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Corfu was not given the name of the "Emerald Island"
for no reason. The greenest of all the Greek islands, Corfu’s natural
beauty is hidden beneath a cloak of emerald green, with a mountainous
skyline plunging into the bluest of blue waters. Corfu’s colorful history
has been molded by its position in the Mediterranean Sea and the fertility
of its fields. That is why its history has been checkered one under a
long succession of foreign rulers from Antiquity to 1884, when all the
Ionian Islands were united with Greece. Romans, Venetians, French and
British came rulers of Corfu during the centuries. The marks of all that
different people and their cultures and architecture can still be found
today on the island. That is why visiting Corfu is like taking a trip
back to the history and culture of Europe.
The hub of Corfiot life is the Esplanade,
the biggest square in Europe. Here you can stroll around gardens or sit
in the one of the many café bars underneath the arches of the Liston.
One step from the Esplanade and the Liston, built in the small alleys
of the old town is the church of the island’s patron Saint, Spyridon.
This church was built in 1589. At the other side of the square you can
see the old fortress stands proud overlooking the esplanade. Built on
the 13th century, used to be the house for the entire population for years.
Following the Mouragia bay from the square to the port we arrive at the
second fortress (the new) built also by the Venetians in 1576 shortly
after the second Turkish siege. It used to protect Corfu from the West
Side. Corfu town, from the one side to the other is full of beauty and
history. Other places around town very interesting to see is Kanoni and
the mouse island, the Palace of “Mon Repos” (used to be the holiday palace
of the King of Greece), many museums like the Archaeological, the Solomos,
the paper money museum and the museum of Asiatic Art which is in the famous
historical Palace of St. George and St. Michael.
Achillion Palace: 8 km from Corfu town, this
famous building was constructed in 1892 for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria
(Princess Sissy). The Empress was obsessed with the Greek hero Achilles
and she commissioned various statues including Achilles dying which can
be found in the amazingly beautiful gardens surrounding the Palace.
Paleokastritsa: 24 km. From Corfu town is famous
for its breathtaking beauty and magnificent scenery. It consists of six
picturesque bays with sparkling turquoise waters, backed by sheer cliffs
cloaked in an emerald green. On the right side of the main beach of Paleokastritsa,
a road leads to the world famous Monastery built on the top of a cliff
in the most idyllic setting - renowned for its beauty and magnificent
scenic outlook. Whether you are looking for the hustle and bustle of nightlife
or peace and tranquility, everything you could need is here. Just waiting
to be discovered ! |
