10 Top Sights to Visit when in Corfu 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. Read on and find out which top landmarks every visitor should visit when in Corfu!
The Old Fortress is one of Corfu’s renowned landmarks. The ancient fort was built in the 16th century on a little isle, with the purpose of protecting the island from enemy raids. The interior of the fortress has been restored and is presently used as a cultural venue where events are held throughout the year.
The New Fortress is a Venetian fortress that was constructed in the 1500s to protect the city from enemies. It was named the New Fortress because it was built a few years after the Palaio Frourio was completed. Visitors are mesmerised as they wander through the fort’s labyrinth-like alleys, inviting them to explore.
Liston was built by the French back in the early 1800s. Liston is in fact a replica of Rue de Rivoli found in the heart of Paris. Liston’s grandiose terraces were the elite’s hotspot back in the days. Currently, Liston remains a popular tourist and local hotspot boasting with bars, cafes and restaurants made to relax and watch the world go by.
Spianada Square is the largest-sized and oldest square found across Greece. The square was named after the Italian word Spianare (to flatten), as the area was initially flat and empty since it was required to have an empty area between the castle and the city for fortification reasons. In the past, military activities took place here at Spianada Square. It wasn’t until 1628 that the square was turned into a bustling urban hotspot where trade and commerce, social activities and recreation thrived.
Corfu’s Town Hall is housed in a grandiose Venetian building. Back in the day, the city’s Town Hall was housed at San Giacomo Theatre, where the nobles spent their nights watching the theatre while socialising.
The Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George is a grandiose Georgian-style palace built during the British reign. In the past, the palace was home to the British High Commission and Corfu’s treasury as well as the Greek royal family. Currently, the palace is home to the Museum of Asian Art which exhibits impressive art pieces including the Manos Collection, with more than 10000 Japanese, Chinese, and Korean furniture, weapons, ceramics and art masterpieces.
Agios Spyridon Church was named after the island’s patron saint, Saint Spyridon. The remains of the saint are found in a coffin within the church. The 16th century church is one of the island’s most dominating landmarks.
Church of Panagia Antivouniotissa, the oldest Christian church in Corfu, is home to the impressive Antivouniotissa Museum. The most inspiring section of the museum’s collection is its Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons.
Maitland Rotounda was built in honour of the first Lord High British Commissioner of all the Ionian Islands, Sir Thomas Maitland. The 19th century circular stoned monument decorates the southern side of Spianada Square.