The Venetian-built core of Kerkyra, inscribed on the UNESCO list in 2007, with the Liston, narrow kantounia alleys, the Campiello quarter and the two fortresses.
The Old Town of Corfu occupies a peninsula on the east coast of Corfu, in the Ionian Islands of Greece, between the Old Fortress and the New Fortress. Its present form dates mainly to the period of Venetian rule from 1386 to 1797, when Corfu was the principal Venetian naval base on the route to the Levant and the town was fortified against Ottoman attack, notably in the sieges of 1537, 1571 and 1716. The French held the island briefly at the end of the 18th and start of the 19th century, and the British administered the Ionian Islands from 1815 to 1864, leaving the Palace of St Michael and St George, neoclassical monuments and the cricket tradition. UNESCO inscribed the town in 2007, citing its fortifications and its mix of architectural styles.
The urban fabric is dense, with tall Venetian-style buildings along narrow, paved lanes called kantounia, which run between the harbour and the central squares. The Campiello quarter, in the upper town, preserves the medieval street plan, while the Spianada and the Liston mark the French and British additions. Churches such as Saint Spyridon and the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Jewish quarter with its synagogue, and museums including the Archaeological Museum and the Antivouniotissa Museum are among the main sites. Buildings show Venetian, Baroque and neoclassical influences, with colourful shutters and laundry strung across the alleys.
The Old Town is experienced on foot, since many streets are closed to cars and there is no single entrance or ticket. Preservation varies, with many buildings restored and some still in need of repair, while the municipality manages conservation under the UNESCO designation. It contains shops, cafes and restaurants, and most commercial life continues in the historic buildings. Orientation is simple, as the Spianada and the Old Port provide clear reference points. Shops and museums commonly close in the mid-afternoon on Sundays, which affects planning.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open access; most shops and museums close mid-afternoon on Sundays |
| Address | Old Town of Corfu, 491 00 Kerkyra, Greece |
Why it matters
The Old Town of Corfu was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007 as an example of a fortified Mediterranean port city shaped by Venetian, French and British rule. It shows how a Venetian defensive town adapted to later periods.
Location
Old Town of Corfu, 491 00 Kerkyra, Greece
39.6212, 19.9210 View on map
Highlights
- Wander the kantounia alleys of the Campiello quarter
- Walk between the Old Fortress and New Fortress, both part of the UNESCO site
- Visit the Liston, Spianada and Palace of St Michael and St George
- See the churches of Saint Spyridon and the Metropolitan Cathedral
Tips for visiting
- Allow a full day to cover the main sites on foot.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the stone lanes are uneven and slippery.
- Visit in the early morning or evening to avoid cruise-ship crowds.
- Expect shops and museums to close in the afternoon on Sundays.
- Use the Spianada and Old Port as orientation points when the lanes become confusing.
When to visit
Spring and autumn are comfortable and less crowded. Early mornings avoid the heat and cruise-ship arrivals in summer.
Accessibility
Many lanes are paved with uneven stone and some have steps, so wheelchair travel is possible on main routes but difficult in the narrow alleys. The Spianada is flat and accessible.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Old Town become a UNESCO site?
It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007.
Is the Old Town English-language friendly?
Yes, signs, menus and shop staff commonly use English because of the tourist trade.
Can it be visited with children?
Yes, it is pedestrian-friendly, though the narrow lanes can be busy in summer.
How long does a visit take?
A half day covers the highlights, and a full day allows time for museums.