Spianada Square, Corfu
Spianada Square in Corfu, whose name comes from the Italian spianare, meaning 鈥渢o flatten,鈥� lives up to its name鈥攖hough not in spirit. It spreads out as the largest square in the Balkans, a broad stage where centuries of history have left their mark. The Venetians began the story in the 16th century, clearing away houses to create an open zone of defense for the Old Fortress. Later came the French, with their taste for order and neat urban planning, followed by the British, who sprinkled in their own additions. The result is a patchwork of empires, still visible in stone, gardens, and arcades.
At the heart of the square stands the Peristyle of Maitland, a circle of twenty Ionic columns raised in 1817 by General George Whitmore. It rests on top of what was once a water cistern, though the locals still call it the 鈥淪terna.鈥� Monuments dot the area like footnotes in marble鈥攁mong them the statue of Count von der Schulenburg, remembered for repelling the Turks in 1716. In the 鈥淏oschetto鈥� garden, fountains and busts of figures such as poet Konstantinos Theotokis and author Gerald Durrell soften the grandeur with quieter, more personal notes.
One side of Spianada is framed by the Liston Arcade, a French-era creation from 1807 inspired by Paris鈥檚 Rivoli street. Today its arcades shelter caf茅s whose tables are among the most coveted in Corfu. Not far off rises the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George, a British-built neoclassical landmark from 1824, now housing the Museum of Asian Art. Together, they turn the square into a living open-air gallery of European design.
But Spianada is no museum piece. Cricket matches鈥攁n odd British legacy鈥攕till play out on its lawn, while Easter parades, concerts, and festivals keep the square buzzing with life. It is Corfu鈥檚 civic heart, where military history, imperial flair, and everyday social life continue to mingle in the open air.
At the heart of the square stands the Peristyle of Maitland, a circle of twenty Ionic columns raised in 1817 by General George Whitmore. It rests on top of what was once a water cistern, though the locals still call it the 鈥淪terna.鈥� Monuments dot the area like footnotes in marble鈥攁mong them the statue of Count von der Schulenburg, remembered for repelling the Turks in 1716. In the 鈥淏oschetto鈥� garden, fountains and busts of figures such as poet Konstantinos Theotokis and author Gerald Durrell soften the grandeur with quieter, more personal notes.
One side of Spianada is framed by the Liston Arcade, a French-era creation from 1807 inspired by Paris鈥檚 Rivoli street. Today its arcades shelter caf茅s whose tables are among the most coveted in Corfu. Not far off rises the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George, a British-built neoclassical landmark from 1824, now housing the Museum of Asian Art. Together, they turn the square into a living open-air gallery of European design.
But Spianada is no museum piece. Cricket matches鈥攁n odd British legacy鈥攕till play out on its lawn, while Easter parades, concerts, and festivals keep the square buzzing with life. It is Corfu鈥檚 civic heart, where military history, imperial flair, and everyday social life continue to mingle in the open air.
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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Spianada Square on Map
Sight Name: Spianada Square
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...