Start with a local ginger beer or a homemade sour cherry juice in ‘Petit Flair’ a small and very friendly coffee shop in the heart of the old town. Right next to it, a narrow path leads to the ruins of the church known as ‘Annunziata’ while another small path leads to the Town Hall Square which used to be the meeting place of the nobles of the island during the Venetian occupation.The impressive building was named ‘Nobile Teatro di San Giacommo’ as it was situated at the square next to the Catholic Cathedral San Giacomo (Duomo). Note the lavish decoration with baroque sculptures and especially the ‘rudderless ship’ on top of the main entrance which is the emblem of Corfu since ancient times. Going down the M. Theotoki we reach the Vrachlioti Square in the centre of which there is a water tank which is an exact copy of an old Venetian equivalent and one of the 13 tanks where the Corfiots’ once stored their water. Visit the small dairy ‘Alexis’ which functions since 1950. It is the only one left but still produces the authentic, fresh, aromatic and rich flavored famous Corfiot butter sold in grams. Try the cream pudding or the galaktoboureko (cream pie baked in thin pastry with syrup) and be prepared for an unforgettable experience full of flavors. We return back to the Theotoki Str. and we note the iron pine cone which hangs at the left hand side. This was the origin of the name of the entire district, pinia, from the Italian word pigna which means ‘pine cone’ and was the symbol of abundance.
Take N. Theotoki Str. which was known under the venetians as ‘Calle dei Mercanti’ since it contained lots of merchant shops. This is the main route that connects the two fortresses and one of the most attractive and best preserved parts of the old town of Corfu. Somewhere to the left the ‘Iroon Square’ is located and is surrounded by three churches but without doubt the most important is St Spyridon Church which is considered the most important religious monument in Corfu. It became world famous because it houses the relic of the miracle working patron saint of Corfu. No wonder that nearly all male children are named after him Spiros.Regardless ones faith it is worth visiting and admiring the beautiful interior decoration.
Returning back to N. Theotoki Str. at number 16, we come across the ‘Casa Parlante’ museum,a unique and alive historical museum which brings to life a 19th century noble mansion through animated figures, using robotic technology. It is your chance to be ‘invited’ by a noble family inside a classical mansion in the historic Old town of Corfu and feel the authentic atmosphere with the experience of sights, sounds and smells.
We continue our route up to the most famous place in Corfu, the ‘Liston’ which is historically related with the social distinction between the nobles and the common people because the nobles were the only ones permitted to pass by this street and sit under the arches. Having the cricket field to the left and the beautiful Esplanade Square to the right we reach the impressive Old Fortress.
The Old Fortress is considered to be a masterpiece of military architecture and no wonder it was known as impregnable Fortress. Only a small number of buildings from the Venetian and British era are preserved inside nowadays and there is also a stone path that leads up to the lighthouse on the higher peak.
We continue our route to the right through Boscetto which is a diminutive of the Italian word bosco and means wood. The local authority named also the garden ‘the Durrell’s garden’ in order to honor the two brothers for their love and contribution to the island. Our next stop is the impressive Palace of St Michael and St George, a typical example of British architecture. Nowadays it is used as a museum of Asian Art,the only one in Greece of great significance is internationally acknowledged.
Following the same route to the right we cross under the triumphal arch, named after one of the saints and the road leads us to a narrow declivity path up to a beach known as ‘Alekoâs Baths’, one of the oldest public bathing spots in Corfu town. Today it offers a place to spend the day by the beach with all the necessary comforts, without going too far.
If you are wearing a bathing suit you can relax at the local’s favorite summer spot or you can continue walking having the sea on your right hand side. At 3rd Parodos Arseniou Str. another unique museum is located to the left. It is housed in the church of Our Lady (Panagia) Antivouniotissa, one of the oldest churches in the city of Kerkyra, dating from the late 15th century and has a collection of Byzantine religious art. I would recommend to continue a little bit more on the same road up to number 23, where ‘Salto’ wine-restaurant is located with a nice view to the New Fortress. After a full day how about having a glass of quality Greek wine or Ouzo with a typical delicious Greek meze.
Walk provided by our partner http://www.corfuwalkingtours.com
