The capital of the Greek Ionian Island of Corfu is Kerkyra, simply known as Corfu Town. The Island of Corfu is off the western coasts of Albania and Greece and has its roots back to the 8th century BC. The ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007. Much of the town’s fascinating architecture shows the influence of the Venetians who ruled here for over four centuries as well as vestiges of former rulers, Britain and France. The photo above is at Platia Enoseos by Spianada Square

Corfu and old Corfu Town were jammed with tourists when Marla and I visited in August. I enjoyed exploring in the early morning when many of the enchanting lanes and squares are almost deserted. Check out my last post exlaining why we visited Corfu. https://gentryconnects.net/?p=14503

The square above has a statue of Giorgios Theotaki, a Greek politician born on Corfu.

Many of the ancient buildings have a wonderful patina from many years of use.

The “Liston” is a pedestrian street on the west side of the Spianáda with a Napoleonic-French style arcade modelled after one the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.

There are many tiny lanes in town full of boutiques and restaurants.

This is the Yperagia Theotokos Spiliotissa Orthodox Church.

The warren of tiny lanes beckon to you to explore.

The church of Agios Spyridon built in 1589 is in the heart of town. Saint Spyridon is known as the protector of the island and many miracles are attributed to him.

The shopkeeper laid out olive wood bowls and platters first thing in the morning.

The town becomes really packed when the cruise boats arrive.

A quaint taverna by an ancient church begins serving dinner.

It won’t be long before this area is full of tourists.

An Orthodox monk sits quietly in an old church.

A shop next door is selling religious items.

Wanderings in the old town.

A solitary cat on a cobbled lane.

An ancient Venetian building.

The statue of Guilford (Frederick North) at the edge of the Spianado Square.

The bridge to the “Old Fortress” was originally built by the Venetians.

Marla, Mary, Jerry, and I explored the Old Fortress.

The canal, called contra fossa, was built by the Venetians.

Looking up at the old fortress. The Fortress was used at the end of World War II by the Nazis to imprison the Jews of Corfu prior to their deportation from the island.

The building in the background is Palace of St. Michael and St George and was built in 1819. Today it houses The Asian Art Museum. The collections are the largest in all of Greece.

A view near Spianado Square toward the sea.

An early morning view of the old canal and the fortress.

The “New Fortress” was built on St. Mark’s Hill in Corfu Town by the Venetians.

A celebration in town featured barbequed goat.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.