Corfu - the Ionian Queen
Corfu
Corfu known also as Kerkyra, is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands in Greece. Located off of the far northwest coast of the country, Corfu lies in the Adriatic sea, east of Italy and southwest of Albania. Historically Corfu has been controlled by many foreign powers, notably the Venetians, French, and British. It is the second largest of the Ionian Islands and including its small satellite islands, forms the northwestern most part of Greece. Access to Corfu offer visitors historical and religious monuments, picturesque villages, beautiful nature and hospitality of the locals. With clean water and surrounded by lush greenery, beaches in Corfu attract many visitors every summer. Colorful music events, culinary feasts, religious festivals, carnival celebrations –known for their deep Venetian influences, and the most joyful Easter in Greece form an exquisite mosaic of experiences.access to Lefkada .
Corfu town, the jewel of the Queen.
Corfu is the island’s capital and port town, the largest and most important town on the island. It is the only town of such size that almost all its historical residential area is still preserved. The Old Town of Corfu with the two fortresses (old and new) have been included since 2007 in the World Heritage Monuments of UNESCO. The island was the location of the 1994 European Union summit.
- The Esplanade (Spianada), between the Old Fortress and Old Town, is the biggest square in South-Eastern Europe and one of the largest in Europe, built by the French under Napoleon to resemble the Rue du Rivoli in Paris. The local “Philharmonikes” (Philharmonic Orchestras), mount classical performances and also serves as a venue where cricket matches are held from time to time.
- Old Fortress (Paleo Frourio), is built by the Venetians in 1546 on the site of a Byzantine castle. Most of the Venetian fortifications inside were destroyed by the British, who replaced them with their own structures, like the Church of St. George, built to look like a Doric temple.
- Palace of St. Michael and St. George (Palaia Anaktora,Old Palaces), is a large complex of buildings of Roman architectural style which formerly housed the Kings of Greece, and prior to that the British Governors of the island. Today it houses the Museum of Asian Art, the gardens of the Palaces known as the “Garden of the People”, and a café with its own art gallery, known locally as the Art Café.
- New Fortress (Neo Frourio), is a huge complex of fortifications dominating the northeastern part of the city. The winged Lion of St Mark, the symbol of Venice, can be seen at regular intervals adorning the fortifications.
- Listón, the city’s trademark, where the aristocrats used to enjoy their evening promenades.
- The theater San Giacomo , was theater in Corfu , which became the center of Greek opera between 1733 and 1893.
- A considerable number of churches. The most imposing one is the city’s Cathedral, the Church of St. Spyridon, the island’s patron Saint, whose relics are kept here.
- The church Ag . James is the cathedral of Corfu.Located near the town hall and one of the most beautiful squares of the old town hall square.
- The Annunciata (Latin Annunziata translated as In the Annunciation Greek) is none other than the famous Catholic Church of LONTSIADAS.I church dedicated probably in honor of Venice, after at 25 March celebrates the founding of the Venetian Republic.
- Archaeological Museum: Here you can admire important finds from the temple of Artemis and excavation finds from the ancient city of Corfu.
- Byzantine Museum: It is housed in the Church of the Virgin Mary Antivouniotissa and houses an interesting collection of icons and ecclesiastic items from the 15th to the 19th century.
- The Banknote Museum showcases a collection of Greek coinage from 1822 to the present day.
- Dionysios Solomos Museum: The national Poet of Greece left Zakynthos and moved to Corfu and his house hosts a museum dedicated to his honour.
- Mon Repos Palace was built by the British Commissioner Adams as a gift to his Corfiot wife. In this luxurious dwelling, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Elisabeth the Second, was born in 1921.
- Paleópolis (at Mono Repos estate) stands where the Agora of the ancient city of Corfu was located.
- Kanóni (meaning canon) offers from its circular terrace an amazing view across the island of Pontikoníssi (meaning Mouse Island) and a magnificent view of the island with the monastery of Vlacherna.
- Achilleion is a fairy palace built among cypresses and myrtles by the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who wished to escape from the Austrian court.
- Museum of Ceramic Art brings together a large number of surviving examples of Corfiot ceramics, art formerly flourished. Are outstanding examples of folk art, distinguished for its simple and elegant form, the variety of shapes and their austere painted decoration.
- Many events all year long take place in Corfu along with plenty of activities and sports for the visitors to enjoy. From Corfu town the visitors can easily visit also many other destinations inside the island of Corfu and also the nearby islands. More of these, will follow soon. Stay tuned!
Events
- Many events all year long take place in Corfu along with plenty of activities and sports for the visitors to enjoy. From Corfu town the visitors can easily visit also many other destinations inside the island of Corfu and also the nearby islands. More of these, will follow soon. Stay tuned!
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