10 Top Sights to Visit when in Corfu Old Town
With its cobblestoned lanes and ancient plazas, the island’s Old Town still exudes its old-world charisma and charm. Sightseeing is made fun as a world of the ancient times enfolds right on your feet. Corfu’s Old Town boasts with dominating fortresses, grandiose palaces, inspiring museums, marvellous monuments and temples as well as traditional taverns, cultural spots and gourmet restaurants, all waiting to be discovered. Influenced by the Greeks, French, Italians and British, the Old Town is home to literally a diverse architectural anthology which mesmerises and transports all its visitors into its timeless web.
Those seeking to set off on a timeless sightseeing experience have come to the right place! Below you will find the top 10 must-see sights and landmarks of Corfu’s Old Town!
Palaio Frourio (Old Fortress) is the island’s most impressive and renowned landmark. The ancient fort was built during the 16th century on a little islet or moat in order to protect the island from enemy invasions. The fort’s interior has been restored and is currently used for cultural events throughout the year. At the base of the Palaio Frourio lies the marvellous church of Saint George.
Neo Frourio (New Fortress) is a Venetian fort built in the 1500s to protect the city from enemy raids. Despite what the name of the fort connotes, it was actually built a few years after the Palaio Frourio was completed. Visitors are always amazed when walking through the fort’s maze-like alleyways, inviting them to explore. Neo Frourio, the ancient naval fort, is open to the public luring its visitors to take a peek inside its fortified walls.
The French built the Liston in the early 1800s as a replica of Rue de Rivoli found in the heart of Paris. Liston’s grandiose arcaded terraces were only used by Corfu’s elite back in the days. Today, Liston is one of the most popular local and tourist areas found on the island boasting with trendy bars, cafes and cosy restaurants made to relax and watch the world go by.
Spianada Square is probably the largest and oldest square found throughout Greece. The name of the square originates from the Italian word Spianare, which translates to flatten. It was named as such because it was initially used as a fortification area, where it was necessary to have an empty area between the castle and the city. At the time, military activities took place here and as such no construction was allowed. It wasn’t until 1628 that the square was turned into a bustling urban hotspot where trade and commerce, social activities and recreation took place. A circular and ionic monument, in honour of the first English Commissioner, Thomas Maitland, decorates the square.
The city’s Dimarchio (Town Hall), is housed in a marvellous Venetian building. In the past, the Town Hall was the San Giacomo Theatre, where the elite of the island used to spend their nights watching theatrical performances while socialising.
The Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George is a dominating Georgian-style palace built during the British reign over the island. The grandiose palace has housed the British High Commission and Corfu’s treasury in the past. It has also been the home of the Greek royal family. Today, the palace has been transformed into the Museum of Asiatic Art which showcases fascinating exhibits including the Manos Collection, which comprises of more than 10000 Chinese, Japanese and Korean weapons, furnishings as well as ceramics and art pieces. The Mano collection was donated by Grigorios Manos, hence the name, to Corfu’s government to set up a museum on the island.
Church of Agios Spyridon was named after the island’s patron saint, Saint Spyridon, whose remains are found in an elaborate silver coffin within the church. The 16th century church is one of the island’s most imposing and inspiring landmarks, decorated with red campanile.
Antivouniotissa Museum is housed in the one of the island’s most ancient Christian churches, the Church of Panagia Antivouniotissa. The most inspiring part of the museum’s collection is by far its Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons. Visitors also marvel at the ecclesiastical artefacts dating back thousands of years.
The 19th century Maitland Rotounda was built in honour of the first Lord High British Commissioner of all the Ionian Islands, Sir Thomas Maitland. The circular stoned monument decorates the southern part of Spianada Square.
The city’s Old Port is undeniably one of the most captivating and picturesque spots in Corfu. In the past it was the island’s busiest spot, with ships and boats coming and going constantly. Today, most ships head for the island’s New Port. However, the Old Port is made for romantic walks while enjoying the scenic views of the glistening blue sea and perfect sunset vistas!
All that’s left is to enjoy your sightseeing day! Happy holidays!