On the east coast of Corfu, backed by hills facing mainland Greece, the town of Corfu has occupied this site for centuries. While the first Italian influence dates back to the Roman invasion of ancient Corcyra, a more significant date today would be the capture of the island by the Venetians in 1204, following the sack of Constantinople by the Crusaders.
This is usually where it all begins: Corfu's Old Town, a name that refers to both the capital and the island in its entirety, plunges you straight into the exotic world of Corfu, which for several centuries was a possession of the Venetian Republic.
This is strongly reflected in the general appearance of the historic centre and its fortifications, but others, Greeks of course, but also French and English, have left tangible traces of their passage in Corfu's architecture: here a row of arcades reminiscent of the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, and there a cricket pitch, rather rare in Greece!
The old town of Corfu, or _Kerkyra _in Greek, is an exceptional ensemble and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A veritable maze of narrow streets winding around lively squares, with the unmistakable detail of washing hanging out to dry between two buildings... it's the picture postcard of Kerkyra!
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The capital of Corfu
- © proslgn / ShutterstockCorfu's old town, a heritage of diverse influences
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Corfu's old town
- © Rostislav Ageev / ShutterstockKerkyra remained under the control of the Republic of Venice almost without interruption until 1797! These centuries have left their mark: the general appearance of the old town is Venetian, as are the fortifications that still stand in front of the city. The Venetians, for whom Corfu represented a strategic interest, withstood several sieges, repelling the Ottomans in 1537 and 1716.
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The Old Venetian Fort
- © mairu10 / ShutterstockHowever, the Serenissima's hold over Kerkyra came to an end in 1797, when Bonaparte made Corfu a French department! This status only lasted a year: Corfu came under Russian control, then French again from 1807 to 1814, before finally falling into the hands of the British. The British did not give up easily, however, and Corfu did not rejoin Greece until 1864...
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Arcadion Hotel
Hotel located in the heart of the cityA stroll through Corfu's old town
Kerkyra's turbulent history has left indelible marks on its old town. As well as the architecture, the atmosphere here is a little reminiscent of Italy, perhaps even more so than Greece: Corfu is part of an area of Western influence, unlike most of the Greek islands where the East is already making itself felt.
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The heart of Corfu's old town
- © proslgn / ShutterstockTake your time to discover Corfu's old town: the maze of pavementless alleyways, the colourful facades of the beautiful neo-classical houses, the squares alive with terraces, the washing drying between two buildings... the charm of the place is in every nook and cranny, every detail.
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In the streets of Kerkyra
- © Marso / ShutterstockOf course, the old town is teeming with monuments and sites reminiscent of the various influences that have shaped Kerkyra: Agios Spyridon (16th century), an Orthodox church dedicated to the patron saint of Corfu whose remains are carefully preserved here, the Byzantine Museum housed in the town's oldest church, the 16th-century Venetian fortifications comprising the Old Fort and the New Fort...
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Corfu's Spianada
- © ernestos vitouladitis / ShutterstockA central feature of the old town, the majestic Spianada (Esplanade) is the meeting place for all Corfiotes at the end of the day. The Liston arcades that line it date back to Kerkyra's French period, and are directly inspired by the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.
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The Liston and its arcades
- © sianstock / ShutterstockThese arcades are home to café terraces, preceding the Royal Palace (or Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George), seat of British power in the 19th century. Opposite, the unusual cricket pitch is a reminder that this sport was introduced at the time and is still played in Corfu today!
👉 Corfu old town, practical information
How much time should you spend in Corfu's old town?
A full day during a week's stay on the island. Enthusiasts even spend the whole holiday there!
When iscthe best time to visit Corfu's old town?
The town comes alive with numerous processions for Orthodox Easter (in April): a local tradition, on Holy Saturday at precisely 11.00am, Corfiotes break pottery (botides) by throwing it out of the windows to celebrate the Resurrection! A spectacle not to be missed.
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Typical Corfu street
- © Nick N A / ShutterstockVisit the church of Agios Spyridon:
If there's only one church in the old town, this is it! Dedicated to the city's patron saint, St Spyridon, who performed several miracles to save Kerkyra.
- Address: rue Spiridon
- Opening times: daily, 7am-8pm.
- Free admission
Visit the Byzantine Museum:
Housed in the Antivouniotissa church, this is a fine collection of Byzantine icons.
- Address: rue Arseniou
- Opening times: daily 8.30am-3.30pm, closed on Tuesdays
- Admission: €2
Visit the Old Venetian Fort:
An impressive Venetian defensive structure guarding the old town, with a great view to boot.
- Times: daily, summer 8am-8pm, winter 8.30am-3.30pm
- Admission: €3
Visit the Palais Royal (Asian Art Museum):
Interesting to discover the architecture of the Palace's rooms as well as the collection of Asian art, uncommon in Greece.
- Address: Spianada
- Times: daily 8.30am-3.30pm, closed on Tuesdays
- Admission: €6
Combined ticket for Corfu:
If you're planning several visits, this 3-day ticket could be worth your while. Entries included in the combined ticket are
- Byzantine Museum
- The Royal Palace
- The Old Fort
- Corfu Archaeological Museum
- Villa Mon Repos
- Price: €15