You probably did not know that Corfu hided a beautiful ghost town. With no inhabitants, Old Perithia has turned into an abandoned place in the middle of nature chosen by many people for a unique Greek getaway. Time in Old Perithia has stopped around 40 years ago and today it is considered Corfu’s best-preserved and oldest heritage.
Awarded as a “heritage protected” in “a designated area of beauty”, this is certainly a place that deserves at least a visit if you are staying in the wonderful island.
Why don’t you spend a day far from the wonderful beaches and Greek tavernas to discover the real, authentic spirit of the island?
Surrounded by an incredible silence, in older times it was a populous and charming village made of stone houses and iconic churches. Once, it was inhabited by more that 1200 people and has flourished basing its economy on vines and agriculture, as the immense countryside framing its walls was suitable for this kind of activities. However, 40 years ago the last inhabitants abandoned the city seeking fortune away during a positive economic period, leaving Old Perithia forever.
Now, a city tour turns into a magnificent time-travel. You will pass next to old ruins and walk on grassy roads stumbling into some imposing stone palaces which beauty was not lost with the passing of centuries. Their walls still present frescoes and decorations, recreating a wonderful Venetian atmosphere, and the cozy houses that were once so warm and friendly still look charming. Above all, the churches are particularily fascinating, as their position in the village seems chosen to protect it from foreign attacks. Actually, even the localization of Old Perithia aimed to avoid pirates’ menaces and made it a safe place to hide and install. The settlement developed on the side of a mountain invisible from sea and unreachable by land.
Today, it has become a nice tourist destination and some restaurants and bars have opened to offer some delicious local specialites. This is certainly an unmissable opportunity to discover one of Corfu’s nicest and oldest corners!
Plan your visit and do not forget to book one of our charming holiday rentals in the region, like Villa di Giovanni!
© Alice Pilastri
