2 Must-Visit Fortresses in Corfu

Corfu has long been a favourite holiday destination due to its rich history, undeniable natural beauty and amazing attractions including Byzantine churches, Venetian fortresses and museums. The renowned holiday destination has influences of Greek, French, Italian and British civilisations that is evident while strolling through its maze of narrow and winding streets where you will encounter buildings and monuments that have come out of a history channel.

Today we will take a look at two of the most visited fortresses in Corfu.

Near the old harbour visitors will stumble upon the island’s New Fortress which was constructed by the Venetians at around 1577-1588. The New Fortress is small in size in comparison to other Venetian fortresses and consists of only two levels. Each level served a particular purpose in the past. The higher level protected the city and the lower level protected the harbour. In order to shield the fortress, a moat was constructed from Avrami Hill all the way to the fortress. The New Fortress was never used for residential purposes. The magnificence of the New Fortress lies in its unique architecture. It is a spectacular building that enchants everyone.

The Old Fortress is the most renowned in Corfu. It was constructed on a rocky peninsula during the Byzantine period and has two peaks! The Old Fortress is 600m high and 200m wide. The Byzantines repaired the eastern peak of the fortress and named it the Sea-Tower. That was around the time the city of Corfu was founded, and locals say the island was named after the two peaks of the Old Fortress, because ‘korifi’ in Greek means peak, so the name Corfu is said to have originated from the fortress’ peaks!

The Venetians later constructed the main fortress in 1402 -1797. The peninsula, in which the fortress was built on, was separated by a moat and two walls were constructed in the front of it. Below the fortress lay a labyrinth which served as a strategic connecting system. The inside of the fortress was where military, political and aristocratic people used to dwell.

Finally, after centuries of invasions, in 1864 the Old Fortress became Greek and still remains the pride of the locals. Today, the Old Fortress is used as a venue where concerts and other cultural events are hosted!

Have fun exploring the two most famed forts in Corfu!