The Ancient celebrations in early spring that took place in honor of Dionysus, god of wine and fun, hoping for a good harvest and successful husbandry, are the forerunners of today’s carnival in Greece.
Here in Corfu over the years, the celebrations gained a strong Venetian influence that makes today’s Corfu carnival completely different from those in other parts of Greece.
It also demonstrates the innate zaniness of the Corfiots and shows their creativity
Costumes were worn, and the floats were influenced by medieval pageantry and exuded an aristocratic Venetian “air”.
The satires of absolutely everything are scorching, especially the satires of the politicians, both of today and of the past.
Discretion and conservatism are unknown words, and revelry continues in both the city of Corfu and the villages, where they still maintain many unique customs that you can enjoy watching.
One of them is the famous custom of Venetian marriage, the sets and clothes of the era bring the atmosphere closer to that of the Middle Ages.
Floats parade through the streets during the parade on the first Sunday of the Prodigal Son and also on the last Sunday of Carnival, when the King of Carnival is burned, among other characters that exist only here are the “Ntotoroi” ( doctors), the “nodaroi” (notaries) useful in reading the will of Carnival, and the “Muzeta” that is our name for the carnival masks which give anonymity.
The masqueraders cover the whole of their faces with Muzeta; they are unrecognizable, and they go anywhere and tease people without showing any mercy to their victims.
On the third and last Sunday of the carnival, the parade ends with the final burning of King Carnival, with the symbolic burning of all evil, and the nodaroi (notaries) accompanying him reads his will, which is usually full of innuendos aimed at politicians.
This is followed by a celebration with dances and songs all night.
Benitses in Corfu is a village with deep historical roots, and after Corfu’s Old Town, it stands as the island’s oldest tourist resort. Situated on the east coast, it’s just a short distance from the city center, making it an easily accessible destination.
But could it be different, could it be better?
As Greek locals who live here day in and day out, we see its imperfections more clearly. Infrastructure problems have plagued the village for decades, left unresolved despite the passing of time.
Benitses also lacks natural beaches, which is a real drawback for a coastal village. The beaches someone can see today are artificial, made by the locals who run hotels and shops here, nothing has been done by the state.
The sewer system, old and poorly maintained, sometimes leaves the air heavy with unpleasant odors. Sadly, this isn’t surprising in a country where infrastructure issues are common and neglected. Corruption and inefficiency seem to dominate, leaving many public services in disrepair.
Frequent water and electricity shortages, the long-lived garbage problem that is present all over the island, dammed rivers that create floods, broken roads full of potholes and dangerous turns….these are only a few of the problems in your dreamy tourist “paradise”.
We dream of a better Benitses, a place where these problems are addressed, but deep down, we know it’s a dream that may never come true, not in our lifetimes.
Corfu, with all its beauty and heritage, deserves better. Some of us even question whether it should belong to Greece, a country that too often fails to care for its own. It’s hard not to feel that Corfu, the queen of the Ionian Islands, deserves a brighter future, one free from the shadows of corruption and neglect.
This state has never done anything for Corfu, but they are very good at collecting taxes, that’s the only thing that they can do well!
Today, we’re being brutally honest. And yet, we leave frustration on the site, and we created some idealized images using AI to visualize what Benitses could be one day in the future, in a different world.
Fantastic photos of Benitses (2400 CE)
Don’t be surprised, it’s not reality but just a fantasy. After all, what is real in today’s world? From the news media to social media, ideas, and even religions, much of what we’re told feels like a constructed reality, a series of illusions built on fake facts and empty promises.
So, enjoy your life while you can because it’s short. Don’t put your faith in politicians, journalists, or self-proclaimed experts. In the end, we’re all navigating a world where truth is elusive. As for us? We’ll keep dreaming of a better Benitses.
Nestled at the vibrant crossroads of Eugeniou Voulgareos and M. Theotoki streets, Corfu Town Hall stands as an architectural masterpiece with an intriguing history. This charming edifice exudes an air of timeless elegance, captivating both locals and visitors with its unique allure.
Picture a harmonious blend of Venetian and Greek elements, expertly woven into its design. The façade tells a tale of grandeur, showcasing intricate details that harken back to the building’s origins. It’s not just a mere structure; it’s a cultural gem that has witnessed centuries of transformation.
Let’s rewind to 1691 when the foundation of this building was laid, initially serving as the gathering spot for the Venetian nobles of Corfu – the loggia di Nobili, as they called it in Italian. But that’s just the beginning of its transformation tale.
The San Giacomo Theatre
In 1720, it underwent a magical transition into a theater, named San Giacomo, and held the honor of being Corfu’s first-ever theater and a groundbreaking one for the entire Greek territory.
Between 1733 and 1893, this very theater took center stage as the hub of Greek opera, attracting a symphony of Italian musicians and composers. These creative maestros became part of Corfu’s musical fabric and, in turn, enriched its cultural legacy.
The notes of Italian and Corfiot music traditions harmonized on this very stage, creating an intoxicating blend, thanks to virtuosos like the Corfu composer Nikolaos Halikiopoulos Mantzaros. The crescendo of their artistry reached a high note when Mantzaros musically composed Greece’s national anthem from the poetic words of Dionysios Solomos.
Operas were the heartbeats of this historic stage, often resonating with the delightful strains of opera buffa, a comic opera style that was both entertaining and budget-friendly. Even during challenging times, like sieges, the theater played a dual role as both a tool of propaganda and a morale booster for the community.
The spotlight also shines on the passionate actors and performers who graced the stage – mainly Italians from southern Italy, alongside a sprinkling of Greeks. This became the nurturing ground for Greece’s very first musicians and composers, a pivotal moment when music was still unheard of in the rest of the Greek territory.
Corfu’s relevance during that time cannot be overstated. As the capital of the Ionian state, it was a political and spiritual hub. The San Giacomo Theater was a shining star on Europe’s cultural map, setting the stage for theatrical triumphs.
If work was “applauded in Corfu,” it was granted a golden ticket to perform on European stages. This litmus test ensured that only the best made the cut for international recognition.
Antonio Vivaldi himself graced this stage, presenting his oratorio Juditha Triumphans in honor of the Ottoman siege repulsion in 1716. This triumph paved his way to Milan and beyond, marking his first major oratorio.
Corfu Old Municipal Theater
However, as time flowed on, the curtain eventually fell on the San Giacomo Theater in 1892, shifting its spotlight to the old Municipal Theater of Corfu. Tragically, this latter theater suffered immense damage due to the German bombing in 1841, ultimately making way for the New Municipal Theater – an architectural shift that might not have won hearts.
New Corfu Municipal Theater
Corfu Town Hall
In 1903, the grand transformation took place, and the building of San Giacomo was reborn as the City Hall of Corfu – a fitting new chapter for this cultural cornerstone.
Today, the building stands as the Corfu Town Hall, a living relic of the past that remains an integral part of the present. Its walls have seen transformation, adaptation, and reinvention, yet they retain the echoes of the lives and stories that unfolded within.
As you stand before the building, take a moment to immerse yourself in its history. Let your imagination wander through the ages, envisioning Venetian nobles, theatrical wonders, and the birth of a musical legacy. This building isn’t just a monument; it’s a living chapter in Corfu’s narrative, inviting you to be a part of its unfolding story.
So, when you gaze upon the Corfu Town Hall today, remember that it’s not just a building; it’s a living testament to Corfu’s artistic evolution, a stage that once echoed with the melodies of the past and a cornerstone of this enchanting island’s captivating history.
The Esplanade is the central square of Corfu and a meeting place for residents and visitors, surrounded by the streets of Iroon Politecniou at the east and north, Eleftherias and Kapodistriou to the West and Akadimias Street in the South, and crossed in the middle by Dousmanis street.
Built-in the style of the Royal Gardens of Europe it is the largest square in the Balkans and one of the largest in Europe.
In the square’s bandstand, there are often concerts and other events, especially during the summer.
Cricket matches are also frequently played there.
Cricket is purely British sport which has been enthusiastically adopted by the Corfiots since the period of English domination of the island.
There are 12 cricket clubs and two other pitches on the island.
Corfu Cricket team is the only cricket team in Greece and so is the Greek National Cricket team also.
To one side of the square is the popular pedestrian area of The Liston with its French architectural buildings (modeled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris) and numerous cafes.
The construction of The Liston began in 1807 by Napoleon, the sole purpose of the building’s construction was to house the French army.
It was completed in 1814. The buildings were designed by French architect Lesseps and implemented with the assistance of the Greek engineer Ioannis Parmezan.
Corfu Liston is a complex of buildings facing the Esplanade, with arched ground-floor galleries which the locals call “Volta”
The name was given by the word “list” which arrives from the Greek word “lista” that was used for the list of the Nobles (Libro d ‘Oro) as at the old days only the nobility were able to walk in this part in the city.
Today, the arcades of Liston are the busiest part of Corfu, it is filled with cafes, restaurants, and craft shops in general, and one that is busy all year round.
The walk-in front of the Liston’s arches is something that every Corfiot does and taking coffee in one of The Liston’s cafes is a daily habit for many Corfiots…
But he was a little exaggerated, and instead of a house, he created a unique palace in a Georgian style, the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George in Corfu
The building was designed by the English engineer Colonel Sir George Whitmore (1775-1862), and despite its enormous size, it is elegant and beautiful. It has been described as the best example of Regency architecture outside Britain.
It is the largest palace in Greece, second only to the palace of King Otto in Athens, which today houses the Greek parliament.
The large line of Doric columns has two gates, the Gate of St. Michael and the Gate of St. George.
In the garden is the statue of Commissioner Frederick Adams made by Corfiot sculptor Pavlos Prosalendis.
Outside, it has carved representations of the Ionian Islands and two rows of Ionic columns surrounding the main hall, showing scenes from the Odyssey.
The first floor is decorated with Corinthian columns.
There are three main halls: the ballroom, the throne room, and the symposium room.
The palace previously housed the Ionian Senate and is the home of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George.
For half of the century, it was also the summer residence of the former Greek royal family. Today, it has been refurbished as a museum displaying classical antiquities.
A meeting of the summit of the European Union was held here in 1994.
The building looks over the north side of Spianada square on Iroon Politechniou street and also houses the Asian Art Museum and the Municipal Gallery.
The New Fortress in Corfu is another example of the exceptional capacity of Venetians in fortification and an architectural marvel of art.
The New Fortress
New fortress of Corfu
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.
Today it stands as one of the most important monuments of Corfu, as you can find out in this historical sites map.
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
Corfu 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 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.
Corfu new fortress
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.
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 several different areas, including:
The Parade Ground – This large, open space was originally used for military drills and exercises. Today, it is a popular spot for picnics and relaxation, with stunning views over the city and the sea.
The Barracks – Located in the northern part of the fortress, the barracks were used to house soldiers and officers. They have been restored and now house the Museum of Ceramic Art.
The Powder Magazine – This building was used to store gunpowder and other explosives. Visitors can still see the iron bars on the windows that were used to prevent theft or sabotage.
The Bastions – The fortress has several bastions, which were designed to protect the walls and provide additional firing positions for the defenders. Visitors can climb up to the top of the Bastions for panoramic views over the city and the sea.
The Naval Station of Corfu is also hosted in a new building inside the fort.
The lion of Saint Markos is at the entrance of the new castle, which was the emblem of Venice.
English left marks on the New Fortress
During their domination of the island, the British left their mark on the new fortress as well, by building a barracks 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
Corfu 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.
The Museum of Ceramic Art – This museum is located in the barracks of the New Fortress and showcases a collection of ceramics from the 19th and 20th centuries. The pieces on display range from traditional Greek pottery to contemporary works by local and international artists.
Concerts and Performances – The New Fortress occasionally hosts concerts and other cultural events, particularly during the summer months. These events may take place in the fortress courtyard or one of the smaller buildings within the complex.
Art Exhibitions – The New Fortress has several exhibition spaces that are occasionally used to showcase contemporary art, photography, and other cultural exhibits. These exhibits may feature works by local or international artists, and they can be a great way to learn more about Corfu’s artistic community.
Historical Reenactments – From time to time, the New Fortress may host historical reenactments or demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills. These events can be a fun and educational way to experience the fortress’s history and learn more about life in Corfu centuries ago.
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
Corfu new 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.
We use cookies to offer you a top personalized experience, to help you find more easily what you are looking for, as well as to analyze our traffic. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
__cfduid
1 month
The cookie is used by cdn services like CloudFare to identify individual clients behind a shared IP address and apply security settings on a per-client basis. It does not correspond to any user ID in the web application and does not store any personally identifiable information.
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement
1 year
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Cookie
Duration
Description
na_id
1 year 1 month
This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
na_rn
1 month
This cookie is used to recognize the visitor upon re-entry. This cookie allows to collect information on user behaviour and allows sharing function provided by Addthis.com
na_sc_e
1 month
This cookie is used to recognize the visitor upon re-entry. This cookie allows to collect information on user behaviour and allows sharing function provided by Addthis.com
na_sr
1 month
This cookie is set by Addthis.com. This cookie is used for sharing of links on social media platforms.
na_srp
1 minute
This cookie is used to recognize the visitor upon re-entry. This cookie allows to collect information on user behaviour and allows sharing function provided by Addthis.com
na_tc
1 year 1 month
This cookie is set by the provider Addthis. This cookie is used for social media sharing tracking service.
ouid
1 year 1 month
The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Cookie
Duration
Description
d
3 months
This cookie tracks anonymous information on how visitors use the website.
YSC
session
This cookies is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Cookie
Duration
Description
__gads
1 year 24 days
This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
_ga
2 years
This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, campaign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assign a randomly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gid
1 day
This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the website is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages visted in an anonymous form.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Cookie
Duration
Description
_pxhd
1 year
This cookie is used by the Zoominfo. This cookie collects information on user behaviour on multiple websites. This information is used inorder to optimize the relevance of advertisements.
CMID
1 year
The cookie is set by CasaleMedia. The cookie is used to collect information about the usage behavior for targeted advertising.
CMPRO
3 months
This cookie is set by Casalemedia and is used for targeted advertisement purposes.
CMPS
3 months
This cookie is set by Casalemedia and is used for targeted advertisement purposes.
CMRUM3
1 year
This cookie is set by Casalemedia and is used for targeted advertisement purposes.
CMST
1 day
The cookie is set by CasaleMedia. The cookie is used to collect information about the usage behavior for targeted advertising.
DSID
1 hour
This cookie is setup by doubleclick.net. This cookie is used by Google to make advertising more engaging to users and are stored under doubleclick.net. It contains an encrypted unique ID.
id
1 year 1 month
The main purpose of this cookie is targeting and advertising. It is used to create a profile of the user's interest and to show relevant ads on their site. This Cookie is set by DoubleClick which is owned by Google.
IDE
1 year 24 days
Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
KADUSERCOOKIE
3 months
The cookie is set by pubmatic.com for identifying the visitors' website or device from which they visit PubMatic's partners' website.
KTPCACOOKIE
1 day
This cookie is set by pubmatic.com for the purpose of checking if third-party cookies are enabled on the user's website.
mc
1 year 1 month
This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mdata
1 year 1 month
The domain of this cookie is owned by Media Innovation group. This cookie registers a unique ID used to identify a visitor on their revisit inorder to serve them targeted ads.
ov
1 year 1 month
This cookie is set by the provider mookie1.com. This cookie is used for serving the user with relevant content and advertisement.
test_cookie
15 minutes
This cookie is set by doubleclick.net. The purpose of the cookie is to determine if the user's browser supports cookies.
uid
1 year 1 month
This cookie is used to measure the number and behavior of the visitors to the website anonymously. The data includes the number of visits, average duration of the visit on the website, pages visited, etc. for the purpose of better understanding user preferences for targeted advertisments.
uuid2
3 months
This cookies is set by AppNexus. The cookies stores information that helps in distinguishing between devices and browsers. This information us used to select advertisements served by the platform and assess the performance of the advertisement and attribute payment for those advertisements.
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE
5 months 27 days
This cookie is set by Youtube. Used to track the information of the embedded YouTube videos on a website.
