Corfu Travel Blog: An Insider’s View of Corfu Greece

Last updated on September 8th, 2024 at 02:12 pm

The New Fortress

The New Fortress in Corfu is another example of the exceptional capacity of Venetians in fortification, and an architectural marvel of art built by the Venetians and with the physical labor of the inhabitants from 1576 until 1645.

Venetians due to the permanent threat of the Turks felt that it was necessary to complete the fortifications of the city which meanwhile had been expanded far beyond the existing fortress.

The construction of the new fortress

The fortress, known as the New Fortress or Fortezza Nuova in Italian, was built between 1576 and 1645 on the rocky hill of San Marcos overlooking from the west the old town of Corfu. The fortress extended south with walls and ramparts reaching the sea at Garitsa Bay. Corfu is now all within the walls, it was then that Corfu took the name Kastropolis.

The New Fortress was designed and built by the Venetian military engineer Ferrante Vitelli. Vitelli was a renowned architect and engineer who worked extensively on fortifications throughout the Venetian Republic, including the construction of the walls of Nicosia in Cyprus and the fortifications of the Dalmatian coast.

The fortress was designed to be a modern and formidable defensive structure, capable of withstanding attacks by both land and sea. It featured a complex system of walls, bastions, and moats, as well as barracks, powder magazines, and other facilities for soldiers and officers.

Vitelli’s design for the New Fortress was highly innovative and influential, and it served as a model for many other fortifications built during the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the New Fortress is one of the most impressive and well-preserved examples of Renaissance military architecture in Greece, and it is a popular tourist attraction and historical landmark in Corfu.

The construction of the fortress was a response to the increasing threat of Ottoman attacks on the island. It was designed to strengthen the island’s defenses and provide a secure stronghold for the Venetian garrison.

The fortress was built in a pentagonal shape and included a series of walls, bastions, and gates, as well as a moat and a drawbridge. The main entrance was located on the eastern side of the fortress, and it was protected by a massive gate known as the Porta of Spilia.

Despite its formidable defenses, the New Fortress was eventually captured by the French in 1797 and later by the British in 1815. NOTE: In fact, we shouldn’t consider these as captures since the collapse of the Venetian republic had preceded it after its defeats by the French, and the two fortresses of Corfu were essentially left without a garrison, waiting for the French army.

Today, it remains one of the most impressive examples of Venetian military architecture in the Mediterranean and is a popular tourist attraction in Corfu.

To become a fortress, except for the exhaustive work of the residents, 2,000 houses in particular where now stands the vast Esplanade square, had to be demolished.

It has been said that materials taken from the ruins of the ancient city of Corfu in Paleopolis were also used, and this was a disaster, to say the least.

The reason for the house’s demolition was not only to find building materials but primarily defensive, the Venetians wanted to create a large buffer zone between the Old Fortress and the city, something that would help better their defense plans. At the same time, this place could be used as the perfect field for military exercises.

That is why today Corfu has perhaps the largest square in Europe, the famous Esplanade.

Inside the New Fortress of Corfu

The New Fortress of Corfu, or Fortezza Nuova, is an impressive complex of buildings and fortifications, which is well worth a visit for those interested in history, architecture, or military strategy.

Once inside the fortress, visitors can explore a number of different areas, including:

English left marks on the New fortress

During their domination on the island the British left their marks on the new fortress as well, by building a barrack next to the main gate and another one on the second level. And the temple of Panagia Spilaiotissa was added by them around 1850.

Overall, the New Fortress of Corfu is a fascinating and historically significant site that offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich and complex past.

Exhibitions and events in Corfu’s New Fortress

While it is primarily a fortress and tourist attraction, Corfu’s new fortress also hosts a number of exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Overall, the New Fortress of Corfu is a dynamic and multi-faceted attraction that offers visitors a range of cultural and educational experiences throughout the year.

Tickets to enter the fortress

Tickets to enter the New Fortress of Corfu can be purchased at the entrance gate of the fortress. There is a ticket booth on the staircase of Solomos Street where visitors can buy their tickets before entering the site. The ticket price may vary depending on the season and any special events or exhibitions that may be taking place at the time of your visit.

Alternatively, visitors can also purchase tickets online in advance through the official website of the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Greece or other authorized ticket vendors. This can be a convenient option to save time and avoid queuing at the ticket booth.

It is important to note that visitors may need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to enter the fortress, as part of the health and safety measures in place due to the ongoing pandemic. It is recommended to check the current regulations and requirements before planning a visit to the New Fortress of Corfu

In Brief

Today, the New Fortress is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Corfu, and visitors can explore its many halls, tunnels, and galleries to learn more about its history and architecture. The fortress is also home to several museums and exhibitions, including the Museum of Ceramic Art, which showcases a collection of ceramics from the 19th and 20th centuries.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, the New Fortress is also a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and taking in the breathtaking views of Corfu and the surrounding area. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique and memorable experience in Corfu, the New Fortress is a must-see attraction that should not be missed.

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Last updated on September 8th, 2024 at 02:12 pm

Corfu Old Fortress Location

Corfu old fortress view

Corfu old fortress north side

Corfu kontra fossa

The Corfu Old Fortress is situated on a small rocky peninsula, a natural stronghold on the eastern border of the medieval citadel of Corfu.

Originally, it was a natural promontory that provided protection to the inhabitants from the 5th century AD onwards, when the city of Corfu was relocated here following the destruction of the ancient city by the Visigoths. It was on this site that the people constructed the first medieval city, known as the Citadel.

Undoubtedly, the Corfu Old Fortress is the most significant monument and a must-visit attraction in Corfu Town.

The compact medieval city within the fortress has been separated from the mainland since the Venetian era by a narrow moat. However, today, visitors can easily access it via the bridge constructed by the Venetians.

The Byzantines had already utilized this promontory as a natural fortification for the early medieval town from the 5th century CE. Between 1300 and 1700, the Venetians further fortified it to safeguard the island from potential invaders.

Its strategic position along the coastline, along with its elevated vantage points, facilitated the early detection of approaching boats on the horizon, providing ample time to alert the island’s inhabitants to potential threats. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to view some of the original weapons used for defense and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea.

You will be amazed at how conveniently located the Old Fortress is to the city, making it easily accessible regardless of your mode of transportation. In fact, you can even walk there if you have the entire day to spare!

Fortifications

The Corfu Old Fortress features two peaks, or ‘koryfes’ (also spelled ‘korfes’): one in the East, where the Sea Tower was originally constructed by the Byzantines around the 7th century AD, and the Western peak, known as the Land Tower.

During the 8th century AD, the Byzantines fully transformed it into a fortress, encompassing the entire small medieval town along with military barracks.

The rocky stronghold received continuous reinforcement, either by the Angevins or later by the Venetians, to defend against the numerous invasions during the Middle Ages. Gradually, the town expanded around it.

In response to the threat posed by the Ottomans, the Venetians bolstered their fortifications, extended the bastions, and excavated a moat known as the ‘kontra fossa,’ effectively isolating the fortress from the mainland and turning it into an island.

During the final period of Venetian rule, the area in front of the Fortress underwent a significant transformation as nearly 3,000 houses were demolished. This was done for defensive purposes and is how Corfu acquired its spacious Esplanade square that we see today.

This strategic development allowed the Venetians to establish an impenetrable triple line of defense, both on land and from the sea.

Buildings inside the Old fortress

Inside the old fortress, in 1840, the Doric church of St. George was constructed by the British as a garrison church.

During the Venetian era, numerous buildings were erected as it functioned as a small town. However, most of these structures did not survive and have since been demolished. The ones that remain are primarily those built by the British.

Of particular note are the central gate, the bastions of Savornian, Martinengo, and Mandraki, the Land Tower in the West, and the Sea Tower in the East. Other significant structures include the English hospital, the English barracks, the clock tower, and the lighthouse.

Within the fortress, a prison built by the Venetians in 1786, later expanded by the British, is still in place. Additionally, you can find the military chapel and two English barracks from 1850.

The lower part of the British military hospital now houses the Music Department of Ionian University.

Furthermore, the fortress serves as the repository of historical records spanning over six centuries of history, a Byzantine collection featuring sculptures and images from the Byzantine era, and a public library.

At the entrance of the old fortress on the upper Esplanade, you’ll encounter the statue of Prussian Marshal Johann Matthias von der Schulenburg, crafted by the Venetians in his honor for successfully repelling the Turkish invasion of 1716.

Today, the Corfu Old Fortress stands as a masterpiece of architectural and fortification art, offering visitors the finest panoramic views of the city, its harbor, and the sea extending to the mountains of Epirus.

The British Hospital

One of the significant structures that still stands within the Corfu Old Fortress is the British hospital.

In fact, there were two buildings: the larger one situated at the upper level, positioned between the Sea Tower and the Land Tower, and the smaller one at a lower level. Here, we will focus on the larger building.

Hall in old British hospital in Corfu

Steps in old British hospital in Corfu

Corfu old fortress

The British colonists constructed this building in 1814 to serve as Corfu town’s second hospital since the larger hospital was situated in the Liston area.

The Corfu Old Fortress Hospital had the capacity to treat up to 120 patients. Throughout its history, it functioned primarily as a hospital. Initially, it served during the British colonial rule of the island, then throughout the 19th century, and later during both World War I and World War II.

However, there was a dark period for the building and the city during the occupation by Axis forces. First, the Italians, and later the Germans, used it as their headquarters. Executions and tortures within its walls transformed this life-saving facility into a place of death and anguish.

A hole in its floor, known as the “kokkaliera” or “bone hole,” was used by occupiers to dispose of the bodies of executed individuals or those who died after torture.

Following the German occupation, the Greek army took control of the building, sealed the bone hole, and used it for bureaucratic army services.

Regrettably, the building is now abandoned. It has given rise to various legends and is often considered one of the most haunted buildings in Greece. Many claim to have experienced paranormal activity within its walls, including sightings of executions, dark figures at the windows, screams, voices pleading for help, and even gunfire.

There is also a document in a local newspaper from 1982 that discusses similar rumors. It is our belief that these legends have emerged from the fear generated by the eerie atmosphere inside an abandoned building, characterized by its vast empty rooms, broken doors, and windows through which the wind’s howling sounds akin to screams. The building’s almost collapsed roof adds to the overall sense of unease it evokes.

Corfu Old Fortress Opening Hours

8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

But first, let’s clarify a few things.

The Corfu Old Fortress today resembles a small island, adorned with historic buildings, churches, old prisons, barracks, museums, and public services. It houses various offices, including the Ephorate of Antiquities of Corfu, departments of the Ionian University, military services, and even a café bar, among others.

Consequently, it’s challenging to provide precise opening hours since they vary, and certain government buildings may not be accessible to visitors.

However, the Old Fortress area remains open to the public as its main entrance never closes, allowing anyone to enter and explore the historical monuments.

Most museums within the fortress are open to the public from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

It’s important to note that the Music Department of the Ionian University is not open to the public; it is exclusively accessible to students.

Corfu Guide: Esplanade square and the Old fortress

Corfu old fortress

Contra fossa

Corfu old fortress from the sea

Corfu old fortress north side

Spianada with old fortress Corfu

Corfu old fortress view from new fortress

Corfu town view from Old Fortress

Corfu old fortress from Bosketo

More about Corfu

Is Corfu Worth Visiting?

| | |

Corfu is definitely worth visiting. As one of Greece’s most beautiful islands, Corfu offers a unique blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural diversity.

What is Corfu best known for?

| | |

Beyond its natural beauty, what is Corfu famous for? as a melting pot of various civilizations, is famous for its architecture, traditions, and cuisine.

Corfu Musical Tradition – Literature and Intellectuals

| | |

Corfu’s rich cultural heritage features a strong musical and literary traditions that continue to shape the island’s cultural identity until today.

A map of Corfu Attractions, Sights and Monuments

| | |

Corfu, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, is a treasure trove of attractions waiting to be explored.

Living Like a Local in Corfu: Daily Life on the Island

| | |

This guide delves into what it’s like to live like a local in Corfu, offering insights into daily routines, cultural practices, and the island’s unique charm.

Exploring Corfu’s Underwater World: Spots for Snorkeling and Diving

| | |

Corfu offers some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Greece, with crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and intriguing underwater landscapes.