KOSTAS and the yummy world

The historical Old Town of Corfu, situated on the Island of Corfu (Kerkyra-Κέρκυρα) off the western coasts of Albania and Greece, holds a prime position at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea with origins dating back to the 8th century BC. This ancient town boasts three forts meticulously constructed by esteemed Venetian architects, serving as crucial strongholds for safeguarding the maritime trade interests of the Republic of Venice against the formidable Ottoman Empire for four centuries. These forts underwent multiple repairs and significant renovations, especially during the British colonial era in the 19th century. Predominantly characterized by neoclassical architecture, the residential buildings in the Old Town blend Venetian-era structures with constructions from the 19th century, preserving the town's original charm and authenticity. Corfu's urban and port complex stands out for its exceptional integrity and genuine representation as a fortified Mediterranean harbor.

In 2007, the old town of Corfu was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is a fascinating town, unique in Greece. The beauty of it is indescribable, so on this page, I let pictures talk by themselves.

A brief History of Corfu

The ancient city of Corfu, known as Korkyra, took part in the Battle of Sybota, a catalyst for the Peloponnesian War. According to Thucydides, the largest naval battle between Greek city-states until that time. Thucydides also reports that Korkyra was one of the three great naval powers of fifth-century BC Greece, along with Athens and Corinth. The city has become known since the Middle Ages as Kastropolis (Castle City) because of its two castles. Medieval castles punctuating strategic locations across the city are a legacy of struggles in the Middle Ages against invasions by pirates and the Ottomans.

The Old Town of Corfu has apparent Venetian influence. From 1386 to 1797, Corfu was ruled by Venetian nobility; much of the city reflects this era when the island belonged to the Republic of Venice, with multi-storied buildings on narrow lanes. The city was subjected to four notable sieges in 1537, 1571, 1573, and 1716, in which the strength of the city defenses asserted itself time after time, mainly because of the effectiveness of the mighty Venetian fortifications. Will Durant claimed that Corfu owed the Republic of Venice the fact that it was the only part of Greece never conquered by the Ottomans.

By the 1797 Treaty of Campo Formio, Corfu was ceded to the French, who occupied it for two years until they were expelled by a joint Russian-Ottoman squadron under Admiral Ushakov. For a short time, it became the capital of a self-governing federation of the Heptanesos ("Seven Islands") under Ottoman suzerainty; in 1807, after the Treaty of Tilsit, its faction-ridden government was again replaced by a French administration under governor François-Xavier Donzelot, and in 1809 it was besieged in vain by a British Royal Navy fleet, which had captured all the other Ionian islands.

Following Napoleon's final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, the Ionian Islands became a protectorate of the United Kingdom by the Treaty of Paris of 5 November 1815 as the United States of the Ionian Islands. Corfu became the seat of the British Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands. The period of British rule led to investment in new roads, an improved water supply system, and the expansion of the Ionian Academy into a university. During this period, the Greek language became official.

Following a referendum, the Second National Assembly of the Greeks at Athens elected a new king, Prince Wilhelm (William) of Denmark. He took the name George I and brought the Ionian Islands as a coronation gift from Britain. On 29 March 1864, the United Kingdom, Greece, France, and Russia signed the Treaty of London, pledging the transfer of sovereignty to Greece upon ratification. Thus, on 21 May, the Ionian Islands were united with Greece by the proclamation of the Lord High Commissioner.

The old citadel

The old citadel (known in Greek as Palaio Frourio - Παλαιό Φρούριο) stands proudly as an aged Venetian stronghold erected on a man-made islet surrounded by robust fortifications along its full circumference. Over time, certain portions, particularly on the eastern side, suffered erosion and succumbed to the embrace of the sea. Nonetheless, the interior has undergone meticulous restoration and is utilized for various cultural gatherings, including concerts (συναυλίες) and immersive Sound and Light Productions (Ηχος και Φως), where historical events are vividly brought back to life through innovative audio and visual effects. These captivating events take place against the backdrop of the ancient fortress, with the vast Ionian sea stretching beyond. The central pinnacle of the citadel emerges majestically like a colossal natural obelisk, crowned by a military lookout post sporting a towering cross; nestled beneath the observation platform rests the architectural marvel of St. George's church, featuring a classical design accentuated by six Doric columns, distinct from the Byzantine aesthetics prevalent in many Greek Orthodox churches.

The new citadel

The New Citadel or Neo Frourio (Νέο Φρούριο, "New Fortress") is a vast Venetian complex of fortifications built in stages dominating the northeastern part of the city. The current buildings exist within the fortress built by the British during their rule of the island (1815–63). The vast walls of the fortress loom over the landscape as one travels from Neo Limani (Νέο Λιμάνι, "New Port") to the city, taking the road that passes through the fishmarket (ψαραγορά). The new citadel was, until recently a restricted area due to the presence of a naval garrison. Still, old restrictions have been lifted, and it is now open to the public, with tours possible through the maze of corridors and fortifications. The winged Lion of St Mark, the symbol of Venice, can be seen regularly adorning the fortifications.