Cities of Greece

History

The Multidimensional History of Corfu: From the Phaeacians to the Union with Greece

Corfu: A History of Influences and Cultures

Κοντινή λήψη από το ιστορικό Άνακτορο Αχίλλειον

-Corfu, the lush green island of the Ionian Sea, is a destination with a rich history, unique traditions, and a wealth of attractions that enchant every visitor. Its history, in particular, is multidimensional and diverse, shaped by the many different influences the island has absorbed over the centuries. -Corfu has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Era. According to mythology, it was the island of the Phaeacians—Scheria—where Odysseus found refuge after his shipwreck. Its written history begins with the arrival of settlers from Eretria in Euboea in the 8th century BC. Later, around 735 BC, Corinthians settled on the island and transformed it into a significant naval and commercial power. The conflict between Corfu and its mother city, Corinth, was one of the causes of the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War. -Corfu came under Roman rule in 229 BC and remained a Roman province for about five centuries, serving as an important naval base. In 395 AD, with the division of the Roman Empire, it became part of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire). During the Byzantine period, the island suffered numerous invasions by barbarian tribes such as the Vandals and Goths, as well as attacks by Saracens and Normans. -The longest and most defining period in Corfu’s history was the Venetian rule. The Corfiots voluntarily surrendered to Venice in 1386, seeking protection from the Ottoman threat. The Venetians impressively fortified the island, constructing the Old and New Fortresses, as well as the city’s surrounding walls. These fortifications helped Corfu successfully repel several Turkish sieges, the most famous being that of 1716 under the command of Marshal Schulenburg. Venetian rule left indelible marks on the city’s architecture, art (especially music), language, and cuisine. -After the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797, Corfu passed briefly under French, Russo-Turkish, and again French control. In 1800, the Septinsular Republic was established—the first semi-autonomous Greek state of the modern era. In 1815, the island came under British protection as part of the “United States of the Ionian Islands.” The period of British rule (1815–1864) was an era of modernization, marked by the construction of roads, bridges, and the improvement of public infrastructure, as well as the founding of the Ionian Academy in 1824, the first Greek university. -Corfu and the other Ionian Islands were united with Greece on May 21, 1864, thus concluding their centuries-long journey under foreign domination.

Traditions

The Cultural Identity of Corfu: Customs, Philharmonics, and Mediterranean Influences

The Corfiot Soul: Celebrations, Sounds, and Words with History

-Corfu’s tradition is a blend of Greek, Venetian, and British elements. Particularly renowned is Easter, which is celebrated with unique customs. Beyond this well-known festivity, there are many other aspects that shape the island’s distinct cultural identity. -Corfiot Easter is famous worldwide for its unique traditions, such as the procession of Saint Spyridon’s relic on Holy Saturday and the custom of the “Botides.” On Holy Saturday morning, residents throw clay pots filled with water, known as Botides, from their balconies—an act symbolizing the expulsion of evil and the renewal of life. -The Corfiot Carnival has deep roots and strong Italian influences. Its highlight is the grand parade of floats and the “Trial of Carnival” on the final Sunday before Lent, during which Carnival is accused of all the world’s misfortunes and then burned. -An old New Year’s custom once involved locals going from house to house, tossing coins into a large pan. The money collected was later distributed to the poor. -Corfu is considered the birthplace of Greek art music. The founding of the first Philharmonic Society of Corfu in 1840 was a milestone. Today, this tradition continues with three major philharmonic bands: the “Old” Philharmonic, the “Mantzaros,” and the “Kapodistrias.” These philharmonics are not merely musical ensembles—they are an essential part of the island’s social life, playing a central role in every religious ceremony, procession, and official event. -The local Corfiot dialect exhibits strong Italian influences, featuring many words derived from Italian, such as piazza (πιάτσα), liston (λιστόνι), and cantounia (καντούνια).

Local products

Traditional Products of Corfu: A Gastronomic Mosaic of Influences

From Kumquat to Smoked Delicacies

-Corfu’s traditional products are a living part of its cultural identity, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped the island over the centuries. The island’s unique natural environment, combined with Italian and British culinary traditions, has given rise to products with distinctive flavors and character. -The kumquat is Corfu’s most famous product. This small citrus fruit, similar to an orange, was brought to the island from China around 1860 during the period of British Protection. The Corfiots quickly embraced it and made it their trademark symbol. -It is mainly used to produce the well-known kumquat liqueur, as well as spoon sweets, marmalade, and candied treats. Its uniqueness lies in its taste — the peel is sweet, while the flesh is bitter and tart, creating a delightful contrast. -Corfiot cured meats are renowned for their distinctive flavor, which comes from the traditional smoking process. -Noumboulo Fumikado is a traditional cold-smoked pork fillet delicacy. It is smoked slowly at low temperatures with aromatic branches of sage, laurel, and mastic tree, then air-dried to develop a unique aroma and a subtly spiced taste. -The traditional Corfiot salami, known as Salado, shows a strong Italian influence. Made from pork meat, it has a spicy and robust flavor. -A traditional Corfiot refreshing drink with British roots is Tsigibira (Corfiot ginger beer), made from lemon and ginger. It is known for its tangy, spicy, and refreshing taste. -The island is covered with olive trees, resulting in the production of exceptional olive oil, which forms the foundation of local cuisine. -Local vineyards produce wines from native grape varieties such as Kakotrygis and Skordas, characterized by their fruity and full-bodied flavors. -Corfu is also famous for its traditional sweets, such as Mandolato, a honey-based confection made with egg whites and whole almonds, which has Italian origins and is a favorite treat during local festivals, as well as Pasteli, a traditional sesame-and-honey bar.

Tourism

Landscapes and Monuments of Corfu: A Guide to the Island’s Iconic Landmarks

The Charm of Corfu: History, Myths, and Natural Heritage

Το Ποντικονήσι μέσα από τη θέα του Κανονιού

-Corfu is a premier tourist destination, offering a wide variety of landscapes and attractions for every visitor. -The Old Town of Corfu is the heart of the island and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. -One of the city’s most emblematic spots is the Liston (or Liston Square). It is an impressive arched arcade inspired by the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, lined with cafés and restaurants — the perfect place to enjoy a coffee while watching the world go by. -Spianada Square is the largest square in the Balkans and is located in front of the Liston. It is an extensive green area used for various events and concerts, and it also hosts the Corfu Cricket Club, a legacy of British rule. -The picturesque narrow alleys of the Old Town, known as kantounia, with their tall buildings, small balconies, hanging laundry, and overall ambiance, evoke the atmosphere of famous Italian cities such as Naples or Venice. -The Old Fortress, built on a natural rocky hill, and the New Fortress are impressive examples of Venetian fortification architecture, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea. -At the center of the island, near Gastouri, lies the Achilleion, the grand palace of Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”) of Austria, built in 1890. It features magnificent gardens and statues inspired by Greek mythology, the most famous being the statue of the Dying Achilles. -Directly opposite the Kanoni area and Corfu International Airport “Ioannis Kapodistrias” lies Pontikonisi (“Mouse Island”), a small, lush islet crowned by a Byzantine chapel dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Saviour, dating from the 11th or 12th century. It is one of the most recognizable and most photographed landmarks of Corfu, symbolizing both the island’s natural beauty and its mythological heritage. -According to the most famous myth, Pontikonisi is none other than the petrified ship of the Phaeacians who carried Odysseus back to Ithaca — turned to stone by the angry god Poseidon to prevent the cunning king from reaching his homeland. -Corfu is renowned for its beaches, which cater to every visitor’s taste. -Paleokastritsa, located on the island’s western coast, is one of its most famous areas. It consists of six small bays with cold, crystal-clear waters. There you can visit the Monastery of the Virgin Mary and take a boat ride to explore the sea caves. -In Sidari, in northern Corfu, lies the Canal d’Amour (“Channel of Love”), an impressive geological formation of white rock channels leading to a small beach. According to legend, couples who swim through the channel will stay together forever. -In southern Corfu, beside Halikounas Beach, lies a protected area with a lagoon — Lake Korission — home to migratory birds such as flamingos.

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