Corfu history

The history of Kerkyra (also known as Corfu) is a chronicle of maritime power and strategic influence. The city was founded in 734 BC by colonists from Corinth led by Chersicrates. Although historical facts indicate a Corinthian origin, local legends romantically link the city's name to the Nymph Korkyra, the beloved of the sea god Poseidon.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of Kerkyra into a prosperous ancient polis was driven by a unique combination of geographical and political conditions:

• Strategic Geography: The city was situated on a vital maritime route from mainland Greece to Italy and Sicily, effectively controlling the entrance to the Adriatic Sea.
• Maritime Trade and Fleet: Thanks to its convenient harbours, Kerkyra quickly built a powerful naval and merchant fleet, which at its peak was second in strength only to that of Athens.
• Political Independence: Unlike many other colonies, Kerkyra began pursuing an independent policy early on, leading to conflicts with its metropolis (Corinth) but strengthening its internal sovereignty.

Early Culture and Economy

The city's economic prosperity was based on the active export of olive oil and agricultural produce, as well as transit trade. The wealth of the polis was reflected in monumental architecture and art. A striking example of early culture is the famous Temple of Artemis (early 6th century BC), whose pediment depicting the Gorgon Medusa is considered a masterpiece of archaic sculpture.

Major Milestones in the History of Kerkyra

The city's history is a succession of rulers and eras, each leaving its mark on the island's culture and architecture. Below are the key events that shaped the modern appearance of Kerkyra.

• 229 BC — Kerkyra voluntarily comes under the protectorate of Rome, becoming the first Greek polis to form such an alliance for protection against Illyrian pirates.
• 395 AD — Following the division of the Roman Empire, the island becomes part of Byzantium, remaining a crucial strategic outpost in the empire's west.
• 1204 — As a result of the Fourth Crusade, Byzantine influence weakens, and the island temporarily passes under the control of the Venetians, and later the Despotate of Epirus.
• 1386 — The beginning of a long period of Venetian rule, which lasted over 400 years and gifted the city its unique architectural style.
• 1537 — The city withstands a heavy siege by the Ottoman fleet commanded by Hayreddin Barbarossa, thanks to the impregnability of the Old Fortress.
• 1716 — Another heroic defense of Kerkyra against Ottoman troops, led by Field Marshal Johann Schulenburg, finally halted Ottoman expansion in this region.
• 1797 — With the fall of the Venetian Republic under the Treaty of Campo Formio, the island passes under the administration of revolutionary France.
• 1800 — Creation of the Septinsular Republic under the protectorate of Russia and Turkey — the first autonomous Greek state since the fall of Byzantium.
• 1815 — Establishment of the British protectorate (United States of the Ionian Islands), marked by the construction of roads, water supply systems, and the famous Palace of St. Michael and St. George.
• 1824 — The Ionian Academy opens in the city — the first university of modern Greece, becoming a centre of intellectual revival.
• May 21, 1864 — A momentous date marking the reunification of Kerkyra and the other Ionian Islands with the Kingdom of Greece.
• 1944 — Liberation of the island at the end of World War II, during which the historic centre suffered significant damage from bombing but was subsequently restored.
• 2007 — The historic centre of Kerkyra city is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an outstanding example of a fortified Mediterranean port.

Stages of Urban and Cultural Development

The appearance and character of Kerkyra were shaped under the influence of several great powers. Each era brought changes not only to architecture but also to the lifestyle, economy, and educational environment of the city.

• Formation of the Defensive Perimeter (Venetian Period).

  The construction of the Old and New Fortresses limited the city's territory, leading to a unique urban planning solution — buildings growing upwards. Thus, a dense historic centre was formed with multi-storey houses and narrow labyrinthine streets ("kantounia"), providing protection from the wind and sun.

• Rise of the Olive Economy (17th–18th Centuries).

  The Venetians encouraged the planting of olive trees by paying premiums for every plantation. This decision defined the island's agricultural profile for centuries and turned Kerkyra into a major exporter of olive oil, providing the economic base for the development of the urban bourgeoisie.

• Creation of the Public Centre (French Period).

  The construction of the famous Liston street, modelled after the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, and the landscaping of Spianada Square transformed the city's social life. This space became the hub of public life, introducing citizens to the European culture of promenades and street cafes.

• Infrastructural and Educational Modernisation (British Period).

  In the 19th century, a modern water supply system and road network were created. The opening of the Ionian Academy (the first university of modern Greece) turned the city into the intellectual hub of the region, fostering the revival of the Greek language and literature.

• Transition to a Service Economy and UNESCO Status (20th–21st Centuries).

  The construction of an international airport and the reorientation of the economy towards tourism allowed for the monetisation of rich heritage. The designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site secured strict standards for monument protection, halting chaotic development and preserving historical authenticity.

Architectural Eclecticism and Urban Planning

The architectural appearance of Kerkyra is unique for Greece: the traditional white and blue houses characteristic of the Cyclades are virtually absent here. Instead, the city represents a harmonious blend of Western European styles, dominated by Venetian influence, complemented by French elegance and British monumentality.

Venetian Period (14th–18th Centuries): Renaissance and Baroque

The longest period in the city's history defined its basic structure and style. Due to the need to accommodate a growing population within the fortress walls, the city developed upwards rather than outwards.

• Urban Planning: A dense development of multi-storey buildings (up to 5–6 floors) formed, separated by narrow paved streets — "kantounia". This created natural shade and coolness.
• Style: A local interpretation of the Italian Renaissance and Baroque. Buildings are painted in warm ochre and terracotta tones.
• Landmarks:
  • Old and New Fortresses — examples of advanced fortification engineering of that time.
  • City Hall (formerly Loggia Nobile) — originally the San Giacomo Theatre, a striking example of Renaissance architecture with Baroque elements, built of hewn stone.

French Influence (Early 19th Century): Empire and Regular Planning

Despite the brevity of their rule, the French brought elements of imperial grandeur and new urban planning ideas aimed at creating open public spaces.

• Style: Empire and Neoclassicism.
• Landmarks:
  • Liston Street — a famous promenade gallery with arcades, designed after the Rue de Rivoli in Paris. It became the centre of the city's social life.
  • Spianada Square — thanks to the French, the former defensive parade ground was turned into a vast city square and park, one of the largest in the Balkans.

British Protectorate (1815–1864): Neoclassicism

The British introduced strictness, monumentality, and functionality to Kerkyra's architecture, characteristic of the Georgian style and Greek Revival.

• Style: Academic Neoclassicism, distinguished by symmetry, the use of colonnades, and the Doric order.
• Landmarks:
  • Palace of St. Michael and St. George — a grand structure made of Maltese tuff, serving as the residence of the High Commissioner. It is one of the finest examples of British Neoclassicism in the Mediterranean.
  • Mon Repos Villa — a summer residence in colonial style, surrounded by a vast park.

Current State

Today, the historic centre of Kerkyra maintains its integrity. Modern construction is moved outside the old town, allowing the atmosphere of a living open-air museum to be preserved, where Venetian lions, French arcades, and English cricket pitches coexist.

Notable Figures of Kerkyra

The history of Kerkyra is inextricably linked with the names of great rulers, creators, and aristocrats. The island served as a cradle for statesmen and a source of inspiration for poets and artists. Here is a list of the most significant figures whose destinies were intertwined with this city.

• Saint Spyridon of Trimythous (c. 270–348)
  Patron Saint of the Island
  Although the saint was born in Cyprus, he is the main spiritual figure for the residents of Kerkyra. His relics were transferred to the island in the 15th century. The people of Kerkyra believe that Spyridon saved the city four times from imminent destruction: from plague, famine, and invaders.

• Ioannis Kapodistrias (1776–1831)
  First Governor of Independent Greece, Diplomat
  A native of Kerkyra who had a brilliant career as the Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire. Later, he became the first head of the newly formed Greek state. His memory is honoured in the city, and his family mansion and grave are important historical sites.

• Dionysios Solomos (1798–1857)
  National Poet of Greece
  Author of the "Hymn to Liberty", verses from which became the national anthem of Greece. Although born in Zakynthos, Solomos created his major works in Kerkyra, living here for over 20 years. His home has become a museum.

• Nikolaos Mantzaros (1795–1872)
  Composer, Educator
  Founder of the Ionian School of Music and composer of the Greek national anthem. Mantzaros played a key role in shaping the island's unique musical culture by founding the famous Philharmonic Society of Corfu.

• Empress Elisabeth of Austria "Sisi" (1837–1898)
  Empress of Austria, Queen of Hungary
  Enchanted by the beauty of the island, Sisi found refuge here from the strict Viennese court. By her order, the magnificent Achilleion palace was built, which is today one of the most visited attractions in Kerkyra.

• Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1921–2021)
  Consort of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
  Born at Mon Repos Villa in Kerkyra into the Greek royal family. Although the family soon left the country, the fact of the prince's birth connects the island with the history of the British monarchy.

• Gerald Durrell (1925–1995)
  Writer, Naturalist
  Spent his childhood on Kerkyra with his family. His famous book "My Family and Other Animals" brought fame to the island's nature and lifestyle worldwide, making Corfu a dream destination for millions of travellers.