Corfu Town

Corfu Town
The Old Town, bounded by the Old Port and the two fortresses, includes Campiello (the oldest district) with three and four-storey houses on narrow streets, the Jewish Quarter, Aghii Apostoli, Kofineta, and Tendos. The Mandouki district, outside of the Old Town,is both a commercial and residential district, though the main commercial area of Corfu Town is further inland.

The population of the city is about 30,000; it was established by the Venetians in the 14th century when the older city on Cape Sidaro became overcrowded. It is the largest city in the Ionian island group.

The fortresses
The newer of the two fortresses (Neo Frourio), which is above the Old Port, was rebuilt by the Venetians during the series of sieges by the Ottomans during the 16th century. The views from its parapets are worth the visit by themselves, but there are also dungeons and cellars, a gallery, and a café up top. Open daily 9 am to 10 pm, 1.50 euros admission.

The old fortress (Paleo Frourio) is on Cape Sidaro, a moat separating it from the Esplanade, a huge square reached by the arcaded promenade fringed with gardens known as the Liston, which was commissioned by Napoleon to be built in imitation of the Rue de Rivoli.

The fortress was built on the two small hills which gave the island its name (from ‘korifi’, which means ‘peak’, hence ‘Korkyra’). it has ramparts, tunnels, a drawbridge, cannons, wells, and the palace of the British garrison, St. George’s, which later became the summer home of the new Danish King of Greece. Open daily 9 am to 7 pm, 2.40 euros admission.