Visiting the Old Fortress of Corfu
Right near the port on the east side of Corfu, you cannot miss it upon arrival. Perched on its own peninsula, the Old Fortress of Corfu was designed to be an impregnable bastion. Even today, long after the Venetian Republic has faded, it remains a powerful landmark. Transformed throughout centuries of wars, assaults, and sieges, the ruins you can visit were constructed between the 15th and 18th centuries. From the ramparts to the monuments, the stones tell the history of Corfu, which began under the Byzantines and continues right before your eyes at one of the most impressive fortresses in Europe.
A masterpiece of military engineering
Given the turbulent history of Corfu, the fortress adapted to multiple attackers, primarily the Ottomans, while also being shaped by various victors. The architectural styles of the Byzantine, Venetian, and British eras blend together, particularly within the bastions. These formidable barriers once protected the old city, and along with the towers, they are still considered masterpieces of military engineering. The contrafossa, a 15m (approx. 49ft) wide moat created by the Venetians, is spanned by a permanent bridge that leads into the citadel. Numerous vaulted rooms and former outposts punctuate the path, and a museum housing collections of mosaics, architectural fragments, and icons from the Byzantine era is open to the public.
A stone bridge leads to the former British barracks and a Venetian prison dating to 1786. The site is full of monuments: a clock tower, various gates, the stone tower topped by a massive cross that dominates the site, and a lighthouse complete with cannons and artillery. The visit is incredibly detailed. From the British period, an old hospital remains, but the highlight is Saint-Georges Church, which resembles a Roman temple with its six Doric columns. The main path and its tunnel passages lead to the top of the promontory, where the panoramic view of Corfu and the sea is exceptional.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
This old fort shows off Venetian military architecture. I enjoyed the walk through the various tunnels and bastions, which offer a look at impressive cannons and beautiful views of Corfu and its coast. However, it was lacking a bit of historical information. Luckily, I had researched the site a little bit ahead of time.