Cultural Highlights
The cultural attractions on Corfu are countless, spanning the entire island from one end to the other. The Old City, a living museum, has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO due to its significant architecture. Within the Old City, monuments from various conquerors who passed through the island over the centuries coexist harmoniously. The Old and New Fortresses, the tall buildings, the narrow alleyways, the quaint squares, and the imposing Town Hall are all creations of the Venetians, who dominated the island for five centuries.
Church of St George
Perched prominently on the southern slopes of Palaio Frourio, a dazzling white edifice reminiscent of ancient Greek architecture commands attention. Initially constructed by the British in 1840 to serve the local Anglican community, this building has since been embraced by the Orthodox faith. Today, it hosts only two annual services along with intermittent concerts and exhibitions, its imposing presence visible from afar along the coast.
Municipal Art Gallery
Established in 1978 and officially recognized as a public institution in 1991, the Municipal Gallery of Corfu boasts a rich history and an impressive collection. Generous donations from local families and artists have shaped its permanent exhibition, which includes significant collections like the Samartzis Collection (42 works), the Aglaia Pappa Collection (23 works), and the Philippos Markotsis Collection (12 works), along with contributions from Nikolaos Ventouras.
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Housed within the historic Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George, the gallery primarily showcases artworks from 19th-century local artists. Highlights include pieces by Haralambos Pachis, founder of the Artist's School of Corfu, as well as works by S. Skarvelis, P. Prosalentis, G. Samartzis, and others. Beyond paintings, the gallery also features captivating sculptures.
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Beyond its exhibitions, the Municipal Gallery of Corfu remains vibrant with art workshops, seminars, lectures, and other cultural events, making it a hub of artistic activity and community engagement.
Corfu Kanoni and Mouse Island
The location of Kanoni, with the church of Panagia Vlacherna below, is one of the most famous and photographed spots in Corfu.
Kanoni is a district of Corfu Town, just a couple of kilometers from the city center. It takes its name from an old cannon that stands on top of the hill. Steps lead down from Kanoni to the small church of Panagia Vlacherna. A narrow 300m passageway connects the church with the island.
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Constructed in the 17th century, this charming chapel features an impressive wooden-carved iconostasis and beautiful frescoes inside. The roof is adorned with red tiles, and a tall bell tower stands above the gate entrance.
Fishing boats frequently depart from the church to the legendary Mouse Island, a mere 5-minute trip. This green island, named for its tiny size, is steeped in mythology—according to legend, it is the ship of Odysseus, turned to stone by the god Poseidon.
Nestled in the picturesque village of Gastouri, the Achillion Palace of Corfu is a must-see gem. Built in 1890 for the former Empress of Austria, Elizabeth (affectionately known as Sissy), this magnificent palace served as her summer retreat. Tragically, Empress Sissy was assassinated in 1898 in Geneva, and the palace remained deserted until 1907 when it was purchased by Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. The palace's location offers stunning views, with the coast below still featuring the jetty where the Kaiser would set off on his cruises.
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The Achillion Palace isn't just famous for its classical architecture; its immaculate gardens are also a highlight, providing a picture-perfect setting. Legend has it that the Empress fell so deeply in love with Corfu that she decided to build a residence she could call her own. The palace stands on the site of the manor of the renowned philosopher Petros Vrailas Armenis, adding an extra layer of historical charm to this enchanting location.
Pantokrator Monastery
Perched at 917 meters above sea level, atop Corfu's highest mountain, stands the Holy Monastery of Pantokrator. Known in antiquity as Istoni, the mountain was renamed Pantokrator in honor of the monastery that graces its summit. Established in the first half of the 14th century, the monastery's origins are chronicled in historical documents, offering two distinct accounts of its construction.
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According to a parchment dating back to the monastery's inception, residents from 23 villages across Corfu joined forces to build it. They contributed willingly, offering land, trees, and animals, driven by their devotion and spiritual aspirations.
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The Holy Monastery of Pantokrator stands today as a remarkable architectural and artistic monument, an integral part of Corfu's ecclesiastical and cultural heritage. Its Katholikon, the principal church building, remains the oldest and most significant structure on the grounds. Adorned with well-preserved frescoes dating from the 14th to the 18th century, it offers visitors a glimpse into centuries of religious and artistic history.
Angelokastro Castle
Corfu's Angelokastro, also known as Angel Castle, stands strategically near Krini and dates back to the 13th century. This fortress is distinguished by its domed gate at the entrance and houses invaluable remnants, including exclusive storage rooms. Of particular interest is an ancient church carved into a cave, dedicated to the archangels Gabriel and Michael. Legend has it that an ancient emperor sought a precipitous rock to build a fortress capable of repelling pirate attacks, leading him to discover Angelokastro.
