New Fortress, Corfu (must see)
High above the old harbor, the New Fortress of Corfu looms like a stony reminder that Venice never did anything halfway when it came to defense. After the Ottomans came knocking in 1537, it became clear that the Old Fortress wasn鈥檛 enough. So in 1577, the Venetians rolled up their sleeves, flattened entire neighborhoods, and raised this new citadel on the hill of Saint Mark. By 1645, the work was largely done, and what emerged was a masterclass in military engineering鈥攂astions, moats, and underground passages all stitched into the fabric of Corfu鈥檚 skyline.
The fortress is built on two levels, each with its own perks. The lower level holds a three-story building and a pentagonal bastion, strung together with arched halls, staircases, and labyrinth-like ramps. Baroque gates and a long, dry moat added extra muscle. Higher up, the bastions of Skarponas and Epta Anemoi command the town and sea, reached by way of the aptly named Bell Castle. Later centuries left their fingerprints too鈥攖he 18th-century Venetians fortified the western hills, the French shored up Vidos Islet, and the British, practical as ever, added their barracks.
For adventurers, the payoff is layered. You can wander through its shadowy tunnels, touch the thick stone walls, and read the Venetian lion carved in relief since 1728, all while imagining the fortress as the shield it once was. Or, climb to the higher bastions and let the view unfold鈥攖he tiled rooftops of Corfu Town, the sweep of the sea, and the Old Fortress standing watch in the distance.
Today, the former barracks host art exhibitions and cultural events. The New Fortress, in its mix of grit, history, and unexpected beauty, shows how Corfu has always been more crossroads than outpost.
The fortress is built on two levels, each with its own perks. The lower level holds a three-story building and a pentagonal bastion, strung together with arched halls, staircases, and labyrinth-like ramps. Baroque gates and a long, dry moat added extra muscle. Higher up, the bastions of Skarponas and Epta Anemoi command the town and sea, reached by way of the aptly named Bell Castle. Later centuries left their fingerprints too鈥攖he 18th-century Venetians fortified the western hills, the French shored up Vidos Islet, and the British, practical as ever, added their barracks.
For adventurers, the payoff is layered. You can wander through its shadowy tunnels, touch the thick stone walls, and read the Venetian lion carved in relief since 1728, all while imagining the fortress as the shield it once was. Or, climb to the higher bastions and let the view unfold鈥攖he tiled rooftops of Corfu Town, the sweep of the sea, and the Old Fortress standing watch in the distance.
Today, the former barracks host art exhibitions and cultural events. The New Fortress, in its mix of grit, history, and unexpected beauty, shows how Corfu has always been more crossroads than outpost.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Corfu. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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New Fortress on Map
Sight Name: New Fortress
Sight Location: Corfu, Greece (See walking tours in Corfu)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Corfu, Greece (See walking tours in Corfu)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Corfu, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Corfu
Creating your own self-guided walk in Corfu is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Paleopoli Ancient Ruins Walking Tour
The Archeological sites trace the history of ancient Corfu from the 8th century BC to the 6th century AD. The Temple of Artemis Gorgon, located near the monastery of Agoi Theodori Stratias, dates from circa 590 BC. The pediment is thought to be the oldest stone pediment found.
Artemis, in the form of Gorgon, is running as she faces the observer. Her children, Chryssaor and Pegasus, are by her... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Artemis, in the form of Gorgon, is running as she faces the observer. Her children, Chryssaor and Pegasus, are by her... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Corfu Old Town Walking Tour
Poseidon, the god of the sea, was obsessed with the beautiful nymph Korkyra, the daughter of the river god Asopus. Poseidon abducted Korkyra and carried her off to an unnamed island. He called the island Korkyra, after his lady love. This island later became Corfu.
By the 8th century BC, the Greek city Corinth had claimed it as a colony, and its ships became key players in the Peloponnesian... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
By the 8th century BC, the Greek city Corinth had claimed it as a colony, and its ships became key players in the Peloponnesian... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
10 Things To Do In Corfu, Greece
Greek Islands, such as Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, and many others, are a popular destination for people trying to escape the chaotic lifestyle back home. Corfu is one island that has it all: great weather, tasty food, relaxed atmosphere and an abundance of places to explore. The island...