'Corfu Town' Corfu Town is one of the most elegant island capitals in Greece, as well as the administrative and commercial center of the island. Although many of the buildings were bombed by the Nazis during World War II, several sights remained intact, such as the two Venetian fortresses and the church of St. Spyridon that dates back to the 16th century. The strategic location of Corfu at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea had the island play an important role in the plot of Mediterranean history from early on. From the first moment, Corfu claimed a leading role in the political history of Europe. The city became Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, French, British and Greek, while retaining each time the uniqueness of every culture throughout the centuries. During each of these phases, different cultures coexisted while the visitors can immediately recognize that the past and present of the city urge them to discover all these unique elements.
Today, the old town of Corfu embraces at least 7,200 inhabitants and is the "historical center" of a larger area that includes 28,185 residents, stretching both inland and to the south and west. Undoubtedly, the city of Corfu remains an international tourist destination with tourists being drawn to the island by its unique beauty throughout the year. The town of Corfu includes different areas with the picturesque old town with alleyways and cobbled streets, about which many songs have been written, leaving no visitor untouched. The new city has a clear urban character and has been adapted to the current times.
Without a doubt, the first thing you'll perceive is the mixture of medieval and Venetian architecture that permeates the entire city. In the historical center, one can find a plethora of attractions. The two Venetian fortresses attract countless visitors not only because of their majestic presence, but also because various concerts and theatrical performances take place in one of them during the summer months. Spianada is the largest square in Corfu and the Balkans, while the famous Liston, a special road in the city center, impresses with its unique arches. Going for a first walk in the city, you'll encounter the church of St. Spyridon, patron saint of the island. It's characterized by a large bell tower. You should also visit the grave of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of Free Greece.
The monument of the famous Greek poet Dionysios Solomos and the hidden museum that is dedicated to this poet that was born in Zakynthos and wrote the Hymn to Liberty, which was to become the national anthem, are some sights that shouldn't be missed. Note that the writer of the national anthem studied at the Ionian Academy and lived in a small Corfiot house for most of his life. Close to Corfu Town, you'll find the Achilleio, the summer residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. If you wonder where the mansion took its name from, look no further than the majestic statue of the dying Achilles that adorns its garden.
Mon Repos, the former royal summer palace, is another interesting sight to visit as well as "Pontikonisi", the Mouse Island, that remains a symbol of Corfu until today. Also, you shouldn't miss the City Hall and the Archaeological Museum and a number of other museums, like the Museum of Asian Art, which reflect the many cultures that passed by the island. Take a stroll through the city and pass by the Philharmonics of Corfu, the Plati Kantouni, the Kampielo and the Ionian Academy. The uniqueness of the island's architecture will amaze you in a surprising way.
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