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Neighborhood · Corfu, Ilhas Jônicas
Cidade velha de Corfu (Palia Poli tis Kerkyras)
Corfu’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site: Venetian alleys (kantounia), tall houses with laundry at the windows, churches with Italian-style bell towers and squares between the two fortresses.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cidade velha de Corfu (Palia Poli tis Kerkyras)
The old town of Corfu (Palia Poli) occupies the peninsula between the Fortaleza Velha and the Fortaleza Nova, and was inscribed by UNESCO in 2007 as an example of a fortified town of the Mediterranean. The Venetians ruled it for four centuries, from 1386 to 1797, and left the layout: narrow stone lanes called kantounia, four- and five-storey buildings with green shutters, small squares (plateies) and churches with bell towers that recall those of Venice.
Later came the French and, from 1814 to 1864, the British, who built the palace, the Liston and much of the public buildings; according to ICOMOS, about 70% of the constructions prior to the 20th century date from the British period. The town escaped major fires and, despite the bombings of 1943, retained the ensemble.
The heart is the Town Hall square (Plateia Dimarcheiou), with the old San Giacomo theatre, from 1690, today the seat of the town hall, and the Catholic cathedral. From there run Nikiforou Theotoki street, the main thoroughfare, with shops and cafés, and Agiou Spyridonos street, with the patron saint’s church. To the north lies Campiello, the oldest and steepest neighborhood, with stairways, clotheslines and the church of Panagia Antivouniotissa. Toward the sea, the Mouragia, the old wall, overlooks the mainland.
It’s a place to get lost without a map: the lanes always lead to the Spianada or the old port.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours for a first tour; the old town offers several walks over the course of your stay.
Best time
Early in the morning, before the cruise groups arrive, or in the late afternoon, when shops reopen and locals come out. In July and August midday is hot and crowded. At Orthodox Easter the streets fill with processions and, on Holy Saturday morning, with broken clay jars.
How to get there
From the new port and the KTEL bus terminal it’s about a 20-minute walk or 10 minutes by city bus; from the airport around 3 km by taxi or city bus. Inside the old town you can only move on foot.
Tip
Climb up to Campiello in the morning, when the steps are empty, and leave Nikiforou Theotoki street for late afternoon. Try the kumquat in liqueur or as a preserve in the shops on the main street. Wear sturdy shoes: the stone is smooth and there are many steps.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cidade velha de Corfu (Palia Poli tis Kerkyras)
Why is Corfu's Old Town a World Heritage Site?
Because of the combination of Venetian fortifications and an urban fabric that survived the Venetian, French and British periods without losing its character. UNESCO inscribed it in 2007.
What are the kantounia?
The narrow stone lanes of the Old Town, often only wide enough for pedestrians, with tall buildings on both sides and laundry hanging from the lines.
Can you drive in the Old Town?
No. Access is on foot; cars are left in the parking lots at the old port and the Spianada, which usually fill up in season.
What is Campiello?
The oldest neighborhood of the Old Town, to the north, with stairways, tiny squares and the church of Antivouniotissa, now a Byzantine museum.