Embrace the Beauty of Corfu
Corfu, the wooded isle of the Phaeacians, Odysseus’ last stop on his long journey home to Ithaca, is the best known of the Ionian islands. It owes its sophistication and charm to the meshing of the different civilisations that have occupied the island and to the natural beauty with which it is so abundantly endowed. On this cosmopolitan island, you’ll be able to combine relaxation with good times and a full nightlife, for Corfu is an international tourist center, which can satisfy the demands of the most difficult visitor.
The capital of the island is also called Corfu (Kerkyra). It is built on a promontory that projects into the sea and is separated into a northern and a southern section. East of the northern part lies the Old Fortress, cut off from the town by a moat. For centuries all the popular of Corfu lived within this citadel, which was founded by the Byzantines but greatly expanded and strengthened by the Venetians. The town of Corfu is made up of completely dissimilar elements, left over from different civilisations. It presents an enchanting picture with its broad streets and spacious squares, the popular Spianada – the town “green” – contrasting with its narrow back alleys paved with blocks of stone (known as “Kantounia”), houses with a strong Italian influence, the famous Liston, a French arcade, traditional Georgian mansions, a Byzantine church, Venetian monuments, balconies with wrought, iron railings and window grilles.
Sightseeing in Town
The Archaeological Museum, Tel: (0030) 2661030680, (0030) 2661038124.
Tthe Byzantine Museum housed in the Church of the Panayia Antivouniotissa (closed for the time being).
The Museum of Oriental Art, Tel: (0030) 2661030443, (0030) 2661038124, in the English Palace of St. Michael and St. George.
The Town Hall, a superb example of Venetian architecture built in 1663.
The Byzantine church of Sts. Jason and Sosipater (12th century) with fine frescoes.
The church of Corfu’s patron Saint Spyridon with its valuable icons and collection of gold and silver ex voto offerings.
The Old Fortress.
The New Fortress, constructed between 1576 and 1588.
The Platytera Monastery with its rare post-Byzantine icons.
Sightseeing on the island
Paleokastrltsa, 26 kilometres west of Corfu town, a miniature earthly paradise with its crystal clear waters, enchanting coves and lush greenery growing right up to the sea.
Angelokastro, near Paleokastritsa, a Byzantine fortress dating from the 13th century.
Pelekas, 13 kilometres west of the town, a lovely village set on a rocky hill, whose summit – according to the Corfiots say – is the best place to watch the sun go down. Not far from Pelekas in the Ropa Valley is situated Corfu’s excellent golf course.
Kanoni, 4 kilometres south of town is the most popular spot on the island. Here a narrow causeway leads across the water to the Monastery of Vlacherna and from there one can take a caique to visit delightful Pondikonissi and its 13th century church.
Gastouri, a picturesque hill village, is the site of the Achillion, the summer palace of the Empress Elizabeth of Austria and the last Kaiser. The Palace has many beautiful gardens ideal for a romantic walk. A part of it places an important museum as well.
Other sights not to be missed include, on the east side of the island Kassiopi, Ipsos, Dassia, Gouvia, Benitses, Moraitika and Messongi. On its west side Lake Korission (Limni Korission), the only lake on the island.
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