Oosterdam European Adventure, Corfu, Greece

 Out on the forward decks early this morning for the stunning views as we sailed into Corfu…what a beautiful setting! The capital and main port of the island is Corfu Town. Built between two fortresses and full of Italian and French style buildings, churches and vibrant squares, Corfu Town is a real jewel. The Byzantines, Venetians, French and British all ruled over Corfu giving this island in the Ionian Sea a unique history that can be felt everywhere in the Old Town which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, we did a walking tour of Corfu Old Town. Our starting point was the Old Fortress dating back to the 6th century...we arrived early enough that we had the fort to ourselves. The fortress is separated from the city by a ditch and canal that is crossed by a bridge. I climbed up to the highest walls and had great vistas of the city, coastline and Straits of Corfu. Within the complex there is a clock tower and a Parthenon like temple, the Church of Saint George. This fortress was well preserved and well worth the visit. Leaving the fort, we were immediately in the Spianada Square known as the Esplanade, a large square bordered by the Liston. The Liston is an elegant arcade from the French period and designed in the style of a Paris Street. A city packed tight between two fortresses, Corfu’s Old Town is a maze of walkable streets and alleys between Venetian and Neoclassical houses painted pale yellow and orange. Everywhere we turned was something of interest. Our next find was the impressive architectural structure, the Town Hall located in the lovely Dimarchiou Square…the Town Hall was constructed between 1663 and 1693 when the island was under the Venetian rule. We then found the Saint Spyridon Church, the patron saint of Corfu Island. His relics are kept in the church and carried around Corfu Old Town four times a year to celebrate his miracles. Sadly, we were unable to visit the inside of the church as there was a service being conducted. We stumbled across Spiridona Square with the striking Banknote Museum of the Ioanian Bank building, the Cathedral of Saint James and Saint Christopher and the terracotta-colored Church of Saint Ioannis the Persecutor. We stopped for a break and tried some local Greek pastry, no sugar, made with honey…very tasty! Meandering through the alleyways and taking in the beautiful facades, we headed in the direction of the New Fortress. This fortress isn’t actually all that new, it was built by the Venetians in the 1578 and constructed on the hill of St. Mark. The fort also has great views but unfortunately, I could not get a clear shot of the Oosterdam. With 3 ships in port, it was getting congested in old town, so at the Old Port Gate, I walked back to the ship and Ann and Cathy stayed in town longer to do some shopping. Back on the ship, we spent the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the excellent weather. We really loved our day in Corfu…my last visit here was 50 years ago and things have definitely changed.