Corfu Town Travel Guide
Towns and cities in Corfu
The Old Town of Corfu, also known as Kerkyra, is a picturesque spot on Corfu Island looking out to the Ionian Sea. Flanked by two Venetian fortresses, several cultures have flourished on its shores, leaving behind them a multi-layered historical and cultural heritage that is still very much in evidence today.
About the area
Corfu Town is situated on the eastern coast of the island of Corfu, and its strategic position at the mouth of the Adriatic has historically made it a coveted prize for empires and nations, weaving a tapestry of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, French, and British influences into the fabric of the town. The UNESCO world heritage site, with its fortresses, palaces, labyrinthine streets, and unique geography, contributes to its distinct charm and makes the old town a focal point for visitors to the island.
Things to do in Corfu Town
- Discover the fortresses: Fascinating not only for their historical relevance but also for their stunning views over the town, the sea, the Greek mainland and much of Corfu island. Please note that the New Fortress, despite its name, dates back to 1578!
- Stroll the Liston and Spianada: The Liston is the chicest part of town, an elegant piazza-cum-promenade whose arcade is lined with cafés, restaurants and boutiques with a Parisian feel. Bordering the Liston is the Spianda – a large park between the Old Fortress and the Liston in the east of town, which you will probably cross at some time during your visit. The British used to play cricket here and the Victorian bandstand at the centre harks back to another era completely!
- Wander through the Campiello: Meander through the quarter of the Campiello, the mediaeval heart of Corfu Town. Just wander, get lost, look up and around you and stop occasionally for refreshments!
- Visit one of Corfu’s many churches: there are nearly 40 Greek Orthodox churches in Corfu Town and we recommend you visit a few, including the Church of St Spyridon (resting place of the island’s venerated patron saint - built 1596), the Orthodox Cathedral (1577) and the Byzantine Church of St Jason and St Sosipater (filled with sublime icons and time-faded frescoes - built in the 11th century).
- Explore its museums: Both the Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine Museum are worth a visit. The former’s star exhibit is a 17m-long bas relief of Medusa’s grizzly end dating back to the 6th century BC, while the latter, housed in a 15th-century church, features some exceptional examples of icon art dating between the 13th and 17th centuries.
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