Towering over the serene blue Inonian Sea, the Corfu Town is the capital city of the Corfu Island. It is a scenic location on the eastern promontory and has two prominent sturdy fortresses. There’s also the scenic pedestrian old town that is replete with classy Italianate architecture owing to the impact of the Venetian rule. This is a place where you can explore as well as laze around! And if you want to make the most of your budget, then opt in for the cheap flights to Corfu Town from faregeek.com and save big!
Much later, Corfu witnessed its time under the British Command which is between the years 1815 and 1864 that has added a couple of extra nuance to the cultural heritage. There are many scenes from movies like James Bond film For Your Eyes Only that has been filmed here. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site there’s plenty to explore here. So once you have booked your cheap flights to Corfu Town you can explore the 7 best tourist sites here, discussed below.
Old Fortress (Citadel)
http://www.in-corfu.com/historic/old_fortress.html
Appearing all towering when look at from the sea, this stunning Old Fortress is located at a rocky, peninsula, right on the eastern side of the Old Town. Established by the Venetians back in 1546 on a site that previously used to an ancient castle, it can be availed off the Esplanade through a bridge that spans across a moat, the popular contrafossa that goes 15 meters deep and right up to 40 meters wide. Within this fortress you will come across a small chapel in a Doric temple pattern, dating back to the 19th century established by the British.
New Fortress
http://in-corfu.com/historic/new_fortress.html
Known to be a rather uphill climb that goes past the open-air market which sells seasonal fruits and vegetables takes the visitors to the huge New Fortress, established back in 1577 by the Venetians to secure the city against the Turks, there making it slightly contemporary than the Old Fortress. As you are inside this fortress you can roam around freely in the passages and vacant stone halls and even take a climb at the top to experience some of the best views atop the terracotta rooftops of the sea and the old town. The entrance tickets here also include free drink at the little cafe.
In between the compact buildings in the old town and Old Fortress you have the Esplanade that is a lavish green stretch of land and is known to be the second largest of the European squares. The main crowd pulling place in Corfu, this is towered by an arcaded Lion that was established by the French back in 19th century. This is also a place where you have some of the cafes perfect to grab a bite and watch people. So make the most of your savings that came from the cheap flights to Corfu Town and be there at a cafe.
Mon Repos
http://www.greeka.com/ionian/corfu/corfu-excursions/corfu-mon-repos-palace.htm
Castled in a rather scenic park as well as approached along a intertwining tree-dotted path is where you will find the much talked about Mon Repos, a Neoclassical Palace that is also the birthplace of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh in 1921. Created back in 1831 especially for the British High Commissioner, this place was used later as the summer residence of the Greek royal family. Unfortunately, this palace needs maintenance and the garden also appears to be overgrown. Other than being a popular tourist site, this is also a venue for conferences. This is located in the Kanoni region and is just 30 minute walk away from the center.
Church of St. Spyridon (Áyios Spyrídon)
http://realcorfu.com/church-of-agios-spyridon-corfu-town/
Nothing less than a place of serenity, this chapel is right off the arcaded Liston and is name after St. Spyridon, who was the patron saint of Corfu Town. Established back in 1589, this chapel with its red bell-tower in a dome shape rules over the skyline even from a distance. Being a shepherd from Cyprus, Spyridon was to belong to the 2nd century AD and much before he breathed his last, had become a bishop and started doing miracles that touched the lives of the people. Since his remains happened to stay in Corfu, the locals were of belief that his miraculous healings has been saving the island from many dangers for a long time. There is a silver casket in the chapel that comprises of his relics and is often paraded all through this town in order to mark tow crucial religious festivals. The chapel has an essence of magic and spiritual glory in and around it.
Pontikonisi (Mouse Island)
http://www.greek-islands.us/corfu/pontikonisi/
On southern side of the center, right off the southern edge of the Kanoni there are two small islets from the sea. The closer one can be reached through a causeway and it is here that you have the Monastery of Vlakhérna, dating back to the 17th century. And beyond this site there is the Mouse Island (Pontikonísi) that is further crowned by the Byzantine church as well as a group of cypress tress creating a scenic visual. This is one serene getaway destination from the chaos of the city. In order to reach here you need avail a boat from the Kanóni harbor.
The Church of Saints Jason and Sosipater
http://www.greeka.com/ionian/corfu/corfu-churches/agios-iasonas-church.htm
Much near to the Mon Repos, you will find this little and quaint Church of Saints Jason and Sosipater. This chapel is dedicated to the two of St. Paul’s disciples who were instrumental in bringing Christianity and propagating it in this island back in 70 AD. This is a stunning specimen of the 11th century Byzantine architecture, which is done on a cross-in-square plan and has been comprised of huge blocks of stone that most probably was taken from the close by historical buildings. Initially, the interior was massively covered in frescoes. However, these buildings were painted white back in 1820 and some of it still remains.
There’s plenty to explore here! So get your cheap flights to Corfu Town Town from faregeek.com and enjoy a fabulous vacation here.
