Corfu combines a fortified town and harbor ensemble with an Old Town whose historic urban fabric has been almost entirely preserved. The three fortresses represent four centuries of Venetian defense of maritime trading interests; the island also offers hiking trails and regional cultural events. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth considering the town’s history separately from the themes of the wider destination of Corfu.
Townscape between the harbor and the Old Town
The town and harbor ensemble of Corfu is a fortified Mediterranean harbor and is distinguished by a high degree of integrity and authenticity. The Old Town has preserved almost all of its historic urban fabric. There is no other area of comparable size in Greece with an equally well-preserved historic urban fabric. The buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The preserved townscape thus spans several centuries of construction and provides a tangible context for exploring the town’s history.
Venetian fortresses and trading history
The three fortresses of Corfu were designed by renowned Venetian engineers. For four centuries, they served to defend the maritime trading interests of the Republic of Venice against the Ottoman Empire. Their history thus links fortification with the role of maritime trade: the structures were not merely defensive works, but specifically served to protect Venetian trading interests. For a visit focused on history, this purpose of the fortresses is therefore an important part of the subject, alongside their architecture.
Visiting the Old Fortress
At Corfu’s Old Fortress, open and covered areas from different building periods are accessible. The interiors of the two entrance bastions are excluded. The visit takes you through narrow arcades and passageways. Both the different building periods and the specific route are therefore part of the experience; the fortress cannot be described solely in terms of its historic defensive function.
Local produce at the municipal market
Corfu’s Municipal People’s Market is located in the heart of the town. Local producers sell fresh fish and seafood, vegetables, local products and traditional sweets there. The specific selection of goods may vary. The market complements the themes of the harbor, trade and architecture with food and products from local vendors, without implying that any particular products will be available on every visit.
More themes on the island of Corfu
In the wider destination of Corfu, the Kapodistrias Museum offers a distinct historical focus. Its permanent exhibition explores the history of Corfu, Europe and Greece through the life of Greece’s first governor, using significant artifacts and documents. This complements the town’s architectural history with an account that places Corfu in a Greek and European context.
In the municipal unit of Achilleion, ancient paths lead through the forested mountains of Agii Deka, Stavros and Garouna and are suitable for hiking. The villages in the municipal unit also host numerous festivals, folk celebrations and cultural events; the specific program varies. The Corfu Trail is 180 kilometers long, passes through several settlements and includes Benitses among its 13 overnight-stop locations. Thus, alongside the historic town and harbor themes, the wider destination of Corfu also offers hiking and village culture.
Discover more destinations: Perivoli, Roda, Dafnata, Lefkimmi, Kato Korakiana, Mesongi, Ermones, Vitalades
Return to the main travel overview: Corfu.
