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Corfu Old Town

  • Church of Agios Spiridon

    Church of Agios Spiridon

    The Church of Saint Spyridon is situated in the heart of Corfu town just behind the Liston. Originally the church was built in San Rocco square but in 1590 was built at its present location. The exterior of the church is typical of the Venetian architecture and its bell tower is the highest point in the town ensuring it can be seen for miles and when approaching by sea. The bell tower built in 1620 is plain and squarely profiled in an Italian style which resembles the Greek Church St. Giorgio’s Del Greci bell tower in Venice but with a red dome. Underneath the bell there is a clock with Latin numbers and gold pointers. The top of the church is divided into 17 parts with golden frames painted by the artist, Panagiotis Doxaras, in 1727. However due to humidity these initial painting were destroyed and in 1852 the top of the church was restored by the artist Nikolaos Aspiotis. Saint Spyridon, who is considered the keeper of Corfu and his remains can be found in the church behind the Alter, housed in a shrine made in Vienna in 1867. His remains are carried around the town of Corfu four times a year to celebrate his miracles (Palm Sunday, Good Friday, August 11th, first Sunday of November).

  • Liston Square

    Liston Square

    The Liston is a long building running alongside the Esplanade. With its beautiful vaulted galleries, archways and hanging lanterns the Liston was constructed in 1807 during French rule, it was designed by the French Engineer Lesseps, to be a copy in miniature of the rue de Rivoli in Paris. The Liston is now home to a range of coffee shops and restaurants, there is a constant buzz around the area where locals and tourists converge for meet or watch the world go buy. When first constructed only the noblemen, the Libro D’ Oro, were allowed to enter and walk along the street and under the arches and a special list ensured this area was kept elite. It is thought that the name Liston is derived from the Venetian word ‘lista’ which had two meanings, the first was ‘a wide and straight road for a walk’ and the second ‘a wooden bench on which catalogues were inscribed’ indicating the list of names, therefore it is believed the name Liston was a combination of both meanings.

  • The Esplanade or Spianada

    The Esplanade or Spianada

    Corfu Town Esplanade or Spianada in old Corfu town is the large park area running between the town and the old fortress. The original meaning of the word esplanade was a large, open, level area outside a fortress or city walls to provide clear fields of fire for the fortress’ guns, these areas were kept clear to allow the soldiers to defend open areas outside of forts. Today the Esplanade is a beautiful open public park full of trees, wide paths, benches, a band stand, fountains, monuments and a cricket field. At one end of the Esplanade is the Royal Palace of Corfu also called St Michele and St Giorgio Palace which is now home to the Museum of Asian Art. Designed by Colonel George Whitmore in 1819 it is an imposing neoclassical building, with its beautiful Doric Colonnade, wide archway and Georgian style.

  • The Old Fortress

    The Old Fortress

    The Old Castle is the best known and most famous castle in Corfu. Its history is closely connected with history of the island. It is situated on a rocky peninsula and has two peaks. The castle is 600 m long and 200 m wide and dates back to the Byzantine period. The Byzantines were the first to fix the eastern top of the Acropolis and named it the Sea-Tower. At those times the city of “Koryfo” was founded. One of the versions of the Island’s name says that it originates from the word “koryfi” meaning peaks. But the main fortification was built by the Venetians (1402-1797). The peninsula was separated from the island by a moat and two enclosure-walls were built in front of it. Under the castle there was a labyrinth of arched ways and tunnels up to the top to the rock which formed a perfect underground connecting system.

  • Casa Parlante

    Casa Parlante

    A 19th century noble mansion comes to life with stories to tell. In the unique architectural setting of a classical mansion in the historic Old town of Corfu, the everyday life of the island’s 19th century nobility is recreated. Through animated figures, using robotic technology, and the perfect reproduction of décor and furnishing, Casa Parlante promises to deliver you a true insight into bygone Corfu.Awakening all your senses, the traditions of the island unfold in front of you, depicting family life in an authentic experience of sights, sounds and smells.Before your eyes the house will come to life…Listen to the children of the family playing music, smell the aromas of the cook’s virtuosic cuisine, read the headlines of the Count’s newspaper…

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