Culture & Civilisation

Corfu has the ability to incorporate each new element without significantly altering its cultural physiognomy. In Corfu one can meet –even today- intact elements of the ancient Greek civilisation, like place names, customs, vices… The events and ceremonies that take place in villages on the Tyrofagos Sunday and Shrove Monday are remnants of the ancient Greek cult worshipping Dionysus and coexist with the Corfiot Carnival, rooted in the Italian Comedia del’Arte.

Corfu’s musical tradition also constitutes a dynamic composition of ancient Greek and Byzantine elements combined with others introduced mainly by Venetians and the British. Serenades and barcaroles coexist with folk songs, the roots of which go as deep as antiquity and the quadraphonia of religious hymns. However, the rally impressive part for visitors to Corfu is how much everyday people love music. They should not be surprised if, when in a remote village, they hear sounds of classical or choral music emanating from a window. This explains the fact that in Corfu there are a Department of Music Studies at the Ionian University, a Musical Gymnasium and Lyceum, 16 Philarmonic bands, 6 Conservatories, Choirs and traditional music ensembles, constituting a hotbed for talented musicians. The cultural tradition of Corfu is engraved by the presence of Orthodoxy. The customs of the Holy Week and the processions of the relic of St.Spyridon attract large numbers of Christians, while the organ accompanying Liturgy is a breakthrough for the orthodox ritual.

Sights of cultural interest
The island of Corfu offers a plethora of historical sights from a variety of eras and cultures. We recommend starting off your tour of the island in Corfu Town, visiting the Old Fortress, which is a stunning example of Venetian architecture, as well as the New Fortress which will astound you. Liston Promenade and Spianada Square are an amalgam of French, Venetian and English architectural features, making the area ideal for nonchalant strolls.

The church of Agios Spyridon is another main attraction in Corfu Town. It also offers a number of splendid museums, including the Corfu Archaeological Museum, the Bank Note Museum and the Museum of Asian Art (which is housed in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George), as well as the Dionysios Solomos Museum, devoted to the poet-author of the Greek National Anthem. From the Kanoni point, visitors are offered a breathtaking view of Pontikonissi Isle, which is located just off the coast of Corfu and is a favourite spot for a short excursion. The ruins of Palaepolis and Mon Repo Park -a lush area, with 19th century mansions- are ideal for nature walks.

Apart from the Corfu Town Fortresses, the Achillion Palace is the most popular Corfu sight. Originally, it was the home of the Princess Elisabeth Von Witelsbath of Austria and later the summer residence of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Also worthwhile visiting are Old Perithia the ancient village in the north, the Panagia Monastery and the Aggelokastro Byzantine Fortress in Paleokastritsa, the Gardiki castle, the Kaiser's Bridge, the Historical Folklore Museum in Sinarades, the  Panagia Kassopitra Monastery, the Roman Baths as well as the Folklore Museum in Acharavi, the Sea Museum in Benitses and many many others.