Venetian fortress on a rocky peninsula east of the Spianada, separated from the town by a man-made moat. Its Byzantine origins were rebuilt by the Venetians in the 16th century, and the summit lighthouse and Church of St George give wide views over Corfu Town and the Albanian coast.
The Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio) occupies a rocky twin-peaked promontory on the eastern edge of Corfu Old Town, in the Ionian Islands of Greece. The site was fortified in Byzantine times, but the structure visitors see today is mainly the work of the Venetian Republic, which ruled Corfu from 1386 to 1797. In the mid-16th century the Venetians cut a deep sea-filled channel, the Contrafossa, across the neck of the peninsula, turning the fortress into an island and separating it from the town and the open ground of the Spianada. The works followed the Ottoman siege of 1537 and were tested again in the great siege of 1716, when the garrison held out and the Ottoman army withdrew.
Visitors cross a bridge to the Land Gate, pass through vaulted corridors and bastions, and climb to the two summits. The upper summit carries a lighthouse and a Venetian-era clock tower, while the lower level holds the Church of St George, a neoclassical building in the form of a Doric temple, erected by the British in 1840 during their protectorate over the Ionian Islands. Remains of barracks, powder magazines, cisterns and Venetian cannon emplacements are scattered across the site, and a former British-era building near the entrance is used for exhibitions. The architecture is military rather than decorative: thick sloping walls, casemates and terraces designed to absorb artillery fire.
The fortress is interpreted mainly through its layout, with signage in Greek and English rather than a fixed chronological exhibition. Over the centuries it served as a garrison, a British military base and a naval training site, and the buildings suffered damage in the Second World War. Conservation work by Greek heritage authorities has stabilised walls and opened paths, though some areas remain rough and unrestored. The summit offers wide views over Corfu Town, the Old Port, the Spianada and, on clear days, the Albanian coast, which explains its strategic value. Its position next to the Spianada and the Liston makes it an easy first stop on any walk through the Old Town.
| Admission | €10 ($11.50); Reduced €5 ($5.75) (eligible students and EU concessions) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Apr 1-Oct 31 daily 08:00-20:00; Nov 1-Mar 31 daily 08:30-15:30; last entry 20 minutes before closing; closed Jan 1, Mar 25, May 1, Orthodox Easter Sunday, Dec 25-26 |
| Address | Palaio Frourio, Corfu Old Town, 491 00 Kerkyra, Greece |
Why it matters
The Old Fortress anchored Venetian defence of Corfu for four centuries and helped the island withstand Ottoman sieges in 1537, 1571 and 1716, which kept Corfu out of Ottoman hands. It forms part of the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Corfu.
Location
Palaio Frourio, Corfu Old Town, 491 00 Kerkyra, Greece
39.6233, 19.9272 View on map
Highlights
- Walk the bridge over the Venetian Contrafossa channel to the Land Gate
- Climb to the lighthouse summit for views over Corfu Town and the Albanian coast
- See the Doric-style Church of St George, built by the British in 1840
- Explore Venetian bastions, casemates and cisterns
Tips for visiting
- Allow about 90 minutes to reach both summits and see the bastions.
- Wear sturdy shoes; the stone ramps and steps are worn and slippery when wet.
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon in summer to avoid heat on the exposed rock.
- Bring water, as shade is limited on the upper levels.
- Check closing days, as the site closes on several public holidays.
When to visit
Early morning or late afternoon gives cooler conditions and softer light for the views. Spring and autumn are quieter than July and August.
Accessibility
The fortress is built on steep rock with uneven stone ramps and steps, so wheelchair access is limited to the lower areas. Visitors with limited mobility may find the upper summit difficult.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Old Fortress take?
Most visitors spend 60 to 90 minutes, longer if they climb to both summits and linger at the viewpoints.
Is the site suitable for children?
Children can visit, but the paths are steep and some edges lack barriers, so close supervision is advisable.
Is there information in English?
Signage on site is generally given in Greek and English, though there is no extensive museum-style exhibition.
Where does the entrance stand?
The entrance is on the Spianada side, across the bridge over the Contrafossa channel.