Corfu, Kerkira

Corfu is built in the middle of the east side of the island. It has developed on a narrow strip of land that advances into the sea. The old town is the largest "Living" town in Greece, preserved in its original form from the middle ages. The streets are laid with no particular order and its narrow streets (Kantounia) can only be crossed on foot. The Kantounia are often interrupted by monuments, Byzantine churches, Venetian stairs and stone fountains.

The new part of Corfu is not separated from the old town, so next to the Kantounia there are wide streets with large squares. One that stands out is Spianada which is considered one of Greece's most beautiful squares.

The houses are two storeyed or more. Some of them are built in the Anglican order, some carry a strong French influence and others preserve in its totallity the island's tradition. They are decorated with arcades, arches and balconies with elaborate railings.

Corfu is a proper Fortress City. It is surrounded by the Old Fortress (or Sea Fortress) which although based on an earlier Byzantine fortress was fortified and added upon with the help of the Venetians in 1546. It is separated from the city with a moat, named Contra Fosa, above which there was a wooden draw bridge. Inside the Fortress you will find the church of Saint George. It was built by the British in Basilica order with Doric columns in its front.

The New Fortress (or Land Fortress) near the old harbor was built between 1572 and 1645 on the hill of Saint Mark to protect the city from the possibility of a Turkish invasion.

The road that runs along the coast line and the medieval walls is called Mouragia and it is very picturesque with beautiful street lamps.