The moat separating the fortress from the mainland was created by the Venetians to turn the promontory into an artificial island.
The Church of St. George was built by the British during their protectorate (1815–1864) and mimics the architecture of a Greek temple.
The fortress successfully withstood major Ottoman sieges in 1537, 1571, and 1716.
The site contains a collection of Byzantine and Venetian stone carvings, including emblems of the lion of St. Mark.
A deep subterranean sea-level passage, the Contrafossa, was designed as a defensive canal.
The Old Fortress of Corfu is a Venetian-era maritime stronghold situated on a rocky promontory separated from the city by a man-made moat, the Contrafossa. Constructed on the site of a Byzantine castle, the fortifications were significantly expanded during the 15th and 16th centuries to repel Ottoman sieges. The site houses the British-built Church of St. George, modeled after a classical Doric temple. Visitors access the complex by crossing a bridge spanning the moat. Inside, the fortifications feature massive bastions, tunnels, and a lighthouse offering views of the Ionian Sea. The grounds contain a collection of stone sculptures and inscriptions salvaged from Venetian buildings. The highest point of the fortress serves as the base for a prominent clock tower and radio mast.
The top of the fortress looking back over the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town and the Ionian Sea.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the steep, uneven stone pathways and ramps.
Carry sun protection, as the upper levels of the fortifications lack natural shade.
Visit the lighthouse at the summit for a 360-degree panorama of Corfu town and the coast.
Do not attempt to walk the perimeter walls or climb on cannons, as the stone surfaces can be slippery and hazardous.
Open daily throughout the year, though specific interior chambers may have restricted access during maintenance periods.
