The only functioning synagogue on the island, in the old Jewish quarter, rebuilt after damage in the Second World War. It serves a small community.
The Corfu Synagogue, known as the Scuola Greca, stands on Velissariou Street in the old Jewish quarter of Corfu Town, in the Ionian Islands of Greece. Jews have lived on Corfu for centuries, and the community grew during Venetian rule, when Jewish residents were confined to a quarter of the town known as the Ghetto, which was one of the densest parts of the Old Town. Several synagogues once served the community, representing different traditions, and the Scuola Greca was one of them, associated with the Greek-speaking Romaniote tradition. The 16th and 17th centuries saw the building of the synagogues in the quarter, and the community maintained a distinctive way of life shaped by Venetian and Greek influences.
The Second World War brought devastating losses. Allied bombing in 1943 damaged the quarter and its synagogues, and in June 1944 German forces deported most of the island's Jewish population, around 2,000 people, to Auschwitz. Few returned. The Scuola Greca was rebuilt after the war and now serves the small remaining community, which holds services on religious occasions. The building is a modest structure from the outside, with the interior arranged according to Jewish tradition, including the ark, the reading platform and women's gallery.
The synagogue is an active place of worship rather than a conventional museum, and the visit is organised around the sanctuary itself. Information about the community's history is given through displays and guides when available, and nearby plaques commemorate the deportation. A memorial to the Jewish victims stands in the Old Town. Opening hours reported by sources are limited and closures on Jewish holidays and Saturdays affect access, so visitors should check before going. The synagogue is small, so the visit is short, but it adds an important dimension to the story of the Old Town.
| Admission | Donation |
|---|---|
| Hours | Reported Mon-Sat 10:00-16:00; closed on Jewish holidays; verify before visiting |
| Address | 4 Velissariou Street, Corfu Old Town, 491 00 Kerkyra, Greece |
Why it matters
The synagogue is a surviving trace of Corfu's Jewish community, which has lived on the island for centuries and was largely deported to Nazi camps in 1944. It remains the only functioning synagogue on the island.
Location
4 Velissariou Street, Corfu Old Town, 491 00 Kerkyra, Greece
39.6217, 19.9190 View on map
Highlights
- Visit the only functioning synagogue on Corfu
- Learn about the Romaniote and Venetian-era Jewish community of the Old Town
- See the sanctuary rebuilt after Second World War damage
- Pass the memorial to the Jews of Corfu deported in 1944
Tips for visiting
- Check opening times in advance, since access is limited and varies.
- Dress modestly and respectfully, and ask before photographing.
- Avoid Saturdays and Jewish holidays, when visits are generally not possible.
- Allow about 30 minutes, then walk the surrounding quarter.
- Leave a donation, as entry is by donation.
When to visit
Weekday mornings within opening hours are the most reliable. Avoid Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
Accessibility
The synagogue is in a narrow street of the Old Town with stone paving, and interior access may involve steps. Visitors with limited mobility should check in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an admission charge?
Entry is by donation.
Is it an active synagogue?
Yes, it serves the small Jewish community of Corfu and remains in religious use.
How long does a visit take?
A visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.