Old Fortress of Corfu

The Old Fortress of Corfu is one of the island’s most dramatic landmarks, a monumental citadel rising between two rocky peaks that once formed the heart of medieval Corfu. Built and expanded by the Venetians from the 15th century onward, it served as the island’s main defensive stronghold against Ottoman sieges. Its fortifications were so effective that Corfu famously never fell to the Ottomans, a rare distinction in the region. Inside, visitors can wander through layers of history: Venetian bastions, British-era barracks, underground passages, and sweeping ramparts overlooking the sea. The entrance itself is striking, reached by crossing a wide moat known as the Contrafossa, once separating the fortress from the town to enhance protection. The central plateau leads to the Church of St. George, built by the British in neoclassical style, unusual for a Greek island and one of the fortress’s most photographed features. Climbing to the top of the eastern peak rewards visitors with panoramic views of Corfu Town, the harbor, and the Albanian coast. Along the way, you’ll encounter remnants of military quarters, powder magazines, and lookout points that reveal how the fortress operated as a self-contained military city. Today, it also hosts cultural events and exhibitions, blending its martial past with Corfu’s vibrant artistic life.