Old fortress and Corfu Old Town: History and culture｜Greece

The Old Town of Corfu with its two Forts is a Unesco World Heritage Monument. Its architecture in relation to defence make it a unique example with a distinct contribution to human history. The guided tour to the ingenious architecture of the Old Fortress is created by Corfu’s defensive fortifications themselves. Walking around the Old Fortress you will be amazed by the advanced fortification art that the Venetians applied in order to repel the fierce Ottoman attacks.

Imposing bastions, battlements, labyrinthine secret chambers, cisterns, shelters and powder magazines testify to the sophisticated for its time science of defence that the Venetians had developed. Thus they managed to build in Corfu the two most powerful fortresses in the Mediterranean, which remained impregnable.

At the same time, visit the church of Agios Georgios. This is one of the most special churches on the island, where the Greek-born Prince Philip, husband to Queen Elizabeth II, was baptised. If the weather conditions are good, walk to the top of the Fortress and enjoy the 360-degree panoramic views that unfold generously before you.

Continue the tour by following us to the Durrells Garden and the flower gardens of St Michael and St George Palace. See Vido Island and hear the shocking story of the Serbian people’s salvation on the island of Corfu.

Come with us through the Liston square and visit the imposing Orthodox church of St. Spyridon where his venerable relic is kept.

See the shell of the first lyric theatre in Greece, which today houses the services of the Municipality of Corfu and join us on a walk through the Jewish quarter. Here the traces of the World War II can still be seen. Half-demolished buildings are still waiting for their owners to return from the concentration camps, while around the neighbourhood the district is bustling with life and activity.

Greet us at the gate of the New Fortress, the boundary of the once walled city.

You have just enjoyed a taste of the fortifications and important aspects of Corfu history!