Corfu, the wooded isle of the Phaeacians,
Odysseus' last stop on his long journey home to Ithaca, is the
best known of the lonian islands. It owns its sophistication
and charm to the meshing of the different civilisations that
have occupied the island and to the natural beauty with which
it is so abundantly endowed.
On this cosmopolitan island, you'll be able to combine relaxation
with good times and a good nightlife, for Corfu is an international
tourist centre which can satisfy the demands of the most difficult
visitor.
The capital of the island is also called Corfu (Kerkira). It
is built on a promontory. that projects into the sea and is
separated into a northern and a southern section. East of the
northern part lies the Old Fortress, cut off from the town by
a moat. For centuries all the popular of Corfu lived within
this citadel, which was
founded by the Byzantines but greatly expanded and strengthened
by the Venetians.
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The Liston |
The town of Corfu is made up of completely dissimilar elements,
left over from different civilisations. It presents an enchanting
picture with its broad streets and spacious squares, the popular
Spianada the town "green" - contrasting with its
narrow back alleys paved with blocks of stone (known as "Kantounia"),
houses with a strong Italian influence, the famous Liston, a
French arcade, traditional Georgian mansions, a Byzantine church,
Venetian monuments, balconies with wrought-iron railings and
window grilles.
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The popular Spianada |
Italian influences
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SIGHTSEEING IN TOWN
The Archaeological Museum: tel.: 0030-26610-30680 and 0030-26610-38124,
the Byzantine Museum housed in the Church of the Panayia Antivouniotissa;
the Museum of Oriental Art: tel.:0030-26610-30443 and 0030-26610-38124,
in the English Palace of St. Michael and St. George; the Town
Hall, a superb example ol Venetian architecture built in 1663;
the Byzantine church of Sts. Jason and Sosipater (12th century)
with line frescoes; the church of Corfu's patron Saint Spyridon
with its valuable icons and collection of gold and silver ex
voto offerings; the old Fort; the New Fort, constructed between
1576 and 1588; and the Platytera Monastery with its rare post-Byzantine
icons.
Corfu sightseeing |
Corfu Photoalbum
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