Old fortress (Paleo Fryrio) description and photos - Greece: Corfu (Kerkyra) (Topic)

Old fortress (Paleo Fryrio) description and photos - Greece: Corfu (Kerkyra). Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Paleo Fryrio.

Photo and description

The Old Fortress of Corfu (Kerkyra) is one of the most impressive fortifications in Europe. This is the first thing that a traveler will see when approaching Corfu by ferry. The Old Fortress is located in the eastern part of the city on an artificially created rocky island.

The Old Fortress dates back to the times of the Byzantine domination. The structure that we see today was mostly built by the Venetians in the 15th century on the site of an old Byzantine fortress. In order to make the fort safer, the Venetians created an artificial moat. One could get to the fortress via a wooden suspension bridge. In 1819 the British replaced this bridge with a stronger and more comfortable structure. Also, the British built other structures and additional defensive fortifications.

The old fortress has always played an important role in the defense of the city. During the war with the Turks, the fortress withstood successfully, and the Ottoman invaders were never able to conquer Corfu. The fortress was badly damaged during the Second World War, after which restoration work was carried out.

You can get to the Old Fortress through the famous Esplanade Square (Spianada), which is considered the second largest square in Europe. It is enough to cross a small bridge, and you will find yourself in front of an arch-shaped entrance, above which there is a Venetian symbol - a lion carved in marble. Near the entrance, on the right hand side, there is a small chapel of Madonna Carmini. Near the entrance there is a museum room, which houses the Historical Archives of Corfu and a collection of Byzantine relics (icons, sculpture, painting). Nearby there is a former barracks, built by the British in the 18th century. Today it houses a public library, which contains rare manuscripts and publications. A music school is located in the building of the former hospital. A notable building is the Church of St. George - this is the only church in Greece, made in the Doric style. There is also a cafe and a souvenir shop on the territory of the fortress.

The old fortress is a real masterpiece of military architecture of ancient times and one of the main historical attractions of Corfu. From the top of the fortress, stunning panoramic views of Corfu and the azure Ionian Sea open up.

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Topic: Old fortress (Paleo Fryrio) description and photos - Greece: Corfu (Kerkyra).