The old town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage site

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.

Kerkyra 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.

However, 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...

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.

Take 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.

Of 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...

A 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.

These 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!

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?