Kerkyra Things to Do Tips by mickeyboy07 Top 5 Page for this destination

Spianada

This is the largest square in Corfu and the heart of the town.The raised terrace was created for defensive purposes under Venetian rule and the square assumed its final form in more modern times under the French and British rulers of the island.Essentially it consists of two squares,divided in the middle by Viktoros Dousmani st.(where you will find a taxi rank and carriages for hire).The Northern side of the Spianada is dominated by the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George,home of the museum of Asian art and the muncipal gallery.In the garden known as the people's garden you will find the municpal cafe,a meeting point in town with its fine view of 'Vido'island.Outside the Palace there is another small garden,the Bosketo,with swings,benches and a view of the Ancient Fortress,which stands to the east of the square.The north western side of the square is dominated by the 'Liston'which stands out from its arcaded terrace now full of cafes and bars.There is a cricket green opposite the Liston where you are always sure to catch a game,the only place in Greece to see cricket being played.

Address: Spianada,Corfu town,Corfu,Greece

Website: http://www.corfu-town.com

Palaiopolis Archaeological site

Palaiopolis is located Kanoni Peninsula.the Archaeological site of Palaiopolis and Mon Repos is the site of the market of the Ancient City of Corfu,as it evolved from the ancient times till the 6th century A.D.the most important monuments of the site are the agora,the doric temple of Kardaki,the roman baths and a pre-Hellenistic round building,which was transformed into a Christian church during the first Christian era.

Directions: Located on the Kanoni Peninsula five mintues from the centre of town

Website: http://www.petrae..org/petra09/docs/corfu.pdf

St.Spyridon Church

The tallest tower in all of Corfu is saint Sryridon's church which can be seen all over Corfu Town.Built in 1596,the body of St.Spyridon rests in the church after arriving in Corfu in 1456.Ceiling decorations originally consisted of gold-plated wood carved by P.Doxaras who took until 1727 to cmplete the work.Due to the lack of presevation the decorations were replaced later by Nicolaos Aspiotis.

Address: Old Corfu Town centre

Directions: The Tower can be seen all over the town

Phone: +302661039779/33059

Website: http://www.bellastudiocorfu.gr/saint-spyridon-church

Jewish Monument

Just outside the New fortress is a monument dedicated to the Jewish community of Corfu for those who perished under the hands of the Nazi's during World War Two.the monument has a plaque which was erected in november 2001.

Directions: Near the Apollo snack at the steps to the New Fortress.

Neo Frourio(new fortress)

The Promontory on which this fortress stands was first fortified in the 12th century.The Venetians built the outer walls of the fortress between 1576 and 1588,although the buildings within-stairways,tunnels and vaulted chambers-were constructed by the British.The citadel at the top was completed in 1843.The views from the top of the fortress are spectacular.Theres also a cafe open roughly 10am till 4pm at the top to refresh those worn out by the uphill climb,plus a gallery and small museum of Corfiot ceramics,both open erratically.
Open 9am till 9pm May-Oct,closed in off season,admission is 3 euros.

Directions: Walk up Solomou from New Fortress Square (behind the old port)then follow the old steps up to the entrance.

Palaio Frourio(Old Fortress)

One of Corfu towns most dominant landmarks rises on a natural headland to the east of the old town.The earliest fortifications were built by the Byzantines,after Goth raiders destroyed the original Corinthian settlement of Corcyra on the Kanoni Peninsula in AD 550.The surviving Corcyrans decided not to rebuild their ruined city but established themselves instead on the high headland with its natural defences.Materials from the ancient city were used in the construction of the new town.
From 1550 the Venetians extended the fortifications and dug a moat,which was spanned by a retractable wooden bridge.Many of the buildings inside the fortress were built by the British for military use,including the church of St.George which was designed to look like an ancient temple and dates from 1840.
There are sweeping views from the fortress south across the Bay of Garitsa to the Kanoni Penninsula and west to the old town.Although the gate to the higher levels closes at 7pm,the views are worth the climb though.You can wander around the lower rampants at any time and you can dine at the attractive bar-restaurant here.There is a music school on the lower level and part of the fortress is used for outdoor concerts in the summer,there is also a small museum.
opening hours 8.30am till 7pm tue till sun,closed mondays,admission is 4 euros.

Directions: On the headland behind the Spianada to the east of the old town.

Phone: 2661048310

Church of St.Nikolas

In the centre of Corfu town up a series of steep steps is the Small and charming Church of St.Nikolas,unfortunately the church was closed so we didnt get a chance to go in,though i noticed a lot of churches on Corfu island have signs outside saying no photos to be taken inside.The church was built in honour of St.Nikolas who is the patron saint of Corfu.
Built in 1414,it was a cathedral until 1712 and its carvings are the oldest in town.

Directions: Old town,Corfu town

Achaeological museum

Built between 1962-65 the museums initial purpose was to house the archaeological finds from the ancient temple of 'Artemis' in Corfu.In 1994 it was expanded with the addition of two more exibit halls that display more recent finds such as the ancient citadel of Corfu.
Highlights include:Bronze statures from the 'Archaic to the Roman era'.Funeral offerings from the 'Archaic,Classical and Hellenistic era',from the cemeteries of 'Gantsa' and 'Almyros' as well as a rich collection of ancient coins.Findings from the Prehistoric era and 6th and 7th century B.C.,findings with the exceptional 'Menecrates Lion',clay pottery and terracota statuettes from the shrines of Corfu,and the impessive 'Gorgon-Medusa' pediment from the great temple of 'Artemis' made in 585 B.C.,excavated in 1911 near the monastery of 'Aghioi Theodoroi,the oldest,so far,stone-pediment of an ancient Greek temple.The museum is open 8.30am to 3pm tues till sun,closed mondays and entry is 3 euros.

Address: 1,Armeni Vraila st,Corfu town,49100

Directions: Five minutes walk south from the 'Spianada'clearly signposted to the right.

Phone: +3026610-30680