A visit to the island of Corfu needs to start from its most beautiful city! As well as having stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and a unique nature, this Greek island also hides a treasure of architectural and artistic wonders. Among these, Corfu Town is certainly one of the top places to visit if you like to discover the beauty found between the lovely streets of a typical Greek center!
Want to know more about it? Keep reading and check out the best things to see and do in Corfu Town to plan your perfect tour!
This ancient city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007. It really deserves to be included in the list of the paradises on earth: Corfu Town still shows traces of Byzantine and Venetian art in many of its buildings and it's something special to see. Actually, this is the only island in Greece that didn't go under the Ottoman influence, so it still presents the heritage of a long Venetian domination.
The most interesting neighborhood is Campiello and it looks like a labyrinth of alleys (called "kantounia") surrounded by tall buildings. You can continue your tour crossing Via Filelinnon, a road located between the districts of Campiello and Spilia that presents a 15th century building and a romantic balcony looking like that of Romeo and Juliet. Then, walk until you reach "Spianada Square", whose name refers to the total lack of buildings overlooking it, because in the past it was needed to fire with the Fortress cannons. The square presents many monuments recalling illustrious Corfiot characters, as well as beautiful palaces dating back to various past dominations. One of these is called Liston Palace and it has been built during the French domination: its design was inspired by the buildings of Rue de Rivoli, it presents a long portico full of restaurants and cafes and it has also become the center of Corfiot social life. Another nice palace is the British Palace of Saints Michael and George, also called the Royal Palace. Today, it hosts the civic Art Gallery and the Asian Art Museum, which includes some important Chinese, Japanese and Central Asian works. If you'd like to visit another good art collection, don't miss Antivouniotissa Museum, as it houses important icons coming from various historical eras.
Religion is an important part of Greek tradition: in fact, the historical center hosts twenty churches! The most famous religious monument on the island is Church of Saint Spiridone, a building built in 1590 presenting a stunning golden ceiling and the tallest bell tower of the city. According to a story, this Saint has made four miracles to save the Corfiot population, so every year the inhabitants celebrate him with some suggestive processions.
After a walk in the city alleys, don't miss a visit to the ancient Fortress! This is the first thing you see when you arrive by sea and the panoramic view from its terraces is unique. The ancient and the new Fortress are the two fortified citadels that dominate the city and they had functions of sighting and defense. The entrance to the ancient castle is located right in front of the Liston, while the new one rises above the old port.
At the end of your cultural tour, have some shopping in Corfu town! Don't forget to buy the typical Kumquat liqueur, as well as some typical olive wood objects, gold jewelry or local textiles. These are perfect gifts for your friends and family!
Every period of the year is right to visit the oldest town of Corfu! In summer's coolest days, you can enjoy getting lost in the narrow streets trying to spot century-old monuments and churches between the countless shops. However, in winter you can visit it with fewer tourists, admiring the unique alternations of cultures and appreciating its enormous attractive power.
Ready to book your holiday in Corfu? Check out our selection of properties on the island, like Beach Villa Blue and book your favorite one!
© Alice Pilastri
