around the former Venetian harbour now includes a small marina.
Palace of St Michael and St George
The northern end of the Spianada is dominated by the Palace of St Michael and St George, built between 1819 and 1823 during the British period. The imposing neoclassical building served as the residence of the British Lord High Commissioners and later housed institutions of the United States of the Ionian Islands.
Today, the palace is home to the Museum of Asian Art of Corfu, whose collection contains more than 11,000 objects from China, Japan, India, Tibet, Korea and other parts of Asia. Particularly notable are its Chinese and Japanese collections and the Greco-Buddhist sculptures from Gandhara.
Campiello and the Byzantine Museum
Behind the palace, the streets of Campiello climb towards the northern part of the Old Town. Walking through this historic neighbourhood is one of the best ways to appreciate Corfu's Venetian urban character, with narrow kantounia, old stone buildings and small squares.
The Byzantine Museum of Antivouniotissa occupies the former Church of the Virgin Antivouniotissa, a single-aisled church dating from the 15th century. Its collection includes Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, many associated with the Cretan School.
Church of Saint Spyridon
One of the most important religious landmarks in Corfu is the Church of Saint Spyridon, just off the Liston. It houses the relics of Saint Spyridon, the patron saint of Corfu, and remains an important pilgrimage site.
Saint Spyridon is traditionally credited with protecting Corfu from several disasters, including the Ottoman siege of 1716. His relics are carried through the streets during several important religious processions each year, accompanied by the island's famous philharmonic bands.
The church's tall bell tower is one of the most recognisable features of the Old Town skyline.
New Fortress and the Old Port
On the northern side of the historic centre stands the New Fortress, constructed mainly during the Venetian period between the 16th and 17th centuries and later modified by the French and British. Together with the Old Fortress, it formed the main defensive system protecting the city and its harbour.
The fortress offers wide views across the Old Town, harbour and Ionian Sea and is particularly worthwhile for visitors interested in Corfu's military history.
Other Museums and Historic Quarters
Corfu's multicultural history can also be seen in its religious buildings. The Catholic Cathedral of Saints James and Christopher stands on Dimarchiou Square, while the historic Jewish quarter preserves traces of the island's Jewish community.
The Museum of the Serbian Presence in Corfu documents the stay of the Serbian army and government-in-exile on the island during the First World War. Nearly 140,000 Serbian soldiers arrived in Corfu from 1916 onwards after their retreat through Albania.
For visitors interested in ancient history, the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, just south of the Old Town, contains finds from ancient Corfu and surrounding areas. Its most famous exhibit is the monumental Gorgon pediment from the Temple of Artemis, dating from around 585 BC.
Exploring Corfu Old Town
The best way to experience Corfu Old Town is on foot. Start around the Spianada and Liston, visit the Old Fortress, then wander through Campiello and the surrounding kantounia. Continue towards Saint Spyridon and the Palace of St Michael and St George before exploring the northern streets and New Fortress.
The combination of Venetian fortifications, French architecture, British neoclassical buildings, Orthodox churches and Mediterranean street life makes Corfu Old Town unlike most other historic centres in Greece.
