OLD FORTRESS

Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio or Fortezza)

The Old fortress is the first thing someone sees when coming to Corfu by boat. It stands on the eastern side of town, on a rocky peninsula that stretches out at sea. It is is an old Venetian fortress built on an artificial islet with fortifications surrounding its entire perimeter. As it is surrounded by the sea, the fortress was in fact used both to defend Corfu town, and to check the near coast. To enter you just have to cross the bridge that links the fortress with the town of Corfu. Under the bridge there is a large canal that divides Corfu and the fortress which is used today as a dock for fishing boats.

Near the bridge the statue in honour of Commander Schulenburg was built by the Venetians to remember the battle against the Turks. Entering the fortress a corridor leads to the higher part of the Old fortress. At the end of the corridor there’s also a small path that leads to the ancient barracks, while along the south side of the hill you can visit the  church of St. George. This church was built in 1840 by the English and  has since been adorned with icons from St. Spyridon church.

In the Old fortress there are numerous buildings some of which have been used to create the Cafe and Restaurant of the Old fortress open all day for  visitors to the fortress providing a magnificent view across Garitsa bay while enjoying their coffee or lunch.

Near the principal gate there’s the historical archive, that keeps a record of more than 6 centuries of Corfu history. Apart from the historical and cultural point of view, the Old Fortress offers also a stunning view overlooking the town of Corfu and the Ionian sea between the island and the mainland, a unique opportunity for photo-shooting.

Add “Old Fortress” in your Tour

Transfers Corfu provides a tour of the Old fortress in combination with other places or just with a  tour of the Old Corfu town center which is situated just in front of the entrance to the fortress.