Culture of Corfu island. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The sightseeing on the island is better to start from the Old Town in Kerkira, the capital of Corfu. You can walk down the small medieval streets, which haven’t changed much since the rule of the Italians here, and enjoy a unique atmosphere of the Unesco World Heritage Site. The development is quite chaotic, but don’t worry – if you walk one direction, you’ll anyway find a historical and cultural monument, that is located close to city blocks. For example, an Old Fortress, the construction of which began in the 6th century by Byzantines and was improved by Venetians. It was disarmed only in the 19th century.

Near the Fortress there is a Spianada square. A picturesque view, Maitland Rotunda and a couple of obelisks, symphony orchestra and horse riding will allow you to plunge into the atmosphere of the 19th century. This atmosphere is not a coincidence – the British themselves created Spianada during the time of their colonial sovereignty. To the north of the square, in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George there is a unique for Corfu Museum of Asia. Around 12 thousand exhibits are located in the marvelous halls of the Palace, which was built in the 19th century. Since that time it used to be a British army headquarters, a Greek ruler residence, and the Ionian Senate building. In the west part of Spianada, there is a way to the crowded Liston Street – the most beautiful monument to the French ruling on the island.

There is also a New Fortress in Kerkira, which adjoins the Old Town. Well, you can call it a “new” Fortress only in comparison to the “old” one – the beginning of the construction started in the 16th century. The entrance to the Fortress is free. Close to the New Fortress, there is a monument to Ushakov in the memory of his victory over French army and the liberation of Corfu. Here you can also find a monument to Holocaust victims. After the Italian army surrendered, the Germans, who occupied the island, sent two thousands of local Jewish people to Auschwitz. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Walking around the Old Town, you will also find the church of St. Spiridon. The top of its bell tower can be seen from almost any point in Kerkira. This is the central acting temple in Corfu. The remains of the Saint are been shown to the public twice a year. During those times the pilgrims are all over the city. However, it is quite crowded all year round. Despite the small size and an Italian, not a traditional Greek, mural, the church of the island’s protector is never empty.

Near the church of St. Spiridon, there is a church of St. John Predtecha. The building was constructed in the 15th century and the remains of St. Arseniy and St. John Damascene are held inside. The oldest church on the island is also located in Kerkira. It is the Temple of sacred Apostles Jason and Sosipater, who were the first to bring Orthodoxy on Corfu. It was built in the 12th century by Byzantines and was perfectly kept. Byzantine Museum of Antivouniotissa on Arseniu Street in Kerkira should also be mentioned. It is located in the former church of the Holy Mother of God Antivouniotissa, built in the 15th century. After the restoration, the cult building was decided to become a museum. Now it has a big exhibit of orthodox icons and elements of the church apparel.

In Kerkira you can also visit the Banknote Museum and Achillion, the Empress Elizabeths’ Palace, that later belonged to Kaiser Wilhelm. There are a lot of sculptures, household items, reliefs, made with Greek patterns in the 19th century. You should also most definitely visit the Archeological Museum and the National Art Gallery. Close to Kerkira, on the territory of Mon Repos, there is unique 7-6th century B.C. archeological excavations. The Medieval Corfu Fortress in Agios Matvios, the ruins of Roman baths in Benitses, the Venetian arsenal in Gouvia, Angelokastro Castle in Paleokastritsa, the Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kavos – those are just a small part of the must-visit places on Corfu.