Information
Landmark: Old Fortress of CorfuCity: Corfu
Country: Greece
Continent: Europe
Old Fortress of Corfu, Corfu, Greece, Europe
Overview
The Old Fortress of Corfu, also called the Paleokastritsa Fortress, stands in the heart of Corfu Town, its weathered stone walls looking out over the bright blue waters of Greece.Rising above the shoreline, it’s one of the island’s most striking landmarks, where you can step into Corfu’s strategic military past and gaze out over the sparkling blue sea and rolling hills beyond.The Old Fortress, with its towering stone walls and sweeping views of the sea, stands as a striking example of Venetian military design and has guarded Corfu’s shores for centuries.The Old Fortress of Corfu began as a Byzantine stronghold in the 6th century AD, but it was the Venetians, in the 1400s and 1500s, who carved its massive stone walls and shaped it into the imposing citadel we see today.Built to shield Corfu from invaders-especially the Ottomans-the Venetians strengthened the fortress with high stone walls, sharp-angled bastions, and a deep moat glinting in the sun.Over the years, the fortress grew into the heart of Corfu’s defenses, its stone walls weathered by salt and sea wind.It also served as a naval base, proving vital in several military clashes-most famously during the 1716 Siege of Corfu, when Venetian forces drove back the Ottomans.The fortress stands on a small island, cut off from the mainland by a broad, still moat.The structure blends Venetian, Byzantine, and British architectural styles, layered with centuries of additions and changes.The fortress itself is split in two: the upper section perched high on the hill, and the lower one stretching out below.The upper fortress crowns the hill, packed with most of its structures-barracks, watchtowers, and thick defensive walls you can almost feel under your hand.Below, the lower fortress holds the entrance gate, the moat, and a scatter of outbuildings.The lower fortress is best known for its drawbridge, a sturdy span of weathered wood and iron that links the stronghold to the town and grants passage to the island.Just beyond it, the main gate rises in a broad stone arch, its surface carved with Venetian coats of arms and faded inscriptions.The main gate opens into the fortress complex, where visitors wander through dim stone rooms and solid defensive walls.Rising above it all, the Clock Tower stands as the Old Fortress’s most iconic landmark.Built during the Venetian period, it now opens onto wide views of the town and the glittering sea.The clock was added later, while the tower still stands as a reminder of the fortress’s strategic role.Inside the fortress grounds sits the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George, built by the British in the early 1800s, its stone walls weathered by salt and wind.It’s built in the neoclassical style, marked by a portico of sturdy Doric columns that rise like pale stone sentinels.The church, dedicated to Saint George, offered the British garrison a place to worship during their time in Corfu.Thick stone bastions ring the fortress, their walls built to withstand the crush of enemy fire.At each corner of the fortress, the bastions give sweeping views, and a few still hold cannons once fired in the Venetian and British eras.In its shadow lie narrow tunnels and dim stone dungeons, once hiding supplies, secret escape routes, or prisoners in times of war.Visitors can wander these sections and get a feel for the fortress’s intricate, strategic design.At its far edge, the lighthouse stands guard, offering a sweeping view of the glittering Ionian Sea and the narrow blue ribbon of the Corfu Channel.The lighthouse, standing since the days of British rule, lends the fortress an enduring military presence.From its walls, you can take in sweeping views of Corfu Town, the glittering Ionian Sea, and the rugged coastline beyond.You can stroll along the ramparts, feeling the sea breeze on your face as you take in sweeping views of the New Fortress and the Liston Promenade.From its high perch, the fortress looks out over Corfu’s Old Town-a UNESCO World Heritage site with Venetian-style facades, winding lanes, and sunlit squares.Inside, a museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that trace the fortress’s past and the island’s rich history.You’ll find weapons, faded military uniforms, old maps, and artifacts spanning many eras of the fortress’s long, storied past.The museum brings the site’s history to life, highlighting its strategic role in Corfu’s defense, where cannons once faced the sea.Inside the fortress, rotating exhibitions display art, artifacts, and stories tied to the island’s military past.Today, the Old Fortress still draws crowds as one of Corfu’s most treasured cultural landmarks.In summer, the Old Fortress comes alive with classical concerts and cultural shows, drawing crowds under the warm evening sky; it’s also a favorite spot for photographers, with sweeping views of Corfu Town, the Old Port, and the Sea Channel.You’ll find it on the eastern edge of Corfu Town, just a short walk from the center.The Old Fortress of Corfu welcomes visitors every day for a small entrance fee, and you’ll want comfortable shoes-there’s plenty of walking and steep stone steps, especially if you head up to the highest points for sweeping sea views.Families will find spots to rest along the ancient walls, where the sun warms the stone.This iconic landmark blends the island’s military past with striking architecture and breathtaking scenery.Whether you’re drawn to its centuries-old walls, the elegant stone arches, or just a quiet perch to watch the harbor, the Old Fortress offers a cultural experience rich with history and charm.From the Venetian and British-built walls to sweeping sea views and a museum filled with curious relics, the Old Fortress is a stop no visitor to Corfu should skip.
