Corfu Architecture

Corfu island has always been an important commercial and trade center, drawing the constant interest of foreigners like the Venetians, the French and the British, who managed to establish parts of their culture and tradition. The architecture of Corfu was sealed in the 18th and 19th centuries with various examples of buildings that have made Corfu Town one of the most impressive European cities.

Even from antiquity, Corfu was a fortified city with two ports and an agora surrounded by impressive buildings, palaces, and forts. During the Byzantine era, the island was constantly raided by pirates and at that time many fortresses and castles were built, like the Angel Castle, the Gardiki Castle and the impressive Fortress of Saint Mark, also known as the New Fortress in Corfu Town.

During the 14th century, after it was surrendered to the Venetians, like many other Greek islands, the island developed an austere defensive character with tall buildings built very close to one another. Later, Venetian architects embellished the town with public monuments, squares, and churches like the Town Hall which still stands in the heart of Corfu.

The Old Fortress of Corfu Town is one of the main reflections of the island's history with a gorgeous sea view. The presence of the French and the British was equally influential to the island's culture for the foundation of magnificent monuments, such as the Spianada Square, the Liston building, the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George, the Palace of Mon Repos, the Kapodistrias Mansion, the Kaiser bridge and other architectural marvels that stand to this day in the old town.

After the unification of Corfu with the rest of Greece in 1864, which was signed in the Ionian Parliament, many buildings were founded. Still, unfortunately, numerous were destroyed during World War II.

Visitors can enjoy their stay in many traditional hotels that have respected traditional architecture.

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