Corfu Town

holiday report and Corfu Town map

Kerkyra - Corfu Town

KERKYRA or CORFU TOWN is a popular holiday resort with an architecture heavily influenced by the Venetians. As a result it is one of the most interesting and exciting cities in the Ionian islands. It is the cosmopolitan mix that gives Kerkyra its unique character.
>Many years of Venetian domination give Kerkyra a very Italian flavour while other parts, such as the Liston and the Spianada square, are distinctively French. As one of the Greek islands nearest the UK it also shows a heavy British influence, not always to its credit.
Corfu old town is enclosed between the two ancient fortresses and many of the old houses are built of local stone. The wooden attics, having survived repeated bombing raids in World War Two, add a romantic charm to otherwise barren acres of concrete.
The 16th century fortress dominates the town and its maze of narrow streets. Around every corner you can be sure of finding a chapel, an old mansion or a flower-filled garden square.
The old fortress is surrounded by a moat and it is one of the most quiet and beautiful areas of the city. The new fort was built around 1580 and it a fine example of military architecture with two surviving gates at Porto San Nicolo, to the north, and Porta Spillia, to the east.
Cafes at the Liston, built by the French in the same style as those in Rue de Rivoli, Paris, are the most popular tourist draws. As you would expect there are no end of Corfu Town hotels and holiday apartments.