Where in the World are the Wendells: Corfu, Greece

Corfu was under Venetian control for hundreds of years, followed by the French and then British after the Treaty of Paris of 1814 that ended the Napoleonic Wars. The Venetian influence is obvious, as Corfu's architecture resembles Venice with yellow stucco and stone buildings with green shutters. Corfu does not have the whitewashed buildings of other Greek islands we've visited, perhaps because it was never conquered by the Turks due to its strong defenses? Corfu is the northern-most island of Greece, and lies off the cost of Albania.

We walked through the new town on the way to the old town, touring the Central Market that lies along the western wall of the New Fort. The market had an amazing selection of fish and produce.

The Old Fort (Palaio Frourio) originally dates from the 7th century, but was expanded by the Venetians in the 15th century. It is connected to the old city by a bridge over the moat. Within the fort is a mountain capped by a lighthouse. Great views of the old city, harbor, the mountains of northern Corfu, and the mountains of Albania to the northeast.

Fort view of Corfu

View from bridge to Fort

St George's Church

Palace of St Michael and St George

Liston

The Liston is an elegant colonnade of cafes built by the French, and inspired by Rue de Rivoli in Paris. We had drinks across the street on the cricket grounds (British influence remains). Walking the winding streets of the Old Town was beautiful. The Palace of St Michael & St George was built by the British in 1824, and later was the residence of the Greek royal family; it is now the Museum of Asiatic Art.

The Church of Agios Spyridon, patron saint of Corfu, as worshippers stood in line to kiss the casket of St Spyridon. Plateia Dimarcheiou is a beautiful square with the old town hall and the Agios Iakovos Catholic Church built in 1588.