Corfu

Corfu is one of the northern islands of the Ionian Sea and lies at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea, near the coast of Epirus. The city of Corfu is characterized by the strong presence of Venetian elements, as well as by various English and French influences. It is a cosmopolitan city giving a sense of nobleness, with main attractions Spianada Square, the largest square in the Balkans, the Old and the New Fortress, the City Hall (Teatro di San Giacomo), Kanoni, Mon Repos, as well as the Museums of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine History.

Church of Saint Spyridon

The Church of Saint Spyridon is one of the most important post-Byzantine monuments of the city of Corfu and is a centre of attraction for the visitors of the city and of the island. The first church was constructed in San Rocco but its demolition was found to be imperative for the expansion of the fortress walls. Today’s church was built in 1589. The mortal remains of Saint Spyridon are kept today in a silver shrine, work of the 19th century, placed on the right side of the Sanctuary.   

Spianada Square

Spianada is the largest, most vibrant and impressive square in Greece and is the result of the military fortification works by the Venetians for the protection of the city, during the 17th and 18th centuries. The construction of the impressive group of the Liston residences, between 1807 and 1814 by the French imperialists and the erection of the Palace of St. Michael and St. George by the British commissioner Maitland, during the British domination, on the northern part of Spianada, shaped the great urban front of the square. In particular, the arcade on the ground floor of the Liston complex, with its vivid recreational activity, determined the character of the square and its social activity for many years, being the most fashionable meeting place.  

Liston

A walk in the magnificent Old City of Corfu starts or ends at Liston. Dozens of cafeterias and restaurants, housed under the large arched arcades with the marvellous arches or “voltes” as they are called by the Corfiots, at the west side of the Spianada Square, constitute the most seductive attraction for residents and visitors alike. Liston is the cosmopolitan centre of the city. On a sunny Sunday you may enjoy your coffee in one of the cafeterias, while at noon on a Saturday you may watch cricket games in Spianada. Many of the city’s Philharmonic orchestras will pass before you as well as the Litanies of Saint Spyridon.    

Kanoni

The cosmopolitan Kanoni is a place of breathtaking beauty and one of the best known attractions in Corfu, offering a fascinating view to the island with Vlacherna Monastery, to which it is linked by means of an elevated strip. At the far end, the legendary green rock, Pontikonisi dominates with the Monastery of Pantokrator, which according to Homer, was Ulysses’ ship that god Poseidon turned into stone during the storm which washed ashore the legendary castaway in the island of the Phaeacians, his last stop before his return to Ithaca. The route to Kanoni offers unhoped for joys while it concentrates the history of Corfu in just a few kilometres. The ancient city of Corfu, founded during the 8th century BC and the ancient temple of Artemis are found in the area. The entire region is named after the fortification works of the French, an integral part of a series of conquerors, who left their indelible mark on the emerald island of the Ionian Sea.

Pontikonisi

Pontikonisi is a green and tree-lined rock, located at the entrance of the lagoon of Chalikiopoulou. It took its name from its shape. This rock is one of the most popular and well known tourist attractions in Corfu. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Corfu and the last years various constructions were carried out such as the construction of the docking pier for various vessels and boats, that during the summer months facilitate the transport between the rock, Kanoni, Perama and from Vlackerna Monastery to Kanoni.  

Mon Repos

The green estate of Mon Repos is located in Palaiopolis, where the traces of the old city of Corfu (8th century BC) are found. The British Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands Frederic Adam built in this estate his summer manor in 1831 for his beloved Corfiot wife, Nina Palatianou, following the designs by British architect Whitmore. The elegant and impressive palace with the large openings has a colonial style with intense Greek and neo-classical elements. Today the Palace of Mon Repos houses the Museum of Palaiopolis, since the Municipality of Corfu has conceded it to the Ministry of Culture for 50 years.