Most Amazing Sights Of Corfu

Pontikonisi

Pontikonisi, a green rock, in the middle of the sea, is the highlight among the sights of Corfu. It is gorgeous and you can have a magnificent view of this green island from the island of Vlacherna and the famous cannon of Corfu. In Odyssey of Homer, we learn that Corfu, was the last stop on the long-suffering journey of Odysseus back to Ithaca. According to legend, Pontikonisi was actually the boat of Odysseus which, during the storm, god Poseidon turned it into the green rock that we all know.

Looking for accommodation in Corfu? Check out Luxury Holiday Villas in Corfu!

 

Sights of Corfu - The popular "Pontikonisi"
Sights of Corfu – The popular “Pontikonisi”

If you find yourself in Corfu on August 6, when the monastery celebrates the Transfiguration, Pontikonisi is certainly worth a visit. The monastery, in Byzantine style, is the only building on the island.

You can visit “Pontikonisi” during Easter and throughout the tourist season by boat starting opposite the cannon, with frequent departures throughout the day, from 9 am to 9 pm.

The Cannon

The beautiful and cosmopolitan Cannon, is one of the most famous sights of Corfu. It is located on the homonymous peninsula in which you will find the beautiful beaches of the south Corfu. The Cannon offers a magnificent view of Vlacherna island with its monastery and the legendary green rock, Pontikonisi. You will also be able to observe the runways of the nearby airport “Ioannis Kapodistrias”. The entrance of the Casino of Corfu is also in the Cannon.

Any time of the day you find yourself in the cannon, the views will keep you hooked. Colors such as bright blue, sea blue, emerald green are like oasis for the eyes and senses. However, the most beautiful time to visit it is when the sun sinks into the deep blue waters and the sky reflects its orange and purple hues.

Liston

A walk in the lovely Old Town of Corfu can only start or end at Liston, one of the most visited sights of Corfu. Drinking coffee at one of the dozens of cafés and restaurants, housed in the large arcades with the marvelous arches or the relaxing walks on the west side of Spianada square, are the most attractive attraction for residents and visitors.

Liston is the cosmopolitan center of the city. Here you give your appointments and here are the most likely place sudden and unexpected encounters. The sunny Sunday mornings you can enjoy your coffee in one of the numerous cafes and on Saturday noon, you will watch cricket games in Spianada. The bands of the city and the Litanies of Saint Spyridon will parade before your eyes

Mon Repos Palace

In Paleopolis, the old city of Corfu, is the green estate of Mon Repos. It is spread over 258 acres of dense vegetation and beautiful gardens. In the estate of Mon Repos, which is only 3 km from Corfu town, the British High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands, Frederic Adam, built his summer mansion in 1831, for sake of his beloved wife Nina Palatianou. The building was designed by the English architect Whitmore.

The palace, which offers stunning views, hosted for a long time, in 1863, the Austro-Hungarian empress Elisabeth, the legendary princess Sissi, who built Achillion in Corfu, Philip Maounmpanten, who later became Duke of Edinburgh and the husband of the Queen of England, Elizabeth.

The elegant and impressive palace presents intense Greek and neo-classical elements. It dominates the middle of the estate and you arrive there, after passing the entrance and walk along the wide paths, covered with white gravel in the shade of the green pine. The beautiful gardens once hosted more than 2,000 species of plants, gifts from European royal houses. Today, the palace of Mon Repos houses the Museum of Paleopolis.

Achillion

Achillion is one of the most famous royal mansions of Europe and one of the most beautiful sights of Corfu. Designed by the Italian architects Antonio Raffaele and Karitto Lannti and was built in 1890 at the expense of the Empress Elizabeth of Austria. She wanted a villa to stay in Corfu considering that the climate would help the frail of health.

She dedicated the villa to Achilles, from where it got its name. Around the palace, you will see lush green gardens, with views to the north and south. The walls are full of bougainvillea with bright colors and, everywhere, there are towering palm trees. You will have the chance to admire many statues in the gardens, especially the statue of Achilles, the beloved hero of the empress. The Dying Achilles is a nice bronze statue, the work of the German sculptor Ernst Cherter. Perhaps, Elizabeth of Austria bought this statue after the tragic suicide of her second son, the Archduke Rudolph, in Magierligk.

The Imposing Church Of St. Spyridon

The church of St. Spyridon, one of the most important post-Byzantine monuments of the town of Corfu, attracts many visitors who spend their holidays in Corfu. You will find it easily, while you are wandering in the Old Town. After you have left Liston behind, you will see Liston square at your right, with the imposing church of St. Spyridon.

Religious Sights of Corfu - St. Spyridon Church
Religious Sights of Corfu – St. Spyridon Church

Its shape is oblong with low ceiling as in all churches of the Ionian islands. It has an impressive bell tower, which resembles extremely the steeple of the church of Saint George of the Greeks in Venice (San Giorgio dei Greci), which was built in the same period. The relic of Saint Spyridon is kept in a silver urn of 19th century, and is located at the right of the sanctuary.

“Fortezza” Fortress, The First Fortress Of Corfu

Sights of Corfu - Fortezza, the Old Fortress
Sights of Corfu – Fortezza, the Old Fortress

To the east of the old town rises the first fortress of Corfu, Fortezza (Fortezza), an architectural masterpiece of fortification art of both the Byzantine and Venetian period. It was built to surround the new town built by the survivors of Corfu, when it was destroyed in the 6th century. In order to get from one place to another, you use tunnels and you will see two trenches. And of course your destination is one: the impressive ramparts where you can enjoy a stunning view of both the Old City and the sea.

The New Fortress Of Corfu

Sights of Corfu - The New Fortress
Sights of Corfu – The New Fortress

The New Fortress of Corfu (Fortezza Nuova), which dominates the hill of San Marco, was built by the Venetians in the 16th century, because of the urgent need for the city to be protected properly. It is an imposing structure, standing over the Old Port and offering a unique panoramic view of the city and the open sea. The portal is decorated with a lovely embossed Lion of St. Mark, the emblem that will connect the Fortress with Venice eternally. According to its history, the Venetian architect Francisco Vitelli had to demolish more than 2,000 buildings, mostly houses and churches, in order to find building materials.

Today, apart from the facilities of the Navy, the New Fortress hosts photography and painting exhibitions, concerts and other artistic activities.

 

Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on Google+Pin on PinterestEmail this to someone