Venice without the canals, is how the Old Town of Corfu is often described, with its towering Venetian buildings separated by a maze of narrow cobbled alleyways bustling with life and colourful merchandise. Yet, this only half-describes the character and charm of this mediterranean coastal town, which has both historically and in modern times, been an intersection of foreign cultures, architecture and music.
Venice without the canals, is how the Old Town of Corfu is often described, with its towering Venetian buildings separated by a maze of narrow cobbled alleyways bustling with life and colourful merchandise. Yet, this only half-describes the character and charm of this mediterranean coastal town, which has both historically and in modern times, been an intersection of foreign cultures, architecture and music.
A visit to Corfu Town is a definite must!!!
Take a stroll down the Liston, the pedestrian walkway that runs alongside the French-built Arcaded-edifice filled with outdoor cafes on the one hand, and the Esplanade Square on the other. You get a view of the Old Venetian Citadel, as well as the Palace of St Michael and St George that was built by the British. Behind this extends the town’s Venetian facade and somewhere in the distance you can see the bell-tower of St Spyridon, the Greek Orthodox Church of the Patron Saint of the Island of Corfu and the tallest building in the Old Town. A visit to this church is recommended, especially in the morning hours, when the Saint’s tomb is open to prayer, and you get a chance to see his thousand-year-old relics.
Corfu Town can be visited in just a couple of hours. You may however like to linger a little longer, to fully absorb its beauty and vibrancy… not to mention the plentiful shopping of handicrafts, local products and trendy shops. You may wish to combine your visit to the town with a visit to some of the historic/cultural sites during daytime, or with dinning-out in the evening.
Sites in and around Corfu Town
Just a few steps from the Liston, look out for the Casa Parlante (The Talking House), which offers an enjoyable little tour around a typical Corfiot Nobility House and where you’ll get a glimpse of the most bizarre household items.
For a panoramic view of the town, head up to the top of either the Old Fortress, or the New Fortress; both of which were built by the Venetians in the 16th and 17th centuries to protect the town from coastal invasions.
For a deeper exploration of Corfu’s ancient history, make sure to stop off at the Archeological museum.
The Byzantine museum displays noteworthy icons.
The Solomos and Banknote museums would appeal to those with relevant inclinations.
The Serbian museum gives light to the mostly unknown story of how a debilitated exiled Serbian Government and Army found refuge on Corfu Island during WWI, as does the Serbian Mausoleum on Vidos Island.
The Mon Repo Palace, which had been used as a summer residence by the Former Greek Royal Family, and where Prince Philip had been born, is an enjoyable stop both for its museum exhibits and walk in the surrounding park.
The Palace of St Michael and St George houses the largest Asian Art Museum in Greece. However, at the side wing and around the side gardens, there are small Art Galleries with temporary art-exhibitions of local artists.
The windmill at Anemomylos, at the end of Garitsa Bay usually exhibits photography by local artists.
