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Corfu’s Old Town stands as a living testament to centuries of cultural crossroads, where Venetian grandeur meets Greek authenticity. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, this enchanting labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and historic fortresses offers visitors an unparalleled journey through Mediterranean history. Whether you’re arriving via eco-friendly airport transfer or exploring on foot, Corfu Town promises an unforgettable experience.
The Venetian Legacy: 400 Years of Architectural Splendor
From 1386 to 1797, the Republic of Venice shaped Corfu into a strategic stronghold against Ottoman expansion. Unlike the rest of Greece, Corfu never fell to Ottoman rule a fact reflected in its distinctly Italian-influenced architecture.
The Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio)
Dominates the eastern peninsula, built by the Venetians on Byzantine foundations. Connected to the town by a bridge over a moat, this imposing structure offers panoramic views across the Ionian Sea. Inside, visitors discover the Church of St. George, a British-era neoclassical building that once served as a garrison church.
The New Fortress (Neo Frourio)
The Spianada: Greece's Largest Square
The Spianada (Esplanade) forms the heart of Corfu Town, serving as the largest square in Greece and one of the largest in Europe. This vast green space, created by the Venetians as a killing field before the Old Fortress, transformed during British rule into an elegant promenade.
Today, locals and visitors gather here for cricket matches a British tradition still alive in Corfu coffee at surrounding cafés, and evening volta (promenade). The bandstand hosts regular concerts by Corfu’s renowned philharmonic orchestras, continuing a musical tradition dating back centuries.
The Liston: French Elegance on Greek Soil
Bordering the western edge of the Spianada stands The Liston, an arcade of elegant buildings modeled after Paris’s Rue de Rivoli. Commissioned by French administrator Mathieu de Lesseps during the brief French occupation (1807-1814), this architectural gem features identical arched colonnades and honey colored façades.
The Liston’s cafés and restaurants remain the most prestigious addresses in town. Sipping Corfiot tsitsibira (ginger beer) under these arcades while watching the world go by embodies the island’s dolce far niente philosophy.
Campiello: The Medieval Heart
Venture into the Campiello, the oldest quarter of Corfu Town, and you’ll discover a maze of narrow kantounia (alleyways) that feel transported from Venice itself. Washing lines stretch between tall, narrow houses with wooden shutters and wrought-iron balconies. Small churches hide around unexpected corners, their bell towers punctuating the skyline.
Key landmarks include:
– Agios Spyridon Church: Housing the mummified remains of Corfu’s patron saint
– Town Hall: A Venetian-era building originally serving as a theater
– The Palace of St. Michael and St. George: Built by the British as the Lord High Commissioner’s residence, now home to the Museum of Asian Art
Byzantine and Post Byzantine Churches
Despite Venetian Catholicism and British Anglicanism, Corfu remained steadfastly Orthodox. The Old Town contains over 37 churches, each telling stories of faith and resilience:
The Cathedral of Panagia Spiliotissa (1577) showcases Renaissance architecture with Byzantine iconography. The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Foreigners served Catholic Venetians, while Orthodox Greeks worshipped at Agios Spyridon, whose silver-encased reliquary draws pilgrims year-round.
The Jewish Quarter and Scuola Greca, Corfu’s Jewish community, dating to the 12th century, contributed significantly to the town’s cultural tapestry. The Scuola Greca Synagogue and nearby Jewish Museum preserve memories of this once-thriving community, tragically decimated during World War II. Walking through the old Jewish Quarter (Evraiki), visitors encounter Hebrew inscriptions and architectural details reflecting Romaniote Jewish traditions.
Arriving in Style: VIP Electric Transfer to Old Town, Your journey to Corfu’s UNESCO treasures begins the moment you land at Corfu International Airport. VforVIP’s electric van service offers sustainable, comfortable transfers directly to the Old Town or your accommodation nearby. Our zero-emission vehicles glide silently through Corfu’s scenic routes, allowing you to begin your cultural immersion immediately while respecting the island’s natural beauty.
The 20-minute journey from the airport passes Kanoni, offering glimpses of Pontikonisi (Mouse Island) before entering the historic center. Unlike conventional diesel transfers, our electric vans ensure your carbon footprint remains minimal—fitting perfectly with UNESCO’s preservation ethos.
Exploring Beyond the Walls
Just outside the Old Town:
Mon Repos Estate: Birthplace of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, set in romantic gardens
Garitsa Bay: A peaceful waterfront walk connecting ancient and modern Corfu
Archaeological Museum: Housing the Gorgon Pediment from the Temple of Artemis
Practical Tips for Visiting
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (5-8 PM) to avoid cruise ship crowds
What to Wear: Comfortable walking shoes essential; cobblestones can be slippery
Photography: Golden hour (sunset) transforms the Liston and fortresses into magical subjects
Duration: Allocate at least half a day; full-day exploration recommended
Accessibility: Many areas have steps and uneven surfaces; contact VforVIP for accessible route planning
Cultural Events Throughout the Year
Easter: Pot-throwing tradition from balconies on Holy Saturday
August 11: Procession of St. Spyridon through town streets
September: Corfu Festival with classical music performances
Year round: Philharmonic band concerts at the Spianada bandstand
Sustainable Tourism and Preservation
UNESCO designation brings responsibility. Visitors contribute to preservation by:
– Choosing eco friendly transport options like electric transfers
– Supporting local artisans and family owned businesses
– Respecting quiet zones around churches and residential areas
– Following designated pedestrian routes
Corfu’s UNESCO Old Town isn’t merely a collection of historic buildings it’s a living, breathing community where 4,000 residents maintain traditions amid Venetian palaces and Byzantine churches.
Every archway, every cobblestone, every faded fresco tells stories of resilience, cultural fusion, and Mediterranean beauty. As you plan your Corfu adventure, remember that sustainable exploration begins with your arrival. VforVIP’s electric airport transfer service ensures your journey honors both heritage and environment, setting the tone for a responsible, memorable visit to one of Greece’s most precious cultural treasures.
