Corfu: Old Town, Harbor and Venetian Heritage

Corfu Town combines a fortified harbor, a largely preserved Old Town and a history in which trade and defense go hand in hand. For orientation, the historical themes can be grouped into three perspectives: the ensemble of town and harbor, the fortifications, and the structure of the Old Town. The Municipal People's Market adds a local perspective with local produce and traditional sweets.

Old Town, Harbor and Urban Fabric

The town-and-harbor ensemble is a fortified Mediterranean harbor and is distinguished by a high degree of integrity and authenticity. The Old Town of Corfu has preserved its historic urban fabric almost completely; in Greece, there is no other area of this size with an equally well-preserved historic urban fabric. The buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Old Town thus combines a largely preserved urban fabric with buildings from several centuries.

Fortresses and a Visit to the Old Fortress

Corfu's three fortresses were designed by renowned Venetian engineers. For four centuries, they served to defend the maritime trade interests of the Republic of Venice against the Ottoman Empire. The combination of fortifications and maritime trade gives the fortresses a specific historical context.

In the Old Fortress, open and covered areas from different construction periods are accessible. The interiors of the two entrance bastions are excluded. The visit takes you through narrow arcades and passageways. The different areas and passages also bring the complex's architectural design to life; take the stated exclusion into account when planning your visit.

Market and Local Produce

In the heart of the city, local producers sell fresh fish and seafood, as well as vegetables, local products and traditional sweets at the Municipal People's Market. This gives the market a different focus from the historical sites. Product availability may vary; if you are looking for a specific product, take this into account when planning.

Cultural Highlights on the Island of Corfu

On the island of Corfu, Corfu Old Town and its two fortresses are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Museum of Asian Art in Corfu Old Town houses more than 11,000 objects from China, Japan, India, the Himalayas and Central Asia. From Corfu Harbor, the museum can be reached by bus line 2 on the Mantouki–Kanoni route. Check the timetable before your journey.

The permanent exhibition at the Kapodistrias Museum explores the history of Corfu, Europe and Greece through the life of Greece's first governor, using significant artifacts and documents. Casa Parlante recreates everyday life among the island's nobility in the 19th century in Corfu's historic Old Town, with moving figures and replicas of furnishings and decor. The two attractions offer different perspectives: one connects history with the life of a governor, while the other focuses on the everyday life of the nobility.

At the Kapodistrias Museum, the hill's lush garden offers views of Corfu's landscape and across the island. Numerous festivals and folk festivals, as well as cultural events organized by the municipality, take place in the villages of the Achilleion municipal unit; the programs vary.

Discover more destinations: Kato Pavliana, Agios Gordios, Potamos, Marathias, Kavos, Agia Triada, Gazatika, Nisaki

For the main travel overview: Corfu.