What you will learn from this article
Corfu is a big island and has many things to discover. If you want to take a closer look at;
- Castles, churches, museums
- Historical facts you might have missed
- What else you can do while you’re there
Do you want to get to know all the castles, churches and museums of the island? Now is your chance!
Keep reading to find out the best ones and not miss a thing.
We must warn you… There is a lot to see. Are you up for a challenge?
Key Takeaways?
- 1. Corfu features significant historical sites, including six castles, each with unique and historical importance, like the Old Fortress in Corfu Town.
- 2. The island is rich in religious heritage with over 250 Orthodox churches and monaasteries, including notable ones. like Saint Spyridon and the Monastery of Paleokastritsa.
- 3. Corfu houses diverse museums, such as the unique Museum of Asian Art, showcasting a broad image of cultural artifacts, and the Numismatic Museum, highlighting Greek exonomic history.
Corfu Castles
Corfu has 6 magnificent castles that are worth your visit among all the other amazing things you can do on the island. But who are they?
Old fortress
The first stop is the Old Fortress. A Corfu Old Town castle, it is the trademark of the city and one of the most important castles on the island. You will find it next to the main square and the esplanade and it should be one of your first visits once you start to explore Corfu Town.
Inside it, you will come across a small church of Saint George, a library with historical documents, the Byzantine Collection of Corfu with paintings and sculptures and of course the British Barracks and their military hospital since they were our allies against the Ottomans.
After you tour the fortress, you can grab a cup of coffee at the cafe – restaurant that is inside. Have your eyes and your ears open because many cultural events are being organized inside the fortress from time to time.
New Fortress
On the other hand, the New Fortress is on the hill of Saint Mark above the Old Port, also in Corfu Town. From there, you have the best panoramic view of the city!
Now it’s time to visit the three Corfu castles that are Byzantine; Angelokastro, Kassiopi and Gardiki.
Angelokastro
Angelokastro is a Corfu castle near Palaiokastritsa which means approximately a 30-minute drive. It is located at the highest point of the coastline and that’s why it has a 305-meter climb by stairs to get there.
Don’t be intimidated though… the view is absolutely worth it!
In the castle, you will find a Tower that was meant to protect the main entrance of it and a church dedicated to Archangel Michael.
Kassiopi
Kassiopi is a little further away, about 1 hour away from the city. There is the homonym castle, another castle in Corfu, which you can get there from a narrow path and observe the abandoned place for what it used to be.
Gardiki
Gardiki is more or less a 40-minute drive from Corfu Town. The entrance of the castle is preserved but the inside is mostly the ruins of it. There are eight towers in the form of an octagon with tiles.
Since you will be there take the time to visit the Grava Cave which is less than a 10-minute walk.
Achilleion
While we’re closing the chapter on the castles we could not skip the Achilleion castle which is just 10 kilometres away from the center. It is surrounded with olive groves and rich vegetation, a really important milestone for the island.
Corfu Churches
Corfu island is filled with churches to its entire extent. Specifically, there are more than 250 Orthodox Corfu churches and monasteries aside from the catholic churches in Corfu, Greece.
During Easter, the island comes alive with unique and vibrant celebrations, making it a particularly special time to visit and experience its rich religious traditions.
Saint Spyridon
We are kicking off with one of the most beautiful churches, the one of Saint Spyridon.
He is the protector of the island and its church will take your breath away! It is one of the churches in Corfu Town and it is well known for its very high bell tower and its iconography.
Monastery of Paleokastritsa
Another signature place is the Monastery of Paleokastritsa which is at the top of the cape of the homonym city. It is located in the middle of a beautiful forest and it has the most amazing view.
Saint Jason and Sosipater
In the old city, you will find more of the churches in Corfu. The church of Saint Jason and Sosipater which is an example of Byzantine architecture that has succeeded in being preserved to this day.
Monastery of Platytera
Wrapping up on the churches in Corfu Greece, in less than 10 minutes away by foot, near the port, there is the Monastery of Platytera. It has a large number of wall paintings in its interior, something that it is well known for.
Corfu Museums
Corfu Old Town is really interesting just to walk around it. What if we told you that it has several amazing museums in Corfu you should visit? … Well we do!
Museum of Asian Art
Starting off with one of the best of the museums in Corfu Town; the Museum of Asian Art. It is located inside the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George and it is the only Asian museum in Greece!
You will see a large collection of Japan weaponry and Samurai armors, wooden statues, silks, and theatrical masks of the Muramasi period among other things.
Byzantine Society of Corfu
Next on is the Byzantine Museum. At the Campiello Carter inside the Church of Panaghia, there are over 100 icons that represent scenes of Saints and of Biblical Times for more than 300 years.
Reading Society of Corfu
What you also don’t want to miss is the Reading Society of Corfu. It has over 10.000 books regarding the Ionian Islands, maps, photos, paintings and many more. It is actually the first cultural institution in all of modern Greek history.
If you want to get to know the reading society better, they organize seminars and meetings from time to time and a lot of exhibitions and music performances, so search if there is any event happening while you’re visiting.
Numismatic Museum
Moving on we have the Numismatic Museum which is on the first floor of the Ionic Bank. It has all the paper money ever made in the history of the Greek Economy! A different kind of museum which you will love.
Solomos Museum
Of course, you should not miss out on the Solomos Museum which is dedicated to the Greek poet Dionisios Solomos, the one who wrote the Greek National hymn.
Take a closer look at the historical photos and objects that were used by him, along with his furniture and details of his life and work.
Conclusion
Are you ready to see them in person…?
You only got a small taste from the cultural heritage of Corfu Island. Which of these places are you planning to explore while you’re there? The options are truly rewarding and without a doubt… many! Need a ride to unlock more adventures?
Let’s get you behind the wheel and explore every corner of this island together! Click here to hop into it right away!
