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58 EXPLORE / CORFU EXPLORE / CORFU 59

TRACING

THE UNIQUE CHARM

OF CORFU TOWN

More closely resembling the small capital of an entire country than that of an island,
Corfu Town never fails to seduce all who visit it. 149662157.jpg

BY SOPHIA McCONNELL

IMBUED WITH GRACE and a unique charm and character. an Parliament and the Kapodis-
elegance, historic Corfu Town Palaces, fortresses, austere pub- trias family mansion, as well as
(also known as Kerkyra) is found lic buildings from the Venetian arcades, parks, fortifications and
in the middle of the island’s rule combine with lines of dry- monuments – all lending Corfu
east coast. The name Corfu ing washing that hang above tiny a certain kind of grandeur more
[“peaks”] refers to its twin hills, alleyways and small secluded reminiscent of the confident air
each topped by a massive for- squares. Indeed, a walk through of the capital of a country rath-
tress built to withstand the Ot- the maze of narrow cobbled er than that of an island.
toman sieges of the 16th cen- streets known as “kantounia” But one thing is for sure –
tury. Built on a promontory, the will make you feel as if you’ve whether ambling down alley-
town has a unique architecture traveled to Genoa or Naples. ways in search of hidden ar-
that reflects the various influenc- There are also numerous stately chitectural gems or drinking an 1357787444.jpg
es – Venetian, French and Eng- attractions, such as the Palace of aperitif in one of the town’s styl-
lish – that have left their mark on St. Michael and St. George, Lis- ish cafes or hotels, Corfu Town
the island. This blend of differ- ton Arcade, the Reading Society, can’t help but make you feel like 729221239.jpg
ent styles has lent Corfu Town the Catholic Cathedral, the Ioni- you’ve traveled in time.

Left: Corfu
Town features
majestic stately
homes with
interesting
details.
Right page,
from top: View
of the Old
Venetian Castle. 1258027675.jpg
The Statue of
Kapodistrias
with the Ionian
Academy in the
background.
The Palace of
St. Michael
and St. George.
Intricate
architectural
details, like this
relief, can be
found all over
the city.

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