Corfu (city) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Corfu Κέρκυρα (Χώρα)
Clockwise from top: The Old Venetian Fortress and the Old Town of Corfu, as seen from the New Fortress, Venetian bell tower of Corfu, The Natura 2000-protected seaside from Kanoni to Mesoggi, Church of the Virgin Mary Mandrakina, Panoramic view of the city of Corfu, Palace of St. Michael and St. George, A characteristic street of Corfu.
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Corfu Location in Greece
Country	Greece
Administrative region	Ionian Islands
Regional unit	Corfu
Municipality	Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands
• Municipal unit	41.905 km2 (16.180 sq mi)
Population  (2021)
• Municipal unit	40,047
• Municipal unit density	955.662/km2 (2,475.15/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Corfiot (Greek: Κερκυραίος, -α "Kerkyreos")
Community
• Population	30,737 (2021)
Time zone	UTC+2 (EET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code	49100
Area code(s)	26610
Vehicle registration	ΚΥ
Website	www.corfu.gr
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Official name	Old Town of Corfu
Criteria	Cultural: (iv)
Inscription	2007 (31st Session)
Area	70 ha (170 acres)
Buffer zone	162 ha (400 acres)

Corfu (also called Kerkyra in Greek) is a famous city in Greece. It is located on the island of Corfu in the Ionian Islands. Corfu city is the main town of the island and the capital of the Corfu regional unit. It also serves as the capital for the entire Ionian Islands region.

In 2021, about 40,047 people lived in Corfu city. The whole island has around 100,000 residents. Corfu is a very popular place for tourists. It has also been important in Greek history for a very long time.

History of Corfu City

The ancient city of Corfu was known as Korkyra. It played a big part in the Battle of Sybota. This battle helped start the Peloponnesian War. Historians say it was the biggest naval battle between Greek city-states at that time. Korkyra was one of the three strongest naval powers in ancient Greece. The other two were Athens and Corinth.

During the Middle Ages, Corfu was often attacked by pirates and the Ottomans. To protect itself, many castles were built. Because of these two main castles, the city became known as Kastropolis, which means "Castle City."

From 1386 to 1797, Corfu was ruled by rich families from Venice, Italy. This time is called the Venetian rule. Many buildings in the city still show this Venetian influence. You can see tall buildings and narrow streets. The Old Town of Corfu especially looks very Venetian.

The city faced four major sieges (attacks) in 1537, 1571, 1573, and 1716. But its strong Venetian defenses always held up. Because of this, Corfu was the only part of Greece that the Ottomans never conquered.

In 2007, the old town of Corfu was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This means it's a very special place that needs to be protected. The city area covers about 41.905 square kilometers. Besides Corfu city, other large towns nearby include Kanáli (4,786 people) and Potamós (3,840 people).

Ancient Ruins: Palaiopolis

Kardaki Temple in Corfu

In Corfu city, you can find the ruins of the ancient city of Korkyra. This area is also called Palaiopolis. It means "Old City." Here, archaeologists have found ancient temples. These temples were discovered where the Mon Repos palace was built.

The temples found here include the Kardaki Temple, the Temple of Artemis, and the Temple of Hera. Hera's temple is on Analipsis Hill. It was built in a high spot so that ships sailing near ancient Korkyra could easily see it.

City Buildings and Style

Map of the "Old Fortress" of Corfu, 1573.

Typical houses of Corfu city.

Many houses in Corfu city still show their Venetian style. They remind us of the city's rich past. A very large building is the Palace of St. Michael and St. George. It was built in 1815 by Sir Thomas Maitland. He was a British leader of the Ionian Islands.

Near the village of Gastouri, you can find the Achilleion. This palace looks like buildings from ancient Rome. It was built for Empress Elizabeth of Austria. Later, in 1907, the German emperor William II bought it.

Corfu city has many Greek churches. The most important ones are the cathedral, which is dedicated to Our Lady of the Cave, and St. Spiridon's Church. St. Spiridon is the island's patron saint. Another old church is St. Jason and St. Sosipater. The city is also home to Greek and Roman Catholic archbishops. It has a gymnasium (a type of school), a theater, and a library.

Experts from the ICOMOS studied Corfu's old town. They said that about 70% of the buildings from before the 1900s were built during the British period. Some parts of the Old Town were destroyed during World War II. New buildings were put up in the 1960s and 1970s. However, the way the city is planned, especially its Venetian walls, makes Corfu a great example of a fortified port city.

How the City is Laid Out

View of the old town

Agion Panton Street

Corfu city is built on a wide peninsula. The Venetian citadel (an old fortress) is separated from the city by a man-made ditch. This ditch has salt water and is also used as a small marina. It's called Contra-Fossa.

Because the old city grew inside strong walls, every bit of land was important. This created a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets. These streets are called "kantounia" in Greek. They are often winding but are usually pleasant, colorful, and clean. Many of them are too narrow for cars.

There's a lovely walk along the seashore towards Garitsa Bay. There's also a big open space between the town and the citadel called Liston. Here, you'll find nice restaurants and cafes. The name Liston might come from a Venetian word for an "evening walk." It could also refer to a special area once reserved for noble families.

The citadel was even shown on the back of the Greek 500 drachmas banknote from 1983 to 2001.

Panoramic view of the old town

Culture and Arts

Corfu city has a long and rich history in the fine arts. The Philharmonic Society of Corfu is a big part of this tradition. You can visit the Museum of the Philharmonic Society of Corfu. It shows the island's musical heritage in detail.

Sports in Corfu

Corfu is unique in Greece because cricket is very popular here. The British brought cricket to the island when they ruled it. The Hellenic Cricket Federation is based in Corfu. It's the only Greek sports federation not located in Athens. Most Greek cricket clubs are in Corfu. They compete in the Greek Championship. Famous cricket clubs include Kerkyraikos G.S., founded in 1893, and GSK Vyron, founded in 1925.

In other sports, Corfu has teams that play in higher leagues. The football club AOK Kerkyra was started in 1969. It plays in the top Greek football league, A Ethniki. The water polo club NAO Kerkyra (NAOK) was founded in 1935. It has played in the top Greek water polo league, A1 Ethniki Polo.

Corfu's Climate

Corfu city has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. This means summers are hot and usually dry. But there's often high humidity, and daytime temperatures can reach 33°C (91°F). Winters are mild and wet. Temperatures are usually around 10°C (50°F).

International Connections

Corfu has many international connections. It is twinned with several cities around the world. This means they have special friendly relationships.

Sister Cities

Consulates in Corfu

Corfu city also hosts consulates from many countries. A consulate is like a smaller embassy. It helps people from that country who are visiting or living in Corfu.

City Areas (Quarters)

Main Streets

Media in Corfu

• TV: Corfu TV, Start TV
• Newspapers: Kerkyra Simera

Images for kids

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  Old depiction of Corfu, 1487

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  Belltower of the Saint Spyridon Church, patron saint of the city

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  Panagia Mandrakina

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  Saint George Temple at the Old Fortress

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  Mon Repos

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  Achilleion façade

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  Carnival in Kerkyra by Charalambos Pachis

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  Byzantine Museum of Antivouniotissa

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  Belltower of Annunziata/Lontsiada Catholic church (Evangelistria)

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  Panagia Spiliotissa Cathedral

See also

In Spanish: Corfú (ciudad) para niños