Explore the historic Old Fortress in Corfu
The time to explore Corfu’s Old Fortress and historic old own, like other Adriatic UNESCO sites such as Dubrovnik, is early morning. As we arrived into town, we could see the huge cruise ship towering over the port, a stone’s throw from the historic city. It was a Sunday, and the streets were eerily quiet for lively Greece. Surprisingly, as we arrived at the Spianada, Corfu’s largest square at the foot of the Old Fort, a biker’s festival was in full swing! We headed to Corfu Old Fort and the start of our exploration of the town.
Corfu Old Fort, a brief history
Standing proud on the tip of the peninsula is the Castel da Mare, Corfu’s Old Fort. It has a history to rival most others. The Fortress dates back to the mid-6th century when Kerkyra or Corfu was born. Although the Fortress owes its original existence to the Byzantines, the current architecture of the fort is due to the Venetians (1386-1797). The Veronese architect Michele Sanmicheli is responsible for much of what we see today. Corfu at the mouth of the Adriatic, was important to secure trade routes and the fortifications were necessary to resist Ottoman attacks. The Old Fortress island is separated from the peninsula by the creation of a sea moat, the contrafossa by the Venetians.
Subsequently in the early 19th century the British input the military buildings and church.
The two-storey long building and the largest in the fortress is still in use today for administrative purposes. It houses the General State Archives and the Municipal Library of Corfu.
The British barracks on the north side of the island today is part of the Ionian University and has a good restaurant.
During the 2nd World War in 1943 many of the buildings were destroyed including the Palace of the Commissioner. Sadly, it was the most important Venetian monument of the Old Fort.
Walking tour of the Old Fort
The entrance to the Old fort is easily accessible from the Spianada. It cost 6euros each to enter. The view of the Adriatic from the bridge across sea moat and the ramparts is stunningly impressive. Continue straight ahead through the arches and cross the land moat.
At this level, you can traverse the citadel to the north to stroll round the British barracks and towards the Mandraki tower which was closed for safety reasons. To the south from the entrance is the Public library and around the side is the grand Aghios Georgios, or the church of St George, built by the British. The design was by the English military architect and is in the so-called Georgian style, a neo-classical period prevalent in England during the 18th century. Much of this building was destroyed during the 2nd World War and the reconstructed church today is designed differently. Today, the building is a place of Orthodox worship following the withdrawal of the British in 1864.
Climb up to the citadel
Climb the steps near the front of the church to the next level and walk past the outdoor restaurant back to the front, and climb up to the citadel gate. The path leads past prison rooms before entering the tunnel below.
The views as you ascend up the rock is simply stunning. The marble flooring can be slippery so make sure you have grippy shoes. Much of the early climb is in welcome shade, necessary even early of an April morning. Higher up, the path is not so well maintained and neither is the bell tower and lighthouse at the very top.
The views on the other hand of the Mandraki port, the Adriatic and the old town stretching right across to the New Fortress make the climb well worth every step.
By the time we had returned to the entrance, the hoards from the cruise ship had descended on the town!
Nangle facts & tips
Arrive early to miss the hoards of sightseers arriving from cruise ships. On a Sunday much of historic Corfu closes down at 2pm.
Nangle angle
This is a good place to start a tour of historic Corfu
