Virtual tour to Old Fortress

Instructions: on the next slide click on the arrow for a virtual tour to the Old Fortress

>>> Built on a rocky peninsula on the east side of Corfu Old Town, the “Old Fortress” is the signature landmark of the island as is one of the most impressive fortification edifices in Europe

>>> The imposing “Old Fortress” or elsewhere the “guard” of Corfu has its own history passing through the years by acquiring characteristics from the islands’ dominators

>>> It was built from the ruins of the ancient city of Paleopolis (6th c. A.D), when the ancient city was destroyed by raids

>>> It dates back to the Byzantine period besides the main fortification that was built during the 15th c.A.D. on the Venetian domination

>>> It's believed that the fortress enclosed the city of Corfu “Citadella” until the 15th century

>> In 1786 the Venetians built a prison that is still obvious as well as in 1850 two English barracks and a military chapel were added by the British

>>> Ten years earlier the Doric temple, church of St. George was constructed

>> The reuse of the edifice had initially the operation of the military hospital while today the musical department of the Ionian University and the Historical Archive of Corfu (with over 6 centuries of historical documents) are hosted

>>> A Byzantine collection with scupltures and the public library belong also in the complex

>>> To enhance the security measures against raiders, an artificial moat is made to separate the fortress from the mainland

>>> The fortress was connected to the land by a movable, wooden bridge. In 1819, the British replaced this bridge with the present stable pathway, which is 60 m long and stands 15 m above the moat locally known as “Conta Fossa”

>>> Today, it is filled with fishing boats that find shelter there

>>> The arched entrance to the fortress has a marble carved Venetian symbol above it, is available through Spianada square

>>> An open space, on the eastern side of the fortress, used today for cultural events such as music concerts and theatrical performances

3rd Gimnasium of Corfu