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60 EXPLORE / CORFU EXPLORE / CORFU 61

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Corfu Town oozes charm, history, fascinating landmarks and interesting
details around every corner.

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10 + 1 REASONS on the southern side of Spiana- neoclassical monument was
TO DISCOVER CHIC da Square, the Ionian Academy built in 1854. In May 1864,
CORFU TOWN was founded during the British the Ionian Parliament voted
occupation in 1824 by Ioannis for the unification of the Ioni-
SPIANADA SQUARE (ESPLA- Kapodistrias, the first Governor an Islands with Greece. Vari- doubtedly three of Corfu’s most impressive 15th century Old
NADE): It became a public of the First Hellenic Republic. ous inscriptions commemo- important religious buildings, Fortress, as well as the New
square during the French rule LISTON ARCADE: Built during rating this vote surround the the churches of St. Spyridon, the Fortress, both Venetian (al-
and was designed according to the French occupation, this su- main entrance of the building. church of the Blessed Virgin of though the latter houses Brit-
the French garden architecture perb arched terrace was inspired PALACE OF SAINT MICHAEL the Strangers, and the church ish buildings too).
movement. The largest square by the architectural style of the AND SAINT GEORGE: Erect- Top left: Birds 753874945.jpg of St John are all located around CORFU TOWN BY NIGHT:
eye view of Corfu
in the Balkans and one of Cor- Rue de Rivoli in Paris, and hous- ed during the British occupa- Town, a UNESCO this square. When it comes to drinking, din-
World Heritage
fu Town’s most significant mon- es some of the island’s most tion in 1824 and situated in Site. THE KAPODISTRIAS FAMILY ing and dancing, this is the hot-
uments, Spianada Square is its elegant cafes and restaurants. the center of Spianada Square, MANSION: test, chicest spot in the Ionian
Right page,
main social center, where fes- THE TOWN HALL: In Vene- this impressive neoclassical from top: The Built in 1840, the mansion of Islands.
tivals and parades take place tian times, the building was building was first used as the bandstand at Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first MUSEUMS: Solomos Museum,
Spaniada Square.
throughout the year. A small a meeting place for the is- commissioner’s official resi- The bell tower governor of the Modern Greek Byzantine Museum, Museum
of the Church
part of the Esplanade still hosts land’s nobles. Today, it hous- dence. Today, it houses the in- of St. Spyridon. State, was built on the location of Asian Art, Numismatic Mu-
the old English cricket field. es the Municipality of Corfu. teresting Museum of Asian Art. Corfu Town offers of the family’s former mansion. seum and the Reading Society
ample nightlife
IONIAN ACADEMY: Towering IONIAN PARLIAMENT: This SQUARE OF THE SAINT: Un- options. FORTIFICATIONS: There is an of Corfu.
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