Last updated on December 30th, 2023 at 09:45 am
Kanoni – The peninsula south of Corfu town
The cosmopolitan Kanoni has located 3 km on average from the center of Corfu town.
Is one of the most famous Corfu sights, It covers the entire peninsula south of Corfu Town.
In antiquity, there was The ancient city of Corfu founded in the 8th century BC by Dorians who came from Korinth, (a Greek town near Athens), with the ancient temple of Artemis, the monuments, and the citadel at the present location of Analipsis.
The area has many large hotels, restaurants, clubs, and other shops that turn Kanoni into a busy tourist destination until a few years ago the Corfu holiday palace hotel in Kanoni was housed in the Corfu Casino.
The Casino today has been moved to another hotel in Corfu, the Corfu Palace Hotel in Dimokratias Avenue, between Garitsa and Esplanade square.
How the name Kanoni came from?
Kanoni got its name because, on the promontory at the end of the peninsula, there was a battery cannon that has been there since 1798- pointing out to sea to protect the island.
In Victorian times it was a popular stroll in the cool of the evening, and we can imagine the men in their uniforms and the ladies in crinolines.
Today’s visitors are more comfortably dressed but still enjoy taking a coffee at one of the bars enjoying superb views over Vlacherna convent- a small whitewashed building that is said to be a miniature replica of the famous Vlacherna convent in Constantinople- better known now as Istanbul.
Fittingly, Ancient Corfu port stood almost where the airport is currently
On the hill facing the departure terminal is a piece of wall believed to be 2500 years old, all that is left of the watchtower and wall of the ancient city.
Residents here often find cannonballs and pieces of pottery when they are gardening.
The shift of the town of Corfu from the Kanoni area
Is well known that the ancient city of Corfu was located here and moved to its current position somewhere around 500CE. The theory is that the harbor gradually silted up and became impassable for shipping so the townspeople moved to the present site of Corfu Town, where a fort was constructed to protect them.
The historical truth is completely different though, the ancient city of Corfu was destroyed by Visigoths invaders in the 5th century AD and this forced the residents to abandon it.
Sights in Kanoni
Ancient Temples
Further inland is the remains of the temple of Athena, and just outside the gates of Mon Repos Palace is a large site still being evaluated by archaeologists.
Apart from these, and the foundations of a small temple actually on the grounds of Mon Repos there is little else left now as Kanoni has become a very popular suburb of Corfu Town and has a number of hotels, as well as many apartments.
Spotting Airplanes as they land or take off
Plane spotters also abound here as the view of take-offs and landings at the airport is uninterrupted, at times the watchers are higher than the approaching aircraft.
Mon Repos Palace
Mon Repos Palace, the birthplace of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has now become extremely popular with joggers and walkers- its many trees providing welcome shade.
A walk through the grounds is always pleasant, and an escape from the crowds in town.
The palace itself houses a small but interesting museum, with both permanent and temporary exhibits.
Church of St Jason and St Sosipatros
Tucked away near Mon Repos is one of Corfu’s most beautiful churches, the 10th-century church of St Jason and St Sosipatros- the two missionaries who converted the islanders to Christianity.
The church is one of the few examples of Byzantine architecture on Corfu, domed and arched, it stands in a large square.
On the walls are the remains of frescoes, and the custodian welcomes visitors and will open on request if he is working on his land next door.
This church is the finest example of the Byzantine heritage, but there is a signposted trail to the remains of another four churches in the area, showing that this sleepy suburb was once the hub of a thriving metropolis.
The Mystery of an ancient lemon eucalyptus tree
Some mysteries remain from the dim and distant past…On an estate on the promontory is an ancient lemon eucalyptus tree, believed by tree specialists to be 900 years old- how did it get there when Australia, home of the eucalyptus, was not visited by Westerners until the 18th century?
Near it is a ficus, the third-largest in the world, also a rarity in these climes.
What sailors brought these back, or were seeds randomly blown ashore from one of the ships at anchor in the harbor below?
Beaches around Kanoni
Kanoni is blessed with a variety of beautiful beaches in its vicinity, offering a delightful coastal experience. Also offers the most magnificent views of Mouse island with the monastery of the Pantokrator and Vlaherna the monastery with which is joined via a small bridge.
Here are the two notable beaches near Kanoni:
- Vlaherena Beach: Located just off the coast of Kanoni, a small islet known for its picturesque charm. Accessible by boat, this pebble beach is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
- Mon Repos Beach: Situated near Kanoni, Mon Repos Beach boasts soft golden sands and calm waters. This serene beach is ideal for relaxing under the warm sun and taking refreshing dips in the sea.
These beaches near Kanoni provide a diverse range of coastal experiences, allowing visitors to relax, soak up the sun, and immerse themselves in the natural splendor of Corfu’s coastline.
Overall
Overall, Kanoni in Corfu offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and tranquil surroundings. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking views, cultural exploration, or a serene getaway, Kanoni is a destination that captures the essence of Corfu’s charm.
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