Corfu town

Corfu is one of the most beautiful and green islands that combines nature beauty and cosmopolitan life style. Visitors have come here in all times and created a mixture of Greek, British, Venetian and French style in architecture, culture and food which makes Corfu one of the most attractive cities in the Mediterranean. The buildings in the old city remain intact and wandering through the narrow streets is like a lesson in history and architecture. The town has two major fortresses as well as numerous small squares and fountains. In the big square of the city (Esplanade), behind the Venetian fortress, the visitor finds the cricket field and the famous Liston. This beautiful alley with cafes and restaurants is the trademark of the city of Corfu. You can rent a horse drawn carriage for a tour in the town or take the little train that rides through the old city.

Corfu town (Kerkyra) is the largest town in the Ionian islands. It is one of the most interesting cities in Greece, built between two Venetian castles. Corfu is much influenced of the Venetians who for centuries controlled the island. The population of the town of Corfu is about 30,000 and is quite cosmopolitan. It is a mixture of taverns, cafes, discos, clubs and shops of all types plus an amazing old city.

Esplanade (Spiniada Square) and Liston One of the most beautiful walks in the town is around the Esplanade, one of the biggest squares in Europe. Designed by the French and turned into a public square, planted with trees and flowers. As an English heritage, the Esplanade is the only place in Greece where cricket matches are played. Situated in the western side of the Esplanade is the Liston. Liston was built during the imperial French occupation as a replica of the larger 'Arcades' of the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.

There are several interesting museums In the Archaeological Museum of Corfu you can admire founds from excavations from the archaeological sites of the island. The Museum of Asian Art of Corfu is the only Asian museum of Greece and is housed in the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint Georges. The Numismatic Museum of Corfu houses a rich collection of banknotes, coins, bank documents and stamps.

The old fortress is separated from the rest of the town by a moat and this area is one of the most beautiful spots in the city. There is a 60 foot metal bridge which now stands where the old draw-bridge used to be. The fortress has been inhabited continuously for 1500 years and historically it is probably the most important monument on the island. But it is also one of the most beautiful places on the island with great views of the city and during the summer this is where the sound and light is performed.

The new fortress was built between 1576 and 1588. The Venetian fortifications are considered a masterpiece of military architecture. From the four original gates of the fortress only two survive, the Porto San Nicolo at the north end of the Esplanade and the Porta Spillia, east of the fortress.

There is an interesting church - Agios Spyridon distinct by the tall tower with a red cupola inside the city, dedicated to he island's patron saint Spyridon. His mummified body lies in this church. Saint Spyridon is considered to have performed miracles and has saved the city from invaders appearing with a lighted torch and scaring the invaders away.

Achillion Palace The Palace, located in the village of Gastouri, was built in 1890 for Elizabeth (Sissy), the Empress of Austria as her summer retreat. Later the Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany bought the Palace. The Palace is definitely a place to take your camera. This beautiful building in picturesque gardens overlooks the sea and Corfu town.